LESSON AT A GLANCE: Holy Week

WONDER TRUTH: Jesus Loves Us and Gave His Life for Us

SCRIPTURE: John 12-13; 19

GOD’S BIG STORY: After God’s people waited many years for Him to rescue them from sin, Jesus shows God’s great love by dying on the cross. His death brings life.

WORD OF WONDER: I will spend time thinking about everything you have done. I will consider all your mighty acts. —Psalm 77:12 (NIrV)

CURIOSITY (15 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An object lesson, experiment, or activity that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and gets kids thinking about the wonder of God.

• Welcome Question: What does your family do for Easter??
• Curiosity Questions
• STEM Experiment: Amazing Pencil 
• Declaring God’s Wonder

BELIEF (25-35 MINS) | Large Group

A deep and interactive dive into Scripture that guides kids into knowing God more deeply, exploring His big story in the lesson of Ezekiel and the Dry Bones, and marveling at His wonder.

• Prayer of Invitation
• God’s Big Story: Hear It, Watch It, Experience It!
• Connecting the Wonder Truth
• In Awe of God’s Wonder
• Word of Wonder: Psalm 77:12

FAITH (15 MINS) | Small Group

An intentional conversation that helps kids see the wonder of God’s story and how it connects to their own, emboldening their faith and fostering a deeper understanding of their place in God’s kingdom.

• Word of Wonder Activity
• Discussion Questions for Younger and Older Kids
• Small Group Prayer Time

IDENTITY (10 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An interactive worship response activity that creates space for God to remind kids of these core truths: I am known, I am loved, I am led, and my life can tell of God’s wonder.

• Responding in Worship: Wonder Truth Art
• Blessing Your Kids

INVITATION FOR LEADERS

We invite you to pause, listen, and shift your gaze toward the Father … 

Last year I conducted an experiment.

I wish I hadn’t.

As kids tumbled into our children’s ministry one Sunday morning, I asked them why they liked Easter.

Their answers ranged from candy to new shoes to candy to visiting cousins to egg hunts to candy. Guess who didn’t come up? Jesus.

Like you, we talk a lot about Jesus. He’s front and center, week after week. It’s our mission for kids to know, love, and follow Him. We want how kids feel about themselves and their world to be shaped by a deep awareness that Jesus loves them so dearly He literally died for them.

That’s a message we share often—especially at Easter.

Yet, somehow, the reality of Jesus’ love and sacrifice doesn’t always sink beneath the surface, deep into kids’ hearts and minds. And what’s true for our kids is often true for us too.

So here’s a challenge: As you prepare for this lesson, read John 12, 13, and 19. But don’t just skim the words—pause often to let them speak to you. Ask the Holy Spirit to let those words change you. Ask the Spirit to cement in you this truth: Jesus loves you. He loves you right now, and He’ll love you for eternity.

Make this Easter the one you see clearly: as a love story.

DID YOU KNOW? FOUNDATION BUILDING BLOCKS: Holy Week

WHO?

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of the province of Judea. He presided over Jesus’ trial, which involved discussion with the chief priests, who were members of the Jewish ruling council, or Sanhedrin. Pilate ultimately authorized Jesus’ crucifixion, albeit reluctantly. 

WHAT?

In the week leading up to His death, Jesus was anointed by Mary in Bethany and welcomed to Jerusalem as king. He predicted His death and washed His disciples’ feet. He was betrayed by Judas, tried by Pilate, and crucified at Golgotha.

WHERE?

The events of Holy Week took place in and around Jerusalem. Bethany was about two miles east of Jerusalem. Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified, was located outside the city gate of Jerusalem (Hebrews 13:12) somewhere near the city (John 19:20). The exact location is debated.

WHEN?

Jesus was crucified during the week of the Jewish Passover Feast while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea (approximately AD 26–36). The exact date is debated, but biblical scholars often estimate Jesus’ death to be between AD 30–33.

CONNECTING TO GOD’S BIG STORY

Holy Week led up to the climactic moment of God’s big story. The death of Jesus made way for the defeat of death, the forgiveness of sins, and life forever with God in a kingdom that will never end.

DIVE IN: Holy Week

Get the FREE lesson here! Plus, see the full series overview with a glimpse inside the event guide.

Did you like this lesson from Wonder Ink? Check out another one here!

Wonder Ink

Faith begins with wonder

With ready-to-go lessons, Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word—connecting the classroom on Sunday to their homes during the week.

