Jacob Goes to Haran

 

This lesson takes up where the story of Jacob, Esau and the Birthright left off.  After deceiving his father and brother, Jacob left his family home and made his way north to his mother’s relatives in Haran.   

Many important events happen on his trip to Haran, his life there and years later upon his return to face his brother.  The following events begin and end in Bethel. Use the slideshow images below as you read the story through Scripture.

Slide 2: Jacob’s Journey to Haran (Genesis 28:10)

Slide 5: Jacob’s Vison of a Ladder (Genesis 28:11-15)

Slide 7: Jacob Meets Rachel and Serves Laban (Genesis 29:1 and Genesis 29:10-20)

Slide 10: Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:21-30)

Slide 11: Jacob’s Children are Born (Genesis 29:31-35 and Genesis 30:1-24)

Slide 15: Jacob Leaves Laban and Offers Present to Esau (Genesis 31:1-3 and Genesis 31:13-15)

Slide 19: Meeting of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 33:1-4) and God appeared unto Jacob again (Genesis 35:10) and now the sons of Jacob were twelve (Genesis 35:23-26).

In the lesson Jacob, Esau and the Birthright we were first introduced to the character of Jacob.  He had lived a life filled with jealousy and deception.  Our natural reaction to Jacob’s story might be that he does not deserve to receive God’s blessing and protection.  The story of Jacob, however, reminds us that God’s plans are not dependent on man’s behavior.  After all, because our sin nature, none of us deserve His blessings.  Instead, human imperfection is the backdrop of God’s perfection and amazing work. God had a plan for Jacob. Although he did not immediately move back to his former home where Esau lived, God eventually renewed his promise and told Jacob to go to Bethel, the place where Jacob dreamed of the ladder, so you see how these events began and ended in Bethel.

Today’s key verse and memory verse for the week is Genesis 33:4 – And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.

Craft: Paint a Stone - Jacob chose a smooth stone for his pillow. Children can paint a smooth stone for parents to use a paper weight.