YEA Lesson Library
What a Dream!
About This Lesson
This lesson teaches about God’s promises to Jacob (Israel) of a land inheritance and countless descendants. The student learns what that means today and how important it is to obey God to receive His blessings.
Scriptures
Genesis 28:15
Genesis 28:10-22
Genesis 32:24-30
Genesis 49
Psalm 105:6-11
1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Philippians 1:6
Hebrews 13:5-6
Words to Know
DESCENDANTS - offsprings; a person's children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc.
AGES - length of life or existence of time
IMPACT - influence or effect
The Lesson
Ryan’s dad hinted that something good was going to happen on Ryan’s birthday. Ryan could hardly wait!! Finally, his birthday came. After eating breakfast with his family, Ryan’s dad told them all to come outside. There, in the front yard, was a brand new bicycle and helmet. It was even Ryan’s favorite color: green. Suddenly, Ryan turned to his dad and asked, “Does this mean I get to run errands for you on my bike?”
“Absolutely!” his dad said, “As long as you have your homework finished and you follow directions carefully, you can help.” Then he added, “I will really appreciate you helping me. And when I don’t have any jobs for you, you can ride with your friends.”
Ryan was delighted. It was a dream come true.
Jacob was one of Abraham's grandsons. God was so pleased with Abraham's obedience that He promised to bless him, his children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren down through the ages. This blessing should have gone to Esau. But Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. Then Jacob tricked him out of his blessing. Esau didn't realize how important his birthright was. He may not have really believed how good God can be to us when we obey Him.
Jacob left Beersheba and stopped to camp one night in a town named Haran. He didn’t take along a soft pillow to rest his head. But he found a rock to use as a headrest. While he was sleeping, he had an awesome dream. In his dream he saw a staircase that reached from earth to heaven with angels going up and down on it. That must have been spectacular!
"At the top of stairs stood the Lord. ‘I am Jehovah,' he said, 'the God of Abraham, and of your father Isaac. The ground you are lying on is yours! I will give it to you and to your descendants. For you will have descendants as many as dust!’ " Now that's a lot of children and grandchildren! Have you ever picked up a handful of dirt and tried to count the grains? But God didn't limit the number of descendants to the number of grains in a handful of dirt. God promised to bless Jacob with so many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren that he couldn't even count them.
"They will cover the land from east to west and from north to south; and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants." God said that Jacob’s descendants
would spread out in every direction around the world. But there was even more. He said that "all nations of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants." That means that Jacob's descendants would make the world better for everyone. How was this to happen and has it happened?
Well, this wasn't the only time that God appeared to Jacob. Jacob arrived at Bethel and God appeared to him once again and blessed him. "You shall no longer be called Jacob ('Grabber'), but Israel (‘One who prevails with God'). ‘I am God Almighty,' the Lord said to him, 'and I will cause you to be fertile and to multiply and to become a great nation, yes, many nations; many kings shall be among your descendants’ " (Genesis 35:10-11). Because Abraham and Jacob obeyed God, God would bless them with so many descendants that they would become many nations. There would even be many kings as their descendants.
Jacob had twelve sons. One of his sons was named Judah. Jesus was one of Judah's descendants. Everyone knows that many of Judah's descendants live in the nation of Israel today. We call them Jews. Down through the years everyone has known who Judah is. But Israel is only one nation today and God said there would be many. There have to be other nations in the world that are Jacob's descendants as well that are also a part of the House of Israel. Jacob had twelve sons, not just one. So where are they today?
In Genesis 49:1, Jacob gathered his sons around him and told them what would happen to each one of them “in the last days.” Jacob knew that his sons would be great nations. Many years after this, the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms. Descendants of ten of his sons made up the northern tribes, and there were two in the southern tribes. The ten northern tribes are called "the lost ten tribes." People may not know who they are, but we know that there have to be other great nations somewhere that are Israelites. God said so! But why did God plan it this way. What was His purpose? And how can we find them? One way to know where they are would be to ask the question, where are those nations that do so much good helping other people? Remember, God said, "All nations of the world will be blessed through you.”
Have you ever noticed that it is the Americans and British who always go help other nations when they are in trouble? If a nation doesn't have food to eat, the Americans send them food. If another nation needs help in protecting itself from its enemies, America and Britain go help them fight. Could America and Britain be Jacob's descendants? Could the kings and queens of England be some of the many kings God promised to be Jacob's descendants?
God thinks and plans big and long! His plan is awesome! God told Jacob, "I am with you, and will protect you wherever you go, and will bring you back safely to this land: I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you all I am promising" (Genesis 28:15 TLB). God made this promise to Jacob, and down through the ages He has kept it. Because Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob obeyed Him He kept His promise and blessed a lot of people. Think how far reaching God's promises will be to you if you will obey Him. Don't miss out like Esau did, because didn't realize how great his blessing could be. Be a part of the dream!
