God Gives Jacob a New Name preschool Bible lesson

Teach young children how God remained faithful to Jacob with this God Gives Jacob a New Name preschool Bible lesson. Based on Genesis 32-33, this complete lesson follows Jacob as he returns home, prays when he feels afraid, wrestles through the night, receives the new name Israel and is welcomed by Esau.

Designed for children ages 3-5, the resource combines storytelling, picture review, sequencing, matching, crafting and a take-home booklet to reinforce the central lesson truth: God gave Jacob a new name: Israel.

✨ What’s Included

• Teacher Script: A clear, step-by-step script with review questions, story prompts, activity directions, prayer and closing discussion
• God Gives Jacob a New Name Storybook: A colorful Bible storybook that introduces the main events in child-friendly language
• Three Promises to Abraham Visual: A colorful picture reviewing God’s promises of a big family, land and a special blessing
• Five Review Picture Pages: Review Isaac’s birth, Jacob and Esau, the birthright, Isaac’s blessing and Jacob leaving home
• Five Retelling Picture Pages: Sequence Jacob’s return home, prayer, nighttime struggle, new name and reunion with Esau
• Jacob and Israel Matching Game: Six matching pairs featuring the names JACOB and ISRAEL with coordinating colors and shapes
• Jacob’s New Name Worksheet: A cut-and-paste letter-order activity that reveals the name Israel
• Jacob’s New Name Craft: A lift-the-flap craft that reveals ISRAEL underneath JACOB
• Take-Home Booklet: A foldable booklet with a coloring cover, lesson review, tracing, a maze and a simple story activity
• American and Australian spelling versions of the take-home booklet

📖 Bible Story Focus

Children learn that:

• God told Jacob to return to his homeland.
• Jacob felt afraid, so he prayed and trusted God.
• A man wrestled with Jacob through the night.
• God blessed Jacob and gave him the new name Israel.
• Esau welcomed Jacob when he returned home.
• God kept His promise to remain with Jacob.

✏️ How to Use This God Gives Jacob a New Name Preschool Bible Lesson

1. Begin by reviewing God’s three promises to Abraham and the events that led to Jacob leaving home.
2. Read the storybook and discuss the included preschool comprehension questions.
3. Display the five retelling pictures in order, then mix them for children to sequence.
4. Play the Jacob and Israel matching game as a teacher-led whole-group activity.
5. Complete the lift-the-flap craft or optional cut-and-paste worksheet.
6. Finish with the closing review, prayer and take-home booklet.

🖨️ Preparation

• Print the review and retelling pictures on cardstock for durability.
• Laminate reusable picture pages and matching cards, if desired.
• Cut out the matching cards along the solid outlines.
• Print one craft template or worksheet for each child.
• Print the take-home booklet double-sided, flip on the short edge and fold it in half.

🌟 Educational Benefits

• Builds Bible story comprehension and sequencing skills
• Supports listening, discussion and oral retelling
• Reinforces that Jacob and Israel are two names for the same person
• Develops visual memory and matching skills
• Strengthens cutting, coloring, tracing and fine motor skills
• Uses repetition and hands-on learning to reinforce the central lesson truth

This God Gives Jacob a New Name preschool Bible lesson is perfect for preschool Sunday school, Christian preschool, children’s church, Bible clubs, early childhood ministry and homeschool Bible lessons.

Happy Teaching! 😊