Leader Guide

Bible Discussion

Every day, each of us will face different situations, receive good or bad news, and experience different reactions to events in our lives. In today’s Bible story, Jacob, Esau, and their family expressed different reactions to events in their lives, too. The important thing for us to understand is that no matter what comes into our lives—good or bad, fair or unfair—if we know Jesus, we are blessed children of God and nothing can change that! Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I am a child of God, and I share in all His blessings.”

As I ask different questions about our story, choose an expression for Gizmo’s face that reflects your reaction—such as joy, anger, sadness, peace, surprise, contentment, or fear. Remember, this is your personal feeling; not everyone will have the same reaction, so you can’t be wrong! For each question, have the children change the expression on their Gizmo Faces, then have one or two explain their choices.

1. Normally in Bible times, younger sons served the older sons. When Rebekah was expecting twins, how do you think she felt to hear God say her older son would serve the younger? See Genesis 25:23.
2. How do you think Jacob felt, knowing that Esau was Isaac’s favorite son?
3. How did Esau feel, knowing his mother favored Jacob?
4. How did Esau feel when he begged Jacob for some stew?
5. How do you think Jacob felt when Esau agreed to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew?
6. How do you think Esau felt after he sold his birthright and was done eating? This question could get very different answers.
7. What do you think Jacob thought about his mother’s plan for him to pretend to be Esau?
8. How did Isaac feel when he realized he had blessed Jacob instead of Esau?
9. What was Esau’s reaction when he learned he had lost his blessing?
10. How did Rebekah feel when she found out Esau wanted to take revenge and kill Jacob?
11. How do you think Jacob felt as he left his elderly father to hide from Esau’s anger?
12. How did Jacob feel about having to face Esau for the first time after many years?
13. How did Esau feel when Jacob sent him all those gifts and then humbly bowed before him?
14. How did Jacob feel when Esau made peace with him?
15. How did Jacob’s family react when they saw the brothers make peace and embrace each other?

You may add current scenarios your children may face to extend the activity and make a practical application. Let’s shout our SuperTruth and create a face on Gizmo to express what it means to you! “I am a child of God, and I share in all His blessings.”

Have children share their Gizmo expressions.