People who Desires Co-existence 1 (Esau and Jacob) Basic 6 Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Lesson Note

DEFINITION OF COEXISTENCE

Coexistence means living together peacefully despite differences. It means accepting others and getting along without fighting or quarreling.

THE STORY OF JACOB AND ESAU (Genesis 25-33)

Background:

• Jacob and Esau were twin brothers
• Sons of Isaac and Rebekah
• Esau was born first (older), Jacob second (younger)
• Esau was a hunter, Jacob was quiet and stayed at home

The Conflict Began:

1. Jacob Stole Esau’s Birthright (Genesis 25:29-34)

• One day Esau came home very hungry
• Jacob was cooking stew
• Esau asked for food
• Jacob said “Sell me your birthright first”
• Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew
• This was foolish and disrespectful

2. Jacob Stole Esau’s Blessing (Genesis 27)

• Isaac was old and couldn’t see well
• He wanted to bless Esau before dying
• Rebekah heard and helped Jacob deceive Isaac
• Jacob pretended to be Esau
• He wore Esau’s clothes and goat skins (to feel hairy like Esau)
• Isaac blessed Jacob thinking he was Esau
• When Esau came, it was too late
• Esau wept bitterly and was very angry
• Esau wanted to kill Jacob

3. Jacob Ran Away (Genesis 27:41-28:5)

• Rebekah warned Jacob that Esau wanted to kill him
• Jacob fled to his uncle Laban’s house
• He stayed away for 20 years
• During this time, Jacob had his own troubles

The Reconciliation (Genesis 32-33):

Jacob’s Fear:

• After 20 years, God told Jacob to return home
• Jacob was afraid Esau would still want to kill him
• He sent messengers ahead with gifts for Esau
• He divided his family in groups for safety
• He prayed to God for protection

Jacob Wrestled with God (Genesis 32:22-32):

• The night before meeting Esau, Jacob wrestled with an angel
• He asked for God’s blessing
• God changed his name from Jacob (deceiver) to Israel (prince with God)
• Jacob’s heart was changed

The Meeting (Genesis 33:1-11):

• Jacob saw Esau coming with 400 men
• Jacob bowed seven times before his brother
• To Jacob’s surprise, Esau RAN to meet him
• Esau HUGGED and KISSED Jacob
• They both WEPT together
• Esau had forgiven Jacob
• Jacob offered gifts, Esau initially refused but accepted
• They parted peacefully

What Made Reconciliation Possible:

1. Time – 20 years helped Esau’s anger cool
2. God’s Work – God softened Esau’s heart
3. Jacob’s Humility – He bowed and apologized
4. Esau’s Forgiveness – He chose to forgive and let go
5. Jacob’s Gifts – Showed his repentance and respect
6. Prayer – Jacob prayed for God’s help

WAYS PEOPLE CAN CO-EXIST WITHOUT TROUBLE

1. Practice Forgiveness

• Let go of past hurts
• Don’t hold grudges
• Give people second chances

2. Communicate Openly

• Talk about problems
• Listen to each other
• Express feelings calmly

3. Show Respect

• Value others’ opinions
• Accept differences
• Don’t look down on others

4. Be Humble

• Admit when you’re wrong
• Apologize sincerely
• Don’t be proud

5. Share Resources

• Don’t be greedy
• Give to those in need
• Be generous

6. Avoid Jealousy

• Be happy for others’ success
• Don’t compete unnecessarily
• Appreciate what you have

7. Pray Together

• Seek God’s help
• Ask for wisdom
• Pray for unity

8. Make Peace Quickly

• Don’t let anger last long
• Settle disagreements fast
• Don’t let small issues become big

9. Show Love

• Be kind to everyone
• Help those in need
• Treat others as family

10. Follow God’s Word

• Obey the Bible’s teachings
• Love your neighbor
• Do unto others as you want them to do to you

Lessons from Jacob and Esau:

• Forgiveness is possible even after serious wrongs
• Pride and deception cause problems
• God can change people’s hearts
• Humility brings peace
• It’s never too late to reconcile

Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Jacob and Esau were: 

1. A) Friends
2. B) Twin brothers
3. C) Cousins
4. D) Father and son

1. Jacob bought Esau’s birthright for: 

1. A) Money
2. B) Clothes
3. C) A bowl of stew
4. D) Land

1. Why did Jacob run away? 

1. A) He was bored
2. B) Esau wanted to kill him
3. C) He wanted to travel
4. D) His parents sent him away

1. When Jacob and Esau met again, Esau: 

1. A) Killed Jacob
2. B) Ran away
3. C) Hugged and kissed Jacob
4. D) Fought with Jacob

1. Coexistence means: 

1. A) Fighting with everyone
2. B) Living together peacefully
3. C) Living alone
4. D) Ignoring everyone

Homework: Write what you learned from Jacob and Esau’s story about forgiveness.

Answers: 1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-C, 5-B