This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises, even when they take a long time and even when people make choices that hurt others. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God keeps every promise He makes. Even when people make mistakes, God is still faithful, and He blesses the family He chose.
Memory Verse
Genesis 25:11
After the death of Abraham, God blessed Isaac, his son. Isaac lived by Beer Lahai Roi.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold their arms out wide, then bring their hands together in front of their chest like a promise being kept. Say the verse together, slowly, and do the motion each time you reach the word “blessed.” Repeat it three times so it sticks.
The Story: Genesis 25 for Kids
A long time ago, an old man named Abraham had lived a very long life. God had promised Abraham that his family would grow bigger than the stars in the sky. Abraham married a woman named Keturah, and they had several sons together. Abraham was kind to all of his children, but he knew that God had chosen Isaac to carry on the promise.
When Abraham grew very old, he died peacefully. He was 175 years old, and his sons Isaac and Ishmael came together to bury him in a special cave his family owned. God then blessed Isaac, and Isaac made his home near a well called Beer Lahai Roi.
Isaac married a woman named Rebekah, but for many years they had no children. Isaac prayed to the LORD for her, and God answered his prayer. Rebekah became pregnant with twins, but the babies struggled together inside her. Rebekah asked God what was happening, and God told her that two nations would come from her sons. The older son would serve the younger one.
When the twins were born, the first one was red and hairy, and his parents named him Esau. The second one came out holding his brother’s heel, so they named him Jacob. The boys grew up to be very different. Esau loved to hunt in the fields, and Jacob liked to stay at home near the tents.
One day Esau came home from the field, very hungry. Jacob was cooking a red stew, and Esau asked for some. Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.” Esau was so hungry that he said, “What good is my birthright to me if I am about to die?” He made a promise to Jacob, and Jacob gave him bread and stew. Esau ate, drank, and walked away, and the Bible tells us he did not think his birthright was important.
Read It Together
Genesis 25:23
The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb. Two peoples will be separated from your body. The one people will be stronger than the other people. The elder will serve the younger.”
(WEB)
Point out that God told Rebekah what would happen before the boys were even born. Ask the children to notice that God already knew the future and still loved both sons. Help them see that God’s plans are bigger than our choices.
Genesis 25:29-34
29 Jacob boiled stew. Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. 30 Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am famished.” Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.” 32 Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.
(WEB)
Show the children how Esau was hungry and made a quick choice that he later regretted. Explain that the birthright was very valuable, and that Esau traded it for one meal. Ask them what they think about trading something important for something small.
Talk About It
- What did God promise Abraham, and how did God keep that promise through his son Isaac?
- Why do you think Rebekah asked God what was happening when the babies moved inside her?
- Esau was very hungry. What might you do when you feel hungry, tired, or upset so you don’t make a quick choice you regret?
- How is Jacob and Esau’s story different, and how are they the same?
- How can you remember that God keeps His promises, even when we have to wait a long time?
Activity Ideas
Twin Handprint Promise Card
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, and glue. Have each child trace both hands on the paper, then decorate them to look like Esau and Jacob. Write “God keeps His promises” across the bottom. Let the children explain to a family member what the picture means.
Stew and Birthright Race
You will need two small bowls, some dry beans or pasta, and a spoon. Divide the children into two teams and give each team a bowl and spoon. Have them pass the beans one at a time from one bowl to the other while walking across the room, like Esau and Jacob sharing a meal. Talk about how sharing and patience matter more than rushing.
Take-Home Promise Jar
You will need a small jar or cup, paper slips, and a pen. Ask each child to write one thing God has promised in the Bible, like “God is with me,” and place it in the jar. Encourage the family to pull one slip each night at dinner and read it together. This helps the children remember God’s faithfulness during the week.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God’s promises continue even when people make poor decisions. Esau’s choice to trade his birthright shows how careless choices can have lasting effects, but God still works through the family line He chose. For adults, the passage is a reminder that God’s plans are not canceled by human weakness.
Avoid suggesting to children that Jacob’s behavior was a good example to follow. The story records what happened, but it does not present Jacob’s trickery as an ideal. Focus on God’s faithfulness and on the lesson that people should keep their word and think carefully before making decisions.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promises to us. Help us to wait patiently when we have to wait, and help us make wise choices when we are hungry or tired. Thank You that You are with us every day. Amen.
