This lesson teaches children that God keeps His promises even when people are unkind or unfair. It suits ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, verses, and one activity.
Big Idea
God takes care of His people and keeps His promises, even when other people treat them badly. He was with Jacob the whole time, and He is with us too.
Memory Verse
Genesis 31:3
The LORD said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are receiving a gift. Then bring them to your heart. Say “God will be with me” slowly as you do it, so the motion and words stay together.
The Story: Genesis 31 for Kids
Jacob had worked for his uncle Laban for many years. Laban was not a fair boss. He changed Jacob’s pay again and again, and he tricked him over and over. Jacob had married Laban’s two daughters, Leah and Rachel, and he had many children and many animals. But Laban’s sons began to grumble, saying Jacob was taking all their father’s things.
Jacob noticed that Laban did not look at him in the friendly way he used to. Then God spoke to Jacob and said, “Go back to the land of your family, and I will be with you.” Jacob was glad to hear this. He knew God had been watching over him all along, even when Laban was unkind.
Jacob called Rachel and Leah out to the field where his flocks were. He told them everything. He said, “God has been with me. Your father has cheated me, but God did not let him hurt me.” Rachel and Leah agreed. They said they were ready to go with Jacob, because their father had treated them like strangers.
So Jacob gathered his wives, his children, and all his animals, and he began the trip home. Laban did not know they were leaving. Rachel had taken some household idols with her, and Jacob did not know about it. When Laban heard they were gone, he chased after them for seven days.
In a dream, God warned Laban not to say anything bad to Jacob. When Laban finally caught up, he was angry. But God had protected Jacob, and Laban could not harm him. The two men made a promise to each other, and they piled up stones as a sign of their agreement. Then they went their separate ways in peace.
Read It Together
Genesis 31:5
And said to them, “I see the expression on your father’s face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me.
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob told his wives that God had been with him, even though other people were treating him badly. Ask the children to notice that Jacob trusted God and did not pretend his life was easy.
Genesis 31:16
For all the riches which God has taken away from our father, that is ours and our children’s. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.”
(WEB)
Show how Rachel and Leah agreed to follow Jacob’s plan. Explain that they trusted that what God had said to Jacob would be good for their family.
Genesis 31:49-50
49 And Mizpah, for he said, “The LORD watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another. 50 If you afflict my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, no man is with us; behold, God is witness between me and you.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob and Laban asked God to watch over them while they were apart. Explain that a promise made in God’s name is one we can trust Him to keep.
Talk About It
- How do you think Jacob felt when Laban kept changing his pay?
- What did God tell Jacob to do, and how do you think he felt about it?
- Can you think of a time when someone was unfair to you? What helped you feel better?
- Why do you think God wanted Jacob to go back home?
- How can you show that you trust God to take care of you this week?
Activity Ideas
Stone Pillar Craft
You will need small smooth stones or pebbles, a marker, and a paper plate. Let each child draw a simple cross or heart on a stone and write the word “Promise” under it. Stack the stones on the plate like the pillar Jacob and Laban made. Explain that the stones remind us that God keeps His promises.
Follow the Shepherd Game
Clear some space in a room or yard. Pick one child to be God and another to be Jacob. Everyone else follows the leader around the room while the leader says, “I will be with you.” Switch leaders every minute. Talk about how God leads and stays close to us even when the path is hard.
Promise Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, crayons, and a small envelope for each child. Have each child write or draw one way God takes care of them. Put the card in the envelope and send it home. Ask families to read it together at dinner this week and talk about what God has done for them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God is faithful to His promises even in messy family situations. Jacob’s story includes deception, jealousy, and anger, yet God keeps working out His plan. The passage also shows the value of honest conversation and of asking God to watch over relationships when people are apart.
With children, avoid implying that obeying God always brings easy results or that God will make every unfair person behave well. Keep the focus on God being present and faithful, not on guaranteed rewards.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You keep Your promises to us. When people are unfair or unkind, help us remember that You are with us. Help us trust You and treat others with kindness. We love You. Amen.