Learn more

But it’s now possible with the Connected Easter series and Around the Table: A Taste of Passover event bundle.

For $99 (now $49.50), leaders have access to 5 weeks of fully resourced lessons from the Wonder Ink series, Connected Easter, that includes activities for families to do together at home during the week. Plus, you get a fully resourced guide for leading a Passover Seder, including promotional materials and welcome video.

Celebrate Jesus this Easter with a “taste” of a Jewish Seder meal, looking to our Savior!

Connected Easter: What’s the Story?

Easter Children’s Ministry Lessons

This 5-part series helps toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary kids walk through what it looks like for God to show up, promise His presence, and make the way where there was none. They will connect the long journey of God’s people from slavery to freedom, from Moses and the Israelites in Egypt to the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus is alive, and because of Him we can transition from slavery to freedom, from death to life—now those are connections worth celebrating!

Death could not keep Jesus in the ground. He is too powerful!

• Lesson 1 is about the burning bush (Exodus 3) and how God hears and see His people.
• Lesson 2 shares the story of the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 13-15) and how God rescues His people.
• Lesson 3 features the story of holy week (John 12-13; 19) and how Jesus loves us and gave His life for us.
• Lesson 4 celebrates the resurrection (John 20) as kids celebrate that Jesus lives!
• Lesson 5 covers the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) and how Jesus surprises us.

What’s Included in the Connected Easter Lesson Materials?

Each Wonder Ink lesson is divided into 4 sections: Curiosity, Belief, Faith, and Identity.

Curiosity

The curiosity lesson step is a multi-sensory object lesson, STEM experiment, or group activity that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and gets kids thinking about the wonder of God.

Belief

The belief lesson step is a deep and interactive dive into Scripture that guides kids into knowing God more deeply, exploring His Big Story, and marveling at His wonder.

Faith

The faith lesson step is an intentional conversation that helps kids see the wonder of God’s Story and how it connects to their own, emboldening their faith, and fostering a deeper understanding of their place in God’s kingdom.

Identity

The identity lesson step is an interactive response activity that ushers kids into worship and creates space for Him to remind them of these core truths: I am known by God, I am loved by Jesus, I am led by the Holy Spirit, and my life can tell of God’s wonder.

Additional List of Lesson Resources

• Welcome and Introduction
• Series Overview
• 5 lessons (Toddler; Early Childhood; Elementary)
• Elementary Bible Story Videos
• Early Childhood Bible Story Videos
• Wonder@Home Bible Story Videos
• Volunteer prep resources
• Social media images
• Slides
• Volunteer communication templates
• Family communication templates
• Worship playlists

Around the Table: A Taste of Passover Family Event

Easter Children’s Ministry Event

The Around the Table event is an event that aligns with the Wonder Ink Connected Easter lesson series.

Around the Table is a Seder Meal event that equips churches to lead families easily through an immersive retelling of the Passover story. This “taste” of Passover event creates a meaningful experience for the families in your ministry to connect the dots from the Exodus to Jesus’ resurrection. It draws on many of the customs practiced in traditional Jewish Seder meals, which utilize specific food items as symbols to help tell the story of redemption, and points throughout to Jesus, the Lamb of God whose sacrifice on the cross brings us freedom from sin!

In Hebrew, the word Seder (SAY-der) means “order.” A Passover Seder is a special meal in which the components and structure recall the Exodus—when God freed His people from slavery in Egypt. As Christians, whether Jewish or non-Jewish, we are invited to the Passover Seder table as a way of remembering God’s faithfulness throughout history and celebrating Jesus—the Lamb of God—whose death and resurrection make it possible for us to be part of God’s family now and forever.

The event kit is digital and customizable, and it includes everything you need to host the event.

Additional List of Event Resources

• Editable and Downloadable Event Guide
• Promotional Materials
• Traditional Passover Seder Plate Elements and Explanations
• Seder Plate Template
• Shopping List
• Setting the Table
• Passover Storytelling
• Decorating Ideas
• Communication Templates

An Easter Celebration You Won’t Forget

Remembering what Jesus did for us fills us with emotion and gratitude. His sacrifice leaves us in awe and His resurrection gives us hope for an eternity with Him. We get to celebrate that we have new life in Jesus! Check out Connected Easter, available in your Wonder Ink subscription, or sold separately.

Let’s celebrate our risen Savior!

