Isaac Blesses Jacob

Main Points to Remember

Jacob and Rebekah deceived Isaac and Esau, but God knew before they were born

Object Lesson:

(Bring in some fake (or real) animal skin). Wrap the fur around an object that normally doesn't have fur. Blindfold a student and have them try to figure out what it is. Have all the students see how it's harder when you're blind to understand the deception. Discuss how Satan disguises evil to seem like good, just like Jacob disguised himself to feel like Esau. We must not be "blind" like Isaac to the evil beneath. We must be "clever as serpents" when it comes to identifying Satan and his ruses. Matthew 10:16.

We do this by studying God's word and identifying deception in the world around us. In what was does the world try to disguise evil as good? it's not your fault: homosexuality is just an alternative lifestyle, drunkenness is a disease evil is really good: white lies keep you from hurting other people's feelings, I'll be like God if I eat the forbidden fruit justification: if everyone else is cheating, I won't be graded fairly; that company cheats it's customers, so I can steal from it.

Denial: a loving God won't punish anyone, nothing bad will happen if I do it just this once

God had told Rebekah that Esau would serve Jacob. True

God needed Rebekah's help in fulfilling the prophecy. False

Isaac was suspicious of Jacob's identity. True

Esau did not value the blessing. False

Isaac took back the blessing he gave to Jacob. False

What is a blessing? a sign of favor intended to prosper the recipient

Unscramble this word_________ singlebs

Fill in the blanks: "By faith Isaac ____________ Jacob and Esau concerning things to come."

Draw a quick picture of a hairy man.

Act out Esau discovering Jacob's deceit.

Blindfold a student. Have another unnamed student reach out their hand. See if the blindfolded student can identify whose hand is out.

How did Jacob feel about Rebekah's plan? he was nervous that he'd get caught.

How did Esau feel about Jacob's deception? he was angry to the point of violence

How did Isaac feel about Jacob's deception? he was saddened and angry

Was Rebekah forced to deceive Isaac in order to make God's prophecy come true? (no - God's promises are fulfilled no matter what man does)

Should we deceive others, even if we think we deserve what we're lying for? no - if we will get it, God will provide a way

When others take what is ours, are we justified in taking revenge? no

How did Jacob deceive Isaac? by wearing Esau's clothes, and wearing animal fur on his hands and neck.

What two things did Jacob take from Esau? his birthright and his blessing

What did Isaac ask Esau to prepare? game (wild animal meat)

Why couldn't Isaac take back the blessing? The blessing was part prophecy, and prophecies are true.

What did Isaac give as Esau's blessing? that he would live off the earth and that he would break free of his brother's rule

Why did Jacob run away?

Esau was angry to the point of killing his brother.