Youth Educational Adventures · Christian Educational Ministries

YEA Lesson Library

YE1G.1

Making Things Right

2 min. read

Memory Verse"Forgive and you will be forgiven." - Luke 6:37b (NIrV)

About This Lesson

Using the story of Jacob’s reconciliation with Esau, the student learns that forgiveness and reconciliation is very important in relationships with others.

Scriptures

Genesis 32:6-32
Genesis 33:1-20
Proverbs 18:19
Matthew 5:23-24
Matthew 6:14
Mark 11:25-26
Luke 6:37
2 Corinthians 2:5-7
Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 1:21-22
1 John 1:9

Words to Know

MESSENGER - person who brings news from another

The Lesson

Jacob lived a long way from the rest of his family. He was afraid of his brother, Esau. Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup. Afterwards, he got mad and threatened to kill Jacob. Jacob began to miss his family and wanted to go back home.

God had given Jacob many things. He had many cows and sheep. He had camels and goats. Jacob also had many children. He packed them all up and headed for home.

A messenger told Jacob that Esau was coming. But, he wasn't alone. Esau had 400 men with him. Jacob thought Esau was coming to kill him. So, he had a plan. Jacob sent cows and sheep ahead as a gift for Esau.

Jacob wanted to keep his wives and children safe. He divided them into different groups. If Esau tried to catch one group, the others could run away.

Finally, Jacob went to meet Esau. He was still afraid of his brother. Jacob bowed to the ground seven times. Esau came running to meet him. But, Esau wasn't mad anymore. He hugged and kissed Jacob. He was happy to see him. Then Esau asked, "What is all this parade of animals?" Jacob said they were a gift. Esau said he didn’t need them. God had blessed him, too.

Esau and Jacob forgave each other. They were friends once again. They could now live together peacefully.

Daily Devotions

Sunday: Ephesians 4:32

Monday: Matthew 6:14

Tuesday: Proverbs 18:19

Wednesday: Mark 11:25-26

Thursday: 1 John 1:9

Friday: Colossians 1:21-22

Saturday: Matthew 5:23-24

Objectives

At the end of this lesson, the children will be able to:

1. Give the reason why Jacob was afraid of Esau.

2. Explain what Jacob did to keep his wives and children safe.

3. Tell what Esau did when he saw Jacob coming to him.

4. State that when they forgive others, others will forgive them.

Topics & Themes

Birthright
Blessings
Esau
Forgiveness
Jacob
Reconciliation
Repentance

Materials Needed

Bible, YEA students' and teacher's books, attendance and memory verse chart, stickers, cassette tape or CD and music player, toilet tissue tubes, fabric scraps, glue, scissors, crayons, construction paper

Preparation

By the time children are four or five years old, they usually know the difference between right and wrong. This is often shown by their attempts to hide evidence of their wrongdoing. They have, however, not yet learned to take responsibility for their actions and the consequences. When they have been wronged, they are not quick to forgive. Forgiveness involves someone admitting that they were wrong, which is hard to do at this age.

This lesson will help the children understand that God will forgive them if they are truly sorry and will admit they did something wrong. If they are truly sorry and apologize, other people will forgive them too. And, if they are willing to forgive others, other people will forgive them.

Have the children help you teach this lesson by making animal sounds and by doing the actions where indicated.

Before you come to class, copy the Jacob and Esau heads onto construction paper. (Patterns are on the Pattern Page.) Cut scraps of fabric into 5-6 inch pieces. Yarn can be cut and used for belts, if desired. Arrange to have an extra helper or two for the craft activity.