This lesson teaches children that trickery never makes God’s plans happen, and that God keeps His promises even when people try to get ahead of Him. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion and one activity.
Big Idea
Tricking people is wrong, and God keeps His promises even when we do not get things the way we want.
Memory Verse
Genesis 27:20
Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” He said, “Because the LORD your God gave me success.”
(WEB)
Ask children to cup their hands together in front of their chest, then open them wide like a book when they say the words “the LORD your God.” Repeat the motion together three times so the verse feels like something they can do, not just read.
The Story: Genesis 27 for Kids
Isaac was old, and he could not see very well anymore. He knew he would not live much longer, so he wanted to bless his oldest son, Esau, before he died. Isaac said, “Go out to the field and hunt some meat for me. Then cook it the way I love, and bring it to me so I can bless you.”
Rebekah, the boys’ mother, heard what Isaac said. She loved her younger son, Jacob, and she had a plan. She told Jacob to bring two young goats so she could cook them for Isaac. Jacob was worried. Esau had hairy arms, and Jacob had smooth skin. “What if Father touches me?” he asked. “He will know I am tricking him.”
Rebekah dressed Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covered his arms and neck with goatskin so he would feel hairy. Then Jacob carried the food to his father. Isaac asked, “Who are you, my son?” Jacob lied and said, “I am Esau.” Isaac still felt unsure, so he touched Jacob’s arms. Because they felt hairy, Isaac blessed him.
Soon after, Esau came back from hunting and cooked his own meal for his father. When Isaac realized what had happened, he trembled. Esau cried loudly and begged for a blessing too. Isaac said he had already given the blessing to Jacob, and Esau was very angry. He began to plan revenge against Jacob.
Rebekah heard about Esau’s plan and sent Jacob away to stay with her brother Laban for a while. Isaac and Rebekah were sad that their sons were fighting. Rebekah had done a wrong thing by tricking Isaac, and Jacob had gone along with it. Jacob had to leave home and face the consequences of his choices.
Read It Together
Genesis 27:1
When Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his elder son, and said to him, “My son?” He said to him, “Here I am.”
(WEB)
Point out that Isaac was old and could not see well. Explain that this is why he trusted what he was told, and that everyone in the story was affected by the choices made that day.
Genesis 27:35
He said, “Your brother came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing.”
(WEB)
Show children that Isaac told Esau the blessing had been taken by deceit. Help them see that when we are dishonest, other people can get hurt and things can go badly.
Genesis 27:43
Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban, my brother, in Haran.
(WEB)
Point out that Rebekah told Jacob to run away to safety. Explain that even in a sad and messy story, God was still watching over the family and guiding what happened next.
Talk About It
- What did Jacob do that was wrong, and how do you think he felt afterward?
- Why do you think Rebekah wanted Jacob to get the blessing instead of Esau?
- What is a time when you wanted something so badly that you almost did the wrong thing?
- How did Esau feel when he found out what happened, and what could he have done differently?
- What can we do when we make a mistake and want to tell the truth?
Activity Ideas
Hairy Arms Puppet Craft
You will need paper bag puppets, yarn or cotton balls, glue, and markers. Let each child glue yarn or cotton balls onto the paper bag to make a hairy face or arms, then draw a smooth face on the other side. Talk about how Jacob and Esau looked different and how easy it was to be fooled by appearances.
Honest Hands Relay
You will need two bowls, a spoon, and some small items like dried beans or buttons. Divide children into two teams and have them pass the items from one bowl to the other using the spoon. Each time someone drops an item, they must say something honest about themselves before continuing. This helps children connect the idea of honesty to fun movement.
Truth Promise Card
You will need index cards, pencils, and a small envelope for each child. Ask children to write or draw one way they will tell the truth this week, then place the card in the envelope to take home. Encourage them to keep the card somewhere they will see it, like on a bedroom mirror or inside a school bag. This gives families a simple way to continue the conversation.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how deception brings real pain to a family, and how God’s purposes still stand even when people act out of selfishness or fear. Isaac’s blessing was spoken in faith, Rebekah and Jacob acted without waiting on God, and Esau’s grief was real. Adults can see how the story points to God’s faithfulness in spite of human failure.
Avoid suggesting to children that God wanted Jacob to trick his father or that tricks are how God accomplishes His plans. The text describes what happened without endorsing the deception, so keep the focus on honesty and trust rather than on the outcome of the blessing.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, help us to always tell the truth, even when it is hard. Help us trust that You keep Your promises, even when we want things to happen our own way. Thank You for loving us and caring for our families. Amen.
