In this lesson, children learn that God keeps His promises, even when life feels scary or sad. Genesis 35 tells how God brought Jacob back to Bethel, changed his name to Israel, and renewed the promise of a great family. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God remembers His promises, and He stays close to us when we follow Him and throw away the things that take His place.
Memory Verse
Genesis 35:1
God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.”
(WEB)
Put both hands on your heart, then slowly lift them up like you are going up a hill. Say the words together as you lift your hands, the way Jacob walked up to Bethel.
The Story: Genesis 35 for Kids
Jacob had been away from home for a long time. God had kept him safe, and now God told him it was time to go back to a special place called Bethel. God said, “Go up to Bethel and build an altar there to Me.” Jacob loved God and wanted to obey.
Before they left, Jacob said to everyone in his family, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have, wash yourselves, and put on clean clothes. We are going to worship the true God.” The people gave Jacob all their little idols and the earrings they wore. Jacob buried them under a big oak tree near Shechem. They had put their trust in false gods, and now they gave them up.
As they traveled, God protected them. The people in the towns around them were afraid, so no one chased after Jacob’s family. When Jacob reached Bethel, he built an altar and named the place El Bethel, which means “God of Bethel,” because God had appeared to him there.
God spoke to Jacob again and said, “Your name is no longer Jacob. Your name will be Israel.” God also said, “I am God Almighty. You will have many children, and kings will come from you. I will give this land to you and your children.” Then God went up from Jacob, and Jacob set up a stone pillar to remember what God had done.
Sadly, the story also tells about hard times. Rachel had another son, but she died while giving birth to him. Jacob named him Benjamin, which means “son of my right hand.” Jacob buried Rachel on the road to Bethlehem and put a stone on her grave. The story also tells us that Jacob’s twelve sons became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Read It Together
Genesis 35:2
Then Jacob said to his household, and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, change your garments.
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob told his family to get rid of anything that took God’s place in their hearts. Ask children what things might take God’s place in their lives today.
Genesis 35:9-10
9 God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan Aram, and blessed him. 10 God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be Jacob any more, but your name will be Israel.” He named him Israel.
(WEB)
Show children how God gave Jacob a new name and renewed His promise to him. Explain that God can change us and keep His word even when we are not perfect.
Genesis 35:14-15
14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he spoke with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him “Bethel”.
(WEB)
Point out that Jacob built a pillar to remember where he met God. Ask children how they can remember the good things God has done for them.
Talk About It
- What did God tell Jacob to do when he went back to Bethel?
- Why do you think Jacob asked his family to get rid of their idols?
- What new name did God give Jacob, and what do you think it means?
- How did God take care of Jacob and his family on the way to Bethel?
- What is one way you can remember that God keeps His promises?
Activity Ideas
Pillar of Remembrance Craft
You will need paper cups or small boxes, glue, markers, and small stones or cotton balls. Have children decorate their cup or box with drawings of things God has done for them. Then they can glue on stones to make a pillar. Talk together about how the pillar helped Jacob remember God’s kindness.
Bethel Walk Game
Set up a path of chairs or pillows around the room to represent the road to Bethel. Have children walk the path slowly, and each time they reach a chair, they say one thing God has promised. Use a timer or call out “God is with us!” at the end of the route. This helps children move their bodies while they learn the story.
Take-Home Promise Card
You will need index cards, a pen, and a clear plastic sleeve or tape. Write a simple promise from God, such as “God keeps His promises,” on each card. Let children draw a picture on the other side. Encourage them to place the card where they will see it each day, like on the bathroom mirror or by their bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s covenant with Abraham and Isaac continues through Jacob. God renews His promise of land and descendants, and He calls Jacob to a fresh start in worship at Bethel. The chapter also records sorrow and loss, such as Rachel’s death and Reuben’s sin, reminding us that God’s faithfulness holds steady even in messy family stories.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always make life easy when they obey Him. Jacob faced grief and family trouble even while walking with God. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and His presence in every season.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for keeping Your promises to us. Help us put away anything that takes Your place in our hearts. Remind us that You are always with us, wherever we go. We love You and trust You. Amen.
