Hey HOPE KIDS and families! Mrs. Christy here sharing our Bible Story for this week. Let's continue to learn more about God's promises for Abraham through his grandson, Jacob. Today's lesson is how Jacob got a new name. Parents, you will be able to show the Bible Story video then read the summary below with your kids. Once you've finished, check out the "Dot Your Name" activity at the end! Have FUN!
God made some wonderful promises to Jacob, but Jacob kept trying to trick people and twist things to make God's promises happen. From stealing his brothers' birthright and blessing to marrying a second woman after God provided him with a wife. Jacob always seemed to be working on his own plans instead of resting in the good plans God had for him. That's one of the reasons his physical wrestling match with God is so interesting. It was, in some ways, a physical picture of the way Jacob had treated God his whole life.
Now here's a question for you: do you think God's plan can ever be stopped or changed? (Allow responses) Of course not! Even when we try to follow our own plans, God can work out His plans. He can use us whether we trust Him and obey, or try to go our own way. Jacob learned the hard way, as God touched his hip and gave Jacob an injury that would last the rest of his life. It would serve as a reminder that struggling against God is never the right choice.
However, even though Jacob struggled with God, God still kept His promises to bless Jacob. How wonderful that Esau was not angry with Jacob anymore! God had also given Jacob many sons who would eventually become a great nation. Now, God change Jacob's name to Israel, the name of God's covenant people.
✝️Christ Connection: God changed Jacob's life and gave him a new name, Israel. Jesus came so that we might have a changed life, forgiven of sin. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Jesus' death and resurrection provided sinful people the way to be adopted into God's family. When we are adopted into the family of God we also receive a new name-- Children of God. (John 1:12)
Jesus died on the cross for us and rose again on the third day, defeating sin death. If we trust Jesus, we don't have to struggle against God. We can rest in His love and trust His plans for our lives and His plan for the world. Jesus promised to come again and fix everything broken in the world and make all things new.
📖Memory Verse: "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
➡️Story Point: God changed Jacob's name to Israel, the name of God's covenant people.
🤔Our Big Picture Question is, Does God keep His promises?
God kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God always does what He says He will do. We can trust Him!
⏺Dot Your Name: Write "Jacob" and "Israel" on separate sheets of paper. Display the two signs for all the children to see. Ask them to tell you the differences between the two signs. Then use a pencil to neatly write each child's name on a sheet of heavyweight paper. Invite the children to use stamps, paint/paintbrush, or Paint daubers to make dots to cover the letters of their name. SAY: "God changed Jacob's name to Israel. Did you know that when we turn from our sin and trust in Jesus, we get a new name too? Children of God! Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to make us part of God's family."
Genesis 32 & 33
Jacob's New Name
Genesis 32 & 33 Hey HOPE KIDS and families! Mrs. Christy here sharing our Bible Story for this week. Let's continue to learn more about God's promises for Ab...
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