The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for your family or the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered in our new resource download from Ministry Spark, The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for your family or the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered in our new resource download from Ministry Spark, The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages

Need coloring pages for your family or the families in your ministry? We’ve got you covered in our new resource download from Ministry Spark, The Easter Storybook Coloring Pages.

Download your coloring pages

Free Activity

Wonder Ink takes kids on a journey through curiosity, belief, faith, and identity. It helps them discover their identity as a child of God. It helps kids internalize four main truths: I am known by God, loved by Jesus, led by the Holy Spirit, and I am a child of God, so my life can tell of His wonder.

Wonder Ink lessons are Bible-centered and fully customizable. The lessons encourage big questions. They leave space for kids to connect with God to build faith beyond just Sunday.

Hands-On: Building Identity in Christ

With Wonder Ink, kids don’t just hear stories from the Bible, they actively engage with God’s Word and experience God’s presence through worship response. Kids are encouraged to be curious and explore Bible truths through hands-on activities and STEM experiments. The Bible stories are taught through weekly creative Bible story videos, reading straight from the Bible, and interactive live Bible story teachings.

This curriculum uses a 3-year unified scope and sequence for all ages. This allows kids to explore major stories from the Bible with a balance of Old and New Testament stories each year. Lessons, grouped into 4–8-week series, connect kids to God’s truths.

Families with kids of all ages from toddler through preteens can connect and learn together as they experience the same Bible stories in age-appropriate ways. Wonder Ink resources parents with weekly at-home devotionals and Bible story videos for their kids. Additionally, they are encouraged as spiritual leaders in their kids’ lives and are invited to grow in their faith together.

Wonder Ink

Faith begins with wonder

With ready-to-go lessons, Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word—connecting the classroom on Sunday to their homes during the week.

Learn more

Wonder Ink also includes special holiday series that connect the Old and New Testament to help give kids a big-picture view of the Bible as God’s big story. When kids know God’s big story, they can know their part in it and discover their identity as a child of God.

After the Waiting for Jesus Christmas series, which included stories from Isaiah’s prophecies about the Messiah and their fulfillment with Jesus’ birth, an 8-year-old boy exclaimed during a Christmas Eve sermon about Jesus’ birth, “Isaiah knew that was going to happen! I knew it! It’s all true—yay Jesus!” He made the connection and was able to truly celebrate and worship the long-awaited Savior.

Kids are invited into God’s big story to know Him more.

Created in God’s Image

God’s big story doesn’t start with the Fall—it starts with Creation. People were created in God’s image to reflect Him and have a relationship with Him. We have the privilege of helping kids discover their forever identity in Christ. We get to help them live with confidence as they claim their inheritance as image-bearing children of God, sharing His wonder with the world. Identity is what we believe about ourselves, our worth, and our purpose.

It’s a joy when kids discover their identity is found in God’s big story. It’s found where Jesus is Lord, and the Holy Spirit is present. And as we teach this, we leave room for their big questions, while leaving no doubt about who God is or who they are in Him.

Each week in the Wonder Ink lessons, kids declare out loud truths about who God is and who they are in Him. This is an important time in the children’s ministry service. When kids speak truths aloud repeatedly, those truths become rooted in their hearts and can grow.

As followers of Jesus, our identity is rooted in Christ. We are all beloved children of God. We are known by God and loved by Jesus, and we are invited to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Connection to God and One Another

Wonder Ink inspires a genuine connection with faith. It fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity that extends far beyond the Sunday school classroom. When children discover they are known by God, loved by Jesus, and led by the Holy Spirit, their view of who they are shifts.

After a few months of using Wonder Ink curriculum, my 4-year-old daughter prayed “Holy Spirit, thank You for living inside of me. I hope You stay.”

She knows the Holy Spirit was in her and she lives out that truth each day. That truth—that she is a child of God and filled with His Spirit—guides her each day as she navigates her world and develops her worldview and identity.

She will grow up with a foundation of Christ as her Savior. She’ll have a faith that is big enough for her curiosity and questions. But she’ll have no doubt about the wonder of who God is and who she is as His child. Wonder is where it all begins. Ink is God’s truth inked upon our hearts. Faith begins with wonder.

LESSON AT A GLANCE: Ezekiel and the Dry Bones

WONDER TRUTH: God Has Good News for His People

SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 37

GOD’S BIG STORY: God shows Ezekiel a vision reassuring the prophet that God still had good news for His people—He would bring them back to Him and put His own Spirit of life in them.

