Scripture: Genesis 49:1–28
<h3><b>Background:</b></h3>
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In Genesis 49, Jacob blesses his twelve sons before his death. Each son is different in character and destiny, yet all are called the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Hebrew word for “blessing” (<i>berakhah</i>) means “a gift that brings life.” Though different, each son shares in God’s plan.
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<p>
This shows that God values diversity. He wants us to live in unity and peace as one family of faith.
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<h3><b>Introduction (Ice Breaker):</b></h3>
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Show a rainbow picture and ask:
“How many colors are there?”
“Are they the same?”
“If one color is missing, is the rainbow still beautiful?”
Answer: “No!”
Just like Jacob’s sons—different colors, one beautiful family in God’s eyes.
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<h3><b>Point 1: God Loves Diversity (Genesis 49:28)</b></h3>
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Jacob blessed each son with a unique blessing. God created us different on purpose—each of us special and needed in His plan.
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<p><b>Cross Reference:</b> 1 Corinthians 12:12 – “The body is one but has many members.”</p>
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<h3><b>Point 2: Living in Peace Brings Blessing (Psalm 133:1)</b></h3>
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Jacob’s family once fought, but in the end, they were united. True peace comes when love is stronger than differences.
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<p><b>Cross Reference:</b> Matthew 5:9 – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”</p>
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<h3><b>Short Story Illustration:</b></h3>
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An orchestra has many instruments—violin, drum, flute, piano. Each sounds different, but together they make beautiful music.
We are like that orchestra. God wants us to play together in harmony and peace.
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<h3><b>I. For Toddlers (1–5 years)</b></h3>
<b>Application:</b>
<ul>
<li>Share toys and love all friends.</li>
<li>Say “Sorry” and “I love you” often.</li>
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<b>Activity:</b>
<ul>
<li>Color the rainbow – each child colors one part.</li>
<li>Sing: “Jesus’ Love Is Very Wonderful.”</li>
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<h3><b>II. For Children (6–10 years)</b></h3>
<b>Application:</b>
<ul>
<li>Respect and play with friends from different places or languages.</li>
<li>Be a peacemaker when others argue.</li>
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<b>Activity:</b>
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<li><b>Game:</b> “Body of Christ” – act as body parts working together.</li>
<li><b>Craft:</b> Puzzle of Jacob’s family – different pieces forming one family picture.</li>
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<h3><b>III. For Teens (11–15 years)</b></h3>
<b>Application:</b>
<ul>
<li>Accept and understand differences in others.</li>
<li>Be a peacemaker and example at school.</li>
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<b>Activity:</b>
<ul>
<li><b>Discussion:</b> “How can I keep peace when opinions differ?”</li>
<li><b>Drama:</b> “Jacob Blesses His Sons” – showing unity in diversity.</li>
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<h3><b>Closing:</b></h3>
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Together say:
<b>“We are different, but we are one family in God!”</b>
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Closing Prayer:
<i>“Lord Jesus, thank You for making us unique yet united in Your love. Teach us to live in peace and love one another as Your family. Amen.”</i>
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