Genesis 33 teaches children that God can change a heart that was once full of anger, so brothers who were enemies can meet, bow, and hug. This lesson works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God can help people who were angry with each other become friends again. When we are sorry, and when we forgive, God makes peace possible.
Memory Verse
Genesis 33:4
Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand up, run in place for two seconds, then wrap their arms around themselves in a big hug. Doing the running and hugging motions together helps the verse stick, because they will picture Esau running to meet Jacob.
The Story: Genesis 33 for Kids
Jacob had a brother named Esau, and a long time before, Jacob had tricked him. Esau was very angry, and Jacob was afraid. Now Jacob was coming home, and he heard that Esau was coming toward him with four hundred men.
Jacob was scared, so he got ready carefully. He split 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 they would be safest. Then Jacob walked out in front of everyone himself.
Jacob bowed down to the ground seven times as he walked toward his brother. He was saying sorry the best way he knew how. Then something wonderful happened. Esau ran to meet him, hugged him tightly, and they both cried.
Esau looked at the women and children and asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob said, “These are the children God has kindly given to me.” Then everyone in the family came forward and bowed too.
Esau asked why Jacob had sent so many gifts. Jacob told him he hoped Esau would be pleased with him. Esau said, “I have enough, my brother. Keep what you have.” But Jacob pleaded, “Please take my gift, because God has been good to me.” At last, Esau took it.
Later Jacob traveled on to a new place. He built a house, made shelters for his animals, and he built an altar to God. Jacob had learned that God had brought him home safely, and that God could make an angry heart into a peaceful one.
Read It Together
Genesis 33:1
Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two servants.
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob looked up and saw Esau coming, and that Jacob was probably feeling nervous. Ask the children how they feel when they have to face someone they have hurt or who is upset with them.
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 said he had seen Esau’s face as if he were seeing the face of God. Explain that Jacob was showing great respect, and that the peace between them was a gift that came from God.
Genesis 33:20
He erected an altar there, and called it El Elohe Israel.
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob built an altar to thank God. Explain that when God helps us, we can stop and thank Him, just as Jacob did.
Talk About It
- What do you think Jacob felt when he saw Esau running toward him?
- Why did Jacob bow down to the ground seven times?
- How do you think Esau felt when he hugged his brother?
- What is a time when you said sorry to someone, or when someone said sorry to you?
- What did Jacob do to thank God after everything turned out well?
Activity Ideas
Hug Picture Craft
You will need paper, crayons, and glue. Have each child draw two stick figures running toward each other and meeting in a hug. Let them add a heart above them. As they color, talk about how God helps people make peace.
Run and Hug Game
Place two chairs at opposite ends of a room to represent Jacob and Esau. Have two children start at the chairs, walk slowly toward each other, then run and hug in the middle. Let each child take a turn, and call out “Peace!” when they meet.
Thank You Stones
You will need small rocks, markers, and a jar. Give each child a stone to write or draw something they are thankful to God for. Explain that Jacob built an altar to thank God. Let them take the stone home and place it somewhere they will see it each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that reconciliation is possible even after a long and painful history. Jacob’s fear, his humble gifts, and his bowing show that real peace often requires humility, and Esau’s welcome shows that God can soften hearts. The chapter ends with Jacob worshiping God, reminding us that peace is a gift from Him.
Avoid suggesting to children that forgiveness always means instant friendship, or that people who hurt others will always respond with hugs. The story shows God working in a specific situation, and children should understand that some relationships take time and wisdom to rebuild.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for helping people say sorry and forgive each other. Help us be humble like Jacob and kind like Esau. When we are angry or afraid, remind us that You can bring peace. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