WORD OF WONDER: He saved us. It wasn’t because of the good things we had done. It was because of his mercy. He saved us by washing away our sins. We were born again. The Holy Spirit gave us new life. —Titus 3:5 (NIrV)

CURIOSITY (15 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An object lesson, experiment, or activity that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and gets kids thinking about the wonder of God.

• Welcome Question: What good news have you heard lately?
• Curiosity Questions
• STEM Activity: News, Good News, Best News! 
• Declaring God’s Wonder

BELIEF (25-35 MINS) | Large Group

A deep and interactive dive into Scripture that guides kids into knowing God more deeply, exploring His big story in the lesson of Ezekiel and the Dry Bones, and marveling at His wonder.

• Prayer of Invitation
• God’s Big Story: Hear It, Watch It, Experience It!
• Connecting the Wonder Truth
• In Awe of God’s Wonder
• Word of Wonder: Titus 3:5

FAITH (15 MINS) | Small Group

An intentional conversation that helps kids see the wonder of God’s story and how it connects to their own, emboldening their faith and fostering a deeper understanding of their place in God’s kingdom.

• Word of Wonder Activity
• Discussion Questions for Younger and Older Kids: Ezekiel and the Dry Bones
• Small Group Prayer Time

IDENTITY (10 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An interactive worship response activity that creates space for God to remind kids of these core truths: I am known, I am loved, I am led, and my life can tell of God’s wonder.

• Responding in Worship: Dry Bones Directed Prayer 
• Blessing Your Kids

Wonder Ink

Faith begins with wonder

With ready-to-go lessons, Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word—connecting the classroom on Sunday to their homes during the week.

Learn more

INVITATION FOR LEADERS

We invite you to pause, listen, and shift your gaze toward the Father … 

One of the great things about social media is witnessing others’ good news. Marriage proposals, pregnancy announcements, and gender reveals are so fun to watch. The joy in the moments is palpable through the screen, sometimes for people we don’t even know personally! 

Good news energizes and reminds us that there is still good happening in our broken world. 

Take a moment to read Ezekiel 37:1–14. In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel embodies the power of the Lord. Before God spoke to him, Ezekiel knew the power of the Lord was upon him, even though he was in a faraway, unknown place surrounded by dry, silent bones. When you walk in unfamiliar territory, God still has good news for you. He walks alongside you up every hill and mountain and through every valley. You never walk alone. 

Through you, He also brings bring good news of hope restored to others. God has good news for His people through His people. Your testimony of God’s good news can help others navigate their personal valleys. 

• Have you ever experienced good news amid a personal trial? 
• Where have you seen hope restored because of God’s good news? 
• Who needs to hear of God’s good news in your life? 

With God’s power, Ezekiel spoke life into the dry bones. But guess what? The same power lives inside you. You can speak life into situations that seem helpless. You can celebrate the good news of hope restored. 

DID YOU KNOW? FOUNDATION BUILDING BLOCKS: Ezekiel and the Dry Bones

WHO?

Ezekiel was a prophet to the southern kingdom of Judah. Because God’s people were in danger of judgment, Ezekiel was called to do unusual things like eating a scroll and lying on his side for over a year to get the people’s attention. 

WHAT?

Ezekiel had many visions related to God’s judgment and restoration. Ezekiel prophesied about God’s restoration after the exile. He proclaims that God would send His Spirit to make a way for Israel to actually follow God’s commands (Ezekiel 36:24–32). 

WHERE?

Ezekiel received the vision about the dry bones when he and the Israelites were exiled to Babylon. This prophecy came during the 70-year exile when the Israelites felt like all hope was gone. But through Ezekiel’s vision, God shares an image of new life! 

WHEN?

Babylon chipped away at the nation of Judah over a few years, but the final defeat of Jerusalem and exile to Babylon came in 586 BC. King Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Solomon’s temple along with the city. The people were in exile for 70 years. 

CONNECTING TO GOD’S BIG STORY

The vision in Ezekiel 37 shares God’s plan to restore Israel but also points toward the death and bodily resurrection of Jesus. His victory will bring new life to those who trust in Him, and His Spirit brings His followers life and joy!

DIVE IN: Ezekiel and the Dry Bones

Get the FREE lesson here! Plus, see the full series overview with a glimpse inside the event guide.

Did you like this lesson from Wonder Ink? Check out another one here!

LESSON AT A GLANCE

IN GOD’S BIG STORY

God chooses Jesse’s son David as Israel’s king and reminds Israel that the Promised One—a branch from Jesse’s family tree—will one day arrive and change everything.

