For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Twin brothers couldn't be more different — and one of them makes a foolish trade that he'll regret for a long time.
Today's Story
Isaac and Rebekah had twin boys. The first one out was red and hairy — they named him Esau. Right behind him came his brother, holding onto Esau's heel — they named him Jacob.
The twins grew up very different. Esau loved the outdoors and became a skillful hunter. Jacob was quieter and liked to stay near the tents.
Now, the older brother, Esau, had something special called the “birthright” — a family blessing and a double share that belonged to the firstborn son. It was precious.
One day Esau came in from hunting, absolutely STARVING. Jacob was cooking a pot of red stew, and it smelled SO good. “Give me some of that stew — I'm famished!” Esau begged.
Jacob saw a chance. “First, sell me your birthright,” he said. And Esau — thinking only about his rumbling tummy right that second — said, “Fine! What good is a birthright if I'm starving?” So he traded the precious birthright for a single bowl of stew. He gobbled it up and walked away, not even realizing what he'd given up.
Esau traded something precious and lasting for something quick that was gone in minutes. It was a choice he would be very sorry about later.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Esau was so focused on being hungry right that second that he gave away something precious. When have you wanted something SO badly right now that you almost forgot about later?
- What are some things that are truly precious — worth way more than a quick treat?
- Esau was sorry later. How can stopping to think before we choose help us avoid being sorry?