November 23rd, 2025
Recap: Sunday November 23rd, 2025
** Before we get to today’s recap— Just a reminder that, next week Bigs will NOT meet as usual since there will be an Advent Family Service outside on the Square (Sunday November 23rd). Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday with your families. What a blessing it is to me to teach your children each week! ** -Nikki
Story 11: Blessings in the Night (Genesis 28;32)
*Continue the conversation at home reading through Genesis 28 & 32 and going through The Biggest Story Family Devotional that corresponds with Story 11!
Big Picture: "“We’ve been seeing how God keeps his promises, but not always in the way people expect. And he keeps them even when his people get things wrong. Do you remember the last lesson about the trickster twin (Jacob) and the two stories about how sneaky he was? Twice he stole his father Isaac’s blessings from Esau, his hairy brother. While Esau was hunting, Jacob’s mom Rebekah dressed him up to trick Isaac into thinking he was Esau. Jacob brought his father a yummy meal, and his trick worked because Isaac was nearly blind. Isaac blessed him, saying, “Let . . . nations bow down to you” and “blessed be everyone who blesses you!” (Gen. 27:29).
As Jacob was receiving the blessing that should have been Esau’s, his big brother returned to his father’s tent. “Father, I’m back. The hunt was a success. I have some delicious food for you.” “What! Who are you?” Isaac said. “I am your firstborn son, Esau,” replied Esau. Isaac felt and smelt him. He smelled like the outdoors. Isaac’s jaw dropped. Oh no, he thought. “Your brother came deceitfully,” he said, “and he has taken away your blessing.” Esau cried out, “No!” and then he cried. What else did he do? Did he try to get even with Jacob? Let’s find out. (From The Biggest Story Curriculum)
Big Truth: God reminds Jacob that he will keep his promise and that he will be with him.
Memory Verse: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15)
Extension Activities:
Rock Painting—
Every child was givena rock and acrylic paint markers. They were encouraged to paint a rock as a reminder that God is with us. They can keep it or give it away and tell someone that through Jesus, God is with us! Remind them that Jacob laid his head on a rock and drifted off to sleep. When he was asleep, God came to him and told him he would be with him and would keep his promises to him.
Resources for Parents about Genesis:
Does your child have questions about some of the topics brought up in Genesis? Unsure how to answer those in a way that is age appropriate?
“Christians are counter-cultural: our primary goal should not be to raise intelligent, successful, competent, and upright citizens, our primary concern ought to be for the good of our children's souls - and so for God's glory.
Teaching our children the Scriptures in a compelling, relevant, and holistic manner during daily family worship is one of the chief means we can achieve this. If you need help to do that - this is the series for you! It's a comprehensive guide for the entire family and particularly children between the ages of 5-12.”
Beginning: Family Worship in Genesis By Joel R. Beeke & Nick Thompason is a great additional resource to The Biggest Story Family Devotional, diving deeper into specific questions and reflection throughout Genesis.
The Bible Project overview video on Genesis 12-50, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In Genesis, God promises to bless rebellious humanity through the family of Abraham, despite their constant failure and folly.
