For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
Jacob's family grows and grows — and so do his flocks. God is quietly building something big out of one ordinary family.
Today's Story
Over the years, Jacob's family kept growing. Son after son was born, until Jacob had many children. These children — and the ones still to come — would grow up to become the beginnings of a whole nation: the twelve families, or “tribes,” of God's people. God was building something big.
Jacob had worked for his uncle Laban for many years, taking wonderful care of Laban's sheep and goats. Now Jacob wanted to provide for his own growing family, so he and Laban made a deal about which animals would be Jacob's.
Even though Laban kept trying to change the deal to cheat him, God blessed Jacob anyway. His flocks grew strong and large. No matter how Laban tried to keep him down, God kept providing for Jacob and his family.
It wasn't always fair, and it wasn't always easy. But God was with Jacob — growing his family and his flocks, and quietly getting His bigger plan ready.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- Laban kept trying to cheat Jacob, but God blessed Jacob anyway. Has someone ever been unfair to you? What happened?
- God was quietly building Jacob's family into a whole nation. What big thing might God be building in your family or your life?
- Even in unfair times, God provided for Jacob. How can we trust God when things feel unfair?