For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Jacob is finally going home — but his brother Esau, the one he tricked years ago, is coming to meet him with 400 men. That night, Jacob has the strangest, most amazing encounter of his life.
Today's Story
Jacob was heading home at last. But he was terrified — because his brother Esau, the one he had tricked all those years ago, was coming toward him with 400 men! Jacob didn't know if Esau wanted to hug him or hurt him.
So Jacob prayed: “God, You promised to be good to me. Please rescue me from my brother. I'm scared.” He sent gifts ahead to Esau, hoping to make peace. Then he sent his family across a river to safety, and Jacob was left all alone in the dark.
And in the dark, a man appeared — and began to wrestle with Jacob! They wrestled all night long. Jacob would not give up. As dawn broke, the man touched Jacob's hip and it was hurt, but still Jacob held on. “Let me go!” the man said. But Jacob gasped, “I won't let go unless You bless me!”
Then the man said, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. “Not anymore,” said the man. “Your name is now Israel — because you have wrestled with God and would not give up.”
Jacob realized something amazing: he had been wrestling with God Himself! “I have seen God face to face,” he said in wonder. The sun came up as Jacob walked on — with a new name, a limp to remember the night by, and a heart that had held onto God and would not let go.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Jacob held onto God all night and wouldn't let go. When something is a struggle, how can you “hold onto” God?
- Jacob got a new name after meeting God — he was changed. How does spending time with God change us?
- Jacob walked away with a limp, a reminder of that night forever. Have you had a hard time that taught you something about God you'll never forget?