This lesson teaches children that God can help people make peace after a hard fight, and that a sorry heart and a kind welcome can bring two brothers back together. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God helps people say sorry, forgive, and make peace with each other, even when they have hurt each other before.
Memory Verse
Genesis 33:4
Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
(WEB)
Have the children stand up and open their arms wide when you say “ran to meet him.” Then they wrap their arms around themselves in a big hug. Doing the motion together every time you read the verse helps it stick.
The Story: Genesis 33 for Kids
Jacob had cheated his brother Esau a long time ago, and Esau had been very angry. Now Jacob was going home, and he heard that Esau was coming to meet him with four hundred men. Jacob was scared. He did not know if Esau still wanted to hurt him.
Jacob divided his family into groups. He put the servants and their children in front, then Leah and her children, and Rachel and Joseph at the very back, where he thought they would be safest. Then Jacob walked out in front of everyone himself. He bowed down low to the ground seven times as he walked toward his brother.
Then something wonderful happened. Esau ran to meet Jacob, threw his arms around him, and hugged him. Esau kissed him, and both brothers cried. God had changed Esau’s heart.
Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “These are the children God has given to me, your servant.” Each group came forward and bowed to Esau, and he saw that Jacob had a big family.
Esau asked Jacob about the big group of animals he had sent ahead. Jacob said he wanted to find favor with his brother. Esau said, “I have plenty, my brother. Keep what is yours.” But Jacob insisted, “Please take this gift from me, because I have seen your face and you have been kind to me.” At last Esau took the gift.
The brothers went their separate ways in peace. Jacob settled in a new place and built a home, and he even built an altar to worship God there.
Read It Together
Genesis 33:10
Jacob said, “Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have seen your face, as one sees the face of God, and you were pleased with me.
(WEB)
Show the children that Jacob saw his brother’s face and felt as though he had seen God’s face. Explain that when people forgive us, it can feel like a picture of how God forgives us too.
Genesis 33:11
Please take the gift that I brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” He urged him, and he took it.
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob gave Esau a gift because God had been good to him. Explain that thankful hearts often want to share what they have with others.
Talk About It
- How do you think Jacob felt when he saw Esau coming with four hundred men?
- What did Esau do when he saw Jacob, and why do you think he did that?
- Can you think of a time when someone said sorry to you and you forgave them?
- Why did Jacob give Esau a gift, even though Esau said he already had enough?
- What is one thing you can do this week to make peace with someone in your family?
Activity Ideas
Hug Picture Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw two people running toward each other and hugging. Let them add a heart above the picture and write or draw one person they want to make peace with. Hang the pictures up in the classroom or on the fridge at home.
Running to Meet You Game
You will need a open space and a few soft items like pillows or stuffed animals. Split the children into two lines facing each other across the room. When you call out a name, the child at the front of one line runs to the other side and gives a gentle hug to the child there. Keep the game calm and kind so everyone feels welcome.
Peace Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and an envelope for each child. Write a simple promise on each card, like “I will say sorry when I hurt someone” or “I will forgive when someone says sorry.” Have the child sign it and put it in the envelope. Encourage them to take it home and place it on their nightstand as a reminder to be peacemakers.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that reconciliation is possible even after years of hurt and fear. Jacob had good reason to be afraid, yet God softened Esau’s heart and allowed the brothers to meet with tears and embraces. Adults can see in this story a picture of how God reaches out to us and invites us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
Be careful not to suggest that every relationship will be restored just because we pray or try hard. The story describes a specific reunion, and God’s work in people’s hearts is His to do, not something children can produce by good behavior. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and the call to peace, rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for helping people say sorry and forgive each other. Help us to be kind and quick to make peace, just like Esau and Jacob. When we are scared or hurt, remind us that you are with us. Help us to welcome others with open arms. Amen.