Student Prayer
God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,
You are Awesome! Thank you for thinking and planning big and long. Thank you for the great nation that I live in, and the blessings I receive because Abraham, Isaac and Jacob obeyed you. Help me never to forget how great your blessings can be if
I will always obey you.
It's in Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Monday - Hebrews 13:5-6
Tuesday - Genesis 28:15-16
Wednesday - Philippians 1:6
Thursday - Genesis 28:10-14
Friday - Psalm 105:6-11
Saturday - Genesis 32:24-30
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:
1. Tell the story of "Jacob's Ladder."
2. Discuss that the promise God made to Jacob in that dream has far reaching significance extending even to the end times.
3. Explain why Esau didn't receive the greatest blessing.
4. Talk about where the other eleven nations of Israel might be today.
Topics & Themes
Blessings
Consequences of Sin
Descendants
Dream
God’s Promises
Israel
Lost Ten Tribes
Obedience
Perseverance
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA students' and teacher's books, attendance and memory verse charts, stars, songbook, cassette tape or CD, tape/CD player, newsprint pad, marker, globe, white construction paper, crayons, pencils, glue, glitter
Preparation
When given the choice, students will usually be more responsive when the teacher makes a topic seem relevant. By asking the right questions in the right sequence, you will encourage these students to come to their own conclusions. Getting the kids involved in the issue being studied will channel discussions toward helpful conclusions.
It's easy to dismiss the Bible as being "spiritual" without concrete and specific relevance to what is happening with nations and peoples in today's world. Today's lesson teaches that sin and obedience have lasting consequences and that God rewards tenacity. Esau putting even a necessary item such as food ahead of his birthright cost him dearly. Jacob had the foresight to see the value of getting not only the birthright, but receiving the enormous blessing Isaac passed on to his son. He tenaciously pursued both even to the point of using deception. However, the will of God, expressed before the two sons were born, was brought to full realization: "The older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23).
As you study to teach this lesson, notice how the characters are developed and watch for things in the narrative that take you behind the scene. A suspenseful story is told while important lessons are being taught.
How to Teach This Lesson
Open the class with prayer. Then ask the students to define “a dream come true.” Write their answers on newsprint or white board. (This not only validates responses, it gives the others time to think of an answer.) Then review what has happened in Jacob’s story leading up to Genesis 28: Esau and Jacob born to Rebekah and Isaac; Sibling rivalry; Esau selling birthright; Jacob tricking Isaac into giving him the greater blessing; Esau’s hatred for Jacob. Have the students help you review the story.
Esau Sells His Birthright - The Consequences - Esau didn’t have any idea how valuable his birthright really was - until he heard the blessing that his father Isaac gave to Jacob. Even though he had disregarded his birthright and sold it for a bowl of stew, Esau still hated Jacob for his trickery and for receiving the greater blessing. Once Isaac blessed Jacob, it could not be taken back. After the blessing was passed on, Esau begged his father for a blessing. Issac said, “For a time you will serve your brother, but you will finally shake loose from him and be free.” Esau hated Jacob so much he wanted to kill him.
Jacob's Journey - Jacob was forced to leave his home and family because of his own trickery. So his father sent him away to find a wife. He left Beersheba and made his way to Haran.
Jacob's Dream - Ask for a volunteer to tell the story of Jacob's dream. Get the students involved by asking such questions as, how many angels do they think were on the ladder or staircase? Who was at the top of the stairs? Can you think of anything with which to compare this dream? What did God say to Jacob in this dream? What was the purpose of this dream? Did Jacob's dream come true? How? Was this the only time that God appeared to Jacob? What did God say this time? (I will cause you "to multiply and to become a great nation, yes, many nations; many kings shall be among your descendants.”) Why was God blessing Jacob by making his descendants to be many nations and many kings? Has the nation of Israel ever had kings?
Jacob's Sons - How many sons did Jacob have? Jesus was a descendant of which son? The Jews make up which nation on the earth today? Do you think there are other nations today that are Jacob's descendants as well? Did we learn anything in our lesson that could help us to find some of them? What could it have been? (Look for nations where other nations receive a blessing from them - that they do good things for other nations.)
Why Did God Promise This Blessing to Jacob? - (Because Abraham, Isaac and Jacob obeyed God. God thinks and plans big and long!) What should this lesson cause us to remember? (That God rewards obedience in a big way and for a long time.)
