Last week, our lesson focused on Isaac, Rebekah and their twin sons- Esau & Jacob. Although Esau was older, he gave up his birthright. This meant that Jacob received the blessings that God promised to Abraham and Isaac. God kept His promise and sent blessings and salvation to the entire world by sending Jesus to earth through Jacob’s family.

This week, we will fast forward many years. Many events and mistakes had taken place in Jacob's life. Jacob was married with many children. Jacob wondered if his brother Esau was still angry with him for stealing his blessing. But it was time for Jacob to travel home. Along the way, God changed Jacob’s life and He also changed Jacob’s name to Israel. When we believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are adopted into God’s family.  Like Jacob, our lives are changed and we get a new name, too - children of God! (John 1:12).