For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jacob falls in love and works seven years to marry Rachel — but gets tricked himself. And God shows special love to the sister nobody seemed to notice.
Today's Story
Jacob traveled to his relatives' land and met a shepherd girl named Rachel at a well. He loved her right away. Rachel's father was Laban — Jacob's uncle.
Jacob wanted to marry Rachel so much that he offered to work for Laban for seven whole years. He loved her so much that the seven years “seemed like only a few days.”
But on the wedding day, Laban tricked Jacob! He gave Jacob his other daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. (Remember how Jacob once tricked his own father? Now Jacob knew how it felt to be tricked.) Laban agreed Jacob could marry Rachel too, if he worked another seven years. So he did.
Now, Leah knew that Jacob loved Rachel more, and it made her feel sad and unwanted. But God SAW Leah. He saw that she felt unloved — and He was especially kind to her. God blessed Leah with children, and she praised Him for seeing her.
One of Leah's sons was named Judah. From his family would one day come King David — and one day, Jesus.
The sister nobody seemed to notice was seen, loved, and blessed by God.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Leah felt unloved because Jacob loved Rachel more. Have you ever felt left out or like the “less favorite”? God sees you and loves you.
- Laban tricked Jacob, just like Jacob once tricked his father. Why do you think the Bible shows us that what we do can come back around?
- God had a special plan through Leah's family. How does it help to know God can do great things through people who feel overlooked?