Review Questions
1. What did Jacob do to receive a greater blessing than Esau?
2. How many tribes of Israel are there? Which is the only one that everyone knows where it is today? (Judah - the nation of Israel). Has it ever had any kings?
3. What clue was given in the Bible to help you find some of the other tribes? (All the nations of the earth would be blessed through them. Look for nations who help other nations).
Teacher-Directed Activity
Give each student a white sheet of construction paper, a pencil, and favorite coloring tools. Have them draw Jacob sleeping with a rock as his pillow and a staircase or ladder going from earth to heaven. On each stair or rung of the ladder, have them write one of the tribes of Israel. When they have finished it, they can color it and add glitter for stars and the moon in the night sky.
REACH Activity
Back to the Bible: Dreams
There are some pretty incredible dreams recorded in the Bible! Look up one of the following (or another one that you can think of - because there are more than these). Read the passage and then write about it in your Bible notebook.
Pharaoh’s dreams: Genesis 41
The Cupbearer and Baker’s dreams: Genesis 40
Joseph’s dreams: Genesis 37:5-9
Unnamed man: Judges 7:13
Solomon’s dream: 1 Kings 3:5-15
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream: Daniel 2:1-49
Pontius Pilate’s wife: Matthew 27:19
Journal Jot: Your Dreams
Have you ever had a very vivid dream? Most people dream every night. Some people remember their dreams the next morning. Do you think your dreams are from God? Why or why not? Why do you think you dream? Dreaming is the brain’s way of dealing with events. Most people dream because their brain is still processing things that have happened or things that will happen. Sometimes the dreams can be very disturbing so that you are upset when you wake up. Talking about your dreams to your mom or dad can help you work through the feelings you experience.
So what do you think? Write down your thoughts about dreams in your Bible notebook.
Word Study: shâmar
This Hebrew word is found in Genesis 28:15. The NIrV translates it “watch over.” The NAS translates it “keep.” It means “to hedge around something, to keep, to guard, to keep safe, to preserve, to protect.” (Source: Zodhiates’ NAS Key Word Study Bible)
In your Bible notebook, write down this word and the definition. Using a concordance, write down some of the places it is found, starting with Genesis 28:15.
Think about this. What would it be worth to you to have this promise from God - that He would watch over and protect you?!
Just Toolin’ Around: My Rock and Fortress
The psalmist use such vivid word pictures to remind us of the protection we have from God - when we belong to Him and dedicate our lives to Him. Starting with Psalm 18:2, Psalm 62:7, and Psalm 71:3, find six additional psalms which talk about the protection God provides. Be sure to write down the scripture references and the entirety of the scripture in your Bible notebook. Underline words like rock, fortress, shield, etc. Use a concordance or center-reference Bible to help you find additional verses.
Did you Know? Bethel
Jacob named the place where he had his dream “Bethel.” That word means “house of God.”
Bethel was later one of the places where Jeroboam set up a golden calf and lead Israel into idolatry (1 Kings 12:29). It was 12 miles north of Jerusalem and only Jerusalem is mentioned more often in the Old Testament. (Source: The Student Bible Dictionary, Karen Dockrey, 2000, p. 43.)
Stretch It Out: A Ladder
Go outside and find some sturdy branches, about as big around as your fingers, that are about twelve inches long. With help from an adult, notch two longer branches at appropriate intervals to replicate a ladder. Attach shorter branches at the notches for the rungs of the ladder with hot glue. Secure with twine.
On a length of white ribbon, write your memory verse with a fine-tipped Sharpie. Tie the ribbon to your ladder. Display your ladder where you can see it often; with your mom’s permission, you could even display it in the family room of your house.
Music Notes: Nearer, My God, to Thee
This hymn is on page 196 of the CEM Hymnal.
The words to this hymn were written by Sarah Flower Adams after her pastor William H. Fox asked for a new hymn to accompany his sermon on the story of Jacob and Esau. Sarah had some health problems and only lived to be 43 years old. Regardless, she had a successful career in theatre in London and became widely known for her writing. Her sister, Eliza, was musically gifted and often set Sarah’s poems to music. Together they contributed 13 texts and 62 melodies to a hymnal being compiled by their pastor. (Source: Amazing Grace, Kenneth W. Osbeck, 1990, p. 247.)
Isn’t it cool to read words that are based on the Bible!?! Read through the words of this hymn and write down anything you can tie directly back to Genesis 28:10-22. Share what you have found with your family.
Questions?
Write down any questions you have in your Bible notebook so that you can remember to ask your parents or your pastor.
Song
"Every Promise In The Book Is Mine" is on page 15 of Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Ask for a volunteer to lead in prayer thanking God for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob's obedience and for the blessings God gave them. Ask God to help us understand how important this story is for us today.
Printable Pages
