Genesis 29 v 1 – 30

Lesson Aim

To understand that God watches over his people even in the most difficult situations.

Hook 1: Bridal veil

Use a bridal veil to disguise your face when telling about Jacob being tricked into marrying Leah. If you cannot get a veil use a piece of net curtain.

Hook 2: Smiley faces

Have a series of different faces to illustrate Jacob’s different emotions throughout the story.

When he arrived at Laban’s  – a normal face

Meeting Rachel – in love

Marrying Leah – puzzled

Speaking to Laban – angry

Marrying Rachel – in love

Ten sons – proud

Birth of Joseph – even prouder

Hook 3: List of sons

Have a series of cards with the names of Jacob, Rachel and Jacob’s 12 sons written on them. Simplify the story by not mentioning the other two servant women who had Jacob’s children. Explain that Jacob was the father of ten sons and then Rachel had two more sons. If you keep putting up the names of each son, one at a time, the children will be surprised that Jacob had so many sons.

Hook 4: Questions

Who looks after you when things go wrong? Which of these people look after you? Parents, teacher, friends, relations, police, doctor. In today’s story God was watching over Jacob even when things seemed to be going wrong.

Story tips:

It is not necessary to explain to children that Jacob had sons from Zilpah and Bilhah, the maids of his wives.

Application

To understand that when God’s people face unusual or difficult situations God is still with them.