Jacob, Rachel, and Leah: The Years Away | Catholic Bible Story for Kids
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At a well far from home, Jacob meets Rachel and discovers that he has found his mother's relatives. His welcome in Haran begins twenty years of work, hope, broken promises, and change.
Jacob, Rachel, and Leah: The Years Away is an illustrated Catholic Bible story for children, families, and classrooms, based on Genesis 29-31. Follow Jacob through his years with Laban, the sadness and rivalry of the two sisters, the growth of their