Jacob’s Dream - Bible lessons for kids

In this lesson, we will learn about a man named Jacob and an extraordinary dream he had at a place called Bethel. Our Bible passage is found in Genesis 28:10-22.

Key Points:

God speaks to us.
God’s promises are everlasting.
We should remember our promises to God.

Jacob’s Dream (A4 British) pdf

Jacob’s Dream (USA) pdf

Baby and Toddler lesson

Jacob’s Dream 5+ lesson pack pdf

Lesson Guide – Jacob’s Dream

Start the lesson by asking the child if they can remember a dream they have had before. If yes, ask them to share one of their dreams. After they have shared their dream, share one of your dreams with them.

Then, explain that most of our dreams are just funny thoughts or our minds thinking about things while we sleep. But in our Bible story today, God gives Jacob a special dream and speaks to him through it.

Ask the child if they can think of anyone else in the Bible who had special dreams. If they can’t remember, give a few examples. You could mention Joseph, who had dreams that he would be a leader and his family would bow down to him. You could also mention the wise men in the New Testament who were warned in a dream not to go back to King Herod after they saw baby Jesus.

To prepare for the story of Jacob’s dream at Bethel, remind your child that Jacob was Isaac’s son, and Abraham’s grandson. Jacob tricked his brother Esau. This made Esau very angry, so Jacob had to run away from home. On his journey, Jacob was alone and scared. That’s when God spoke to him in a dream.

Remind your child that all of us make mistakes. Discuss some examples of wrong actions. Emphasize how wonderful God’s love and forgiveness are, that even when we make bad choices, He still wants to speak with us and guide us back to the right path. Explain, “When we do something wrong, God wants us to say sorry, or repent. It’s like if we were walking the wrong way, He wants us to turn around and come back to Him.”

Create your own “Jacob’s Ladder” using chalk or masking tape. Make it a fun game by suggesting different ways for your child to move up and down the ladder – they can walk, hop, jump, or even put one leg in one square and then the other leg in the next.

Explain that the ladder in Jacob’s dream was a sign of God’s constant connection with us. Ask your child to think about what special message God might have for them today. Explain that the ladder is like a bridge that connects two places (Heaven and Earth). Share how Jesus is our perfect “Jacob’s Ladder”, who came to Earth to fix our relationship with God.

Share that God promised Jacob his family would be as many as the grains of dust. This echoes God’s promise to Abraham about having descendants as numerous as the stars or grains of sand. Give your child a small bowl of sand and challenge them to count the grains. It’s impossible! Explain that this shows just how big Jacob’s family would become and reminds us that God always keeps His promises.

Discuss how Jacob made a stone pillar at the spot where he had his dream and named the place Bethel. Ask your child to create a pillar together using building blocks or recycled materials. Next, talk about the promise God made to Jacob. Stress that God always keeps His promises. Together, brainstorm some ideas on how you can remember God’s promises and your own promises to God. (Drawing pictures, writing them down, or making a promise box).

Talk about Jacob’s promise to give God a tenth of all he receives. Do a “tithing” activity. Give the child ten objects (Toys, buttons, coins, etc) and ask them to give one back to you. Talk about how we can give back to God from what He has already given to us. In giving back a part of what we’ve received, we acknowledge His generosity and express our gratitude to Him.

Pray to finish the lesson.

Jacob’s Dream – Bible story for kids

Games and activities

Jacob’s Ladder Hopscotch

Using chalk or masking tape, draw a ladder on the floor. Label each rung with different actions like “hop on one foot,” “twirl around,” or “jump high.” The child has to perform each action as they move up the ladder. This game not only encourages physical activity but also helps children remember the concept of Jacob’s ladder.

Jacob’s Dream Pillow Craft

Provide the children with fabric markers and a small pillowcase or cloth. Have them draw or write things which remind them of God’s promises.

Stone Decorating

Encourage the child to think of a Bible verse and then decorate a stone with paint or markers. For example, “How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!” Psalm 119:103. The child could then paint the stone like a bee.