WONDER TRUTH

God Sees Beyond What We See

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16; Isaiah 11

WORD OF WONDER

The Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin is going to have a baby. She will give birth to a son. And he will be called Immanuel. —Isaiah 7:14 (NIrV)

CURIOSITY (15 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An object lesson, experiment, or activity that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and gets kids thinking about the wonder of God.

• Welcome Question: Have you ever wished you could see into the future? What do you wish you could see and know?
• Curiosity Questions
• STEM Experiment: Make a Prediction
• Declaring God’s Wonder

BELIEF (25-35 MINS) | Large Group

A deep and interactive dive into Scripture that guides kids into knowing God more deeply, exploring His big story, and marveling at His wonder.

• Prayer of Invitation
• God’s Big Story: Hear It, Watch It, Experience It!
• Connecting the Wonder Truth
• In Awe of God’s Wonder
• Word of Wonder: Isaiah 7:14

FAITH (15 MINS) | Small Group

An intentional conversation that helps kids see the wonder of God’s story and how it connects to their own, emboldening their faith and fostering a deeper understanding of their place in God’s kingdom.

• Word of Wonder Activity
• Discussion Questions for Younger and Older Kids
• Small Group Prayer Time

IDENTITY (10 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An interactive worship response activity that creates space for God to remind kids of these core truths: I am known, I am loved, I am led, and my life can tell of God’s wonder.

• Responding in Worship: The Branch Grows
• Blessing Your Kids

INVITATION FOR LEADERS

What if we could see the image of God in people in the same way we can see freckles, dimples, or other family traits? Would it be easier for us to say, “That’s a child of God”? Would it help us treat people the way God wants us to treat them? 

Well, God doesn’t give us the ability to physically see His image in others. Instead, He asks us to trust His sight. Read 1 Samuel 16:7. God reminds us that while we are attracted to outward characteristics, God looks for traits of the heart. And God is constantly looking for hearts with traits like His. 

When God looked at David, Jesse’s youngest son, He saw the future king. Read Isaiah 11:1–2. Years later, when their enemies closed in and the future of David’s line appeared dire, God looked at Jesse’s family and saw the Branch sprouting from it—Jesus, the One who would change everything. 

God sees beyond what we see. So, next time we encounter a new person or a challenging situation, let’s ask Him to help us see beyond outward characteristics and circumstances. May God give us spiritual eyes to see people’s hearts and increase our faith to trust His will. 

Wonder Ink

Faith begins with wonder

With ready-to-go lessons, Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word—connecting the classroom on Sunday to their homes during the week.

Learn more

DID YOU KNOW? FOUNDATION BUILDING BLOCKS

WHO?

The author of the Book of 1 Samuel is anonymous. It is part of the same work as 2 Samuel, and together these books tell the story of how God worked in the life of King David to raise him from the position of a lowly shepherd to the ruler of Israel. 

WHAT?

1 Samuel 16 tells of how God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint one of Jesse of Bethlehem’s sons to be Israel’s next king. Jesse and Samuel both thought God would pick one of the older sons, but God had His eyes set on David. 

WHERE?

The setting of the story is Bethlehem, a town fewer than 10 miles from Jerusalem. This is the city of King David’s birth, and in fulfillment of prophecy, this is also the city of Jesus’ birth (Micah 5:2). 

WHEN?

This story takes place after Saul had acted out of pride, disobeying God and failing his final test. God was displeased with Saul’s actions and promised that Saul would lose his kingdom. God then sent Samuel to find a new king to rule over Israel. 

WHY? CONNECTING TO GOD’S BIG STORY

Jesse’s son David was known as Israel’s greatest king and was the ruler to emulate. Yet even David failed, sinned, and disappointed. But the offspring of Jesse and David—King Jesus—eventually came to show us what the reign of God looks like in person!

DIVE IN

Get the full lesson and preview the Christmas series, here. This Christmas, get 5 lessons + a family event for your ministry. Check it out now! (If you already subscribe to Wonder Ink, this is included in your subscription.)

Want more free lessons for your ministry?

Check them out here!

LESSON AT A GLANCE

IN GOD’S BIG STORY
Jacob is left alone with his thoughts and doubts, and God sends an angel who wrestles him and gives him a new name.

WONDER TRUTH
God Is Faithful

SCRIPTURE
Genesis 32–33

WORD OF WONDER
“Before you created the whole world and the mountains were made, from the beginning to the end you are God.” Psalm 90:2 (NIrV)

CURIOSITY (15 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An object lesson, experiment, or activity that sparks curiosity, encourages exploration, and gets kids thinking about the wonder of God.

• Welcome Question: What is the first letter of your name? What is your favorite describing word that also begins with that letter?
• Curiosity Questions
• Multisensory Activity: The Notable Name Memory Game
• Declaring God’s Wonder

BELIEF (25-35 MINS) | Large Group

A deep and interactive dive into Scripture that guides kids into knowing God more deeply, exploring His big story, and marveling at His wonder.

• Prayer of Invitation
• God’s Big Story: Hear It, Watch It, Experience It!
• Connecting the Wonder Truth
• In Awe of God’s Wonder
• Word of Wonder: Psalm 90:2

FAITH (15 MINS) | Small Group

An intentional conversation that helps kids see the wonder of God’s story and how it connects to their own, emboldening their faith and fostering a deeper understanding of their place in God’s kingdom.

• Word of Wonder Activity
• Discussion Questions for Younger and Older Kids
• Small Group Prayer Time

IDENTITY (10 MINS) | Large Group or Small Group

An interactive worship response activity that creates space for God to remind kids of these core truths: I am known, I am loved, I am led, and my life can tell of God’s wonder.

• Responding in Worship: A Name from God
• Blessing Your Kids

Wonder Ink

What if Sunday morning was just the starting point? Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word. Wonder Ink sparks curiosity and guides children on a journey of faith through the wonder of God.

Explore Wonder Ink

Wonder Ink

What if Sunday morning was just the starting point? Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word. Wonder Ink sparks curiosity and guides children on a journey of faith through the wonder of God.

Explore Wonder Ink

Wonder Ink

What if Sunday morning was just the starting point? Wonder Ink is a customizable digital curriculum and toolkit for creatively engaging kids and families in God’s Word. Wonder Ink sparks curiosity and guides children on a journey of faith through the wonder of God.

Explore Wonder Ink

INVITATION FOR LEADERS

We invite you to pause, listen, and shift your gaze toward the Father …

One of my favorite moments before Jacob wrestles with God is in Genesis 32:7 when we discover Jacob was worried and afraid. I’m so grateful that, amid the pages of Scripture, we find real, human emotions.

I mean, how would you feel? You have stolen your brother’s birthright, masquerading in goat hair; you have run away and been hoodwinked by your now father-in-law; you know it’s time to come home and face the music, but look around you. Look what you have done!

Yet, following Jacob’s very honest look at how the next few days could go, he prays. After taking stock of the situation, Jacob does the only thing he knows to do in the face of his future: he talks to the Author. And amid reminding God of His promises, he asks God to save him from his brother. Jacob did all he could do to prepare for this encounter with Esau; now he is asking God to do what only He can do.

READ IT FOR YOURSELF

Read Genesis 32–33 for context, and then go back and read Genesis 32:22–32. What do you question in this event? If you could ask Jacob three questions about this experience, what would they be?

I am curious about the limp. Did it give him pain all his life or simply remind him of the thing he could never forget? But I don’t question Jacob winning the wrestling match. I think he won for so many reasons, but mostly because every good father lets his child win at wrestling at least once. God allowed it, and Jacob never forgot it.

So how did you get your limp? Where has He conceded so that you would continue to lean in and ask questions about who He is? What has His faithfulness looked like to you, as you look back at how far you’ve walked with Him by your side?

DID YOU KNOW? FOUNDATION BUILDING BLOCKS

WHO?

Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, and twin brother to Esau, deceived his brother and lived in hiding for many years. While Jacob was in hiding, he married and had a family.

WHAT?

Years earlier, Jacob tricked Esau and received their father’s blessing, so Jacob was afraid Esau might kill him. After Jacob prayed for God’s protection, an angel who looked like a man came and wrestled with him until morning.

WHERE?

Jacob had been in Haran living with his uncle. When the time came, he returned to Canaan and settled in Bethel, where he previously had seen God and built an altar because he knew God was there.

WHEN?

Twenty years after he fled to safety, Jacob left Haran with his family and all he had accumulated to head back to the place God had shown him. That 20 years allowed for reconciliation between him and Esau.

WHY?

Jacob was afraid of Esau and prayed for God’s deliverance. God sent an angel and blessed Jacob. Despite all his deceptions and lies, God still chose to protect Jacob and use his family to fulfill the promise He had made to Abraham.

DIVE IN

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If you like this lesson, check out our other free lessons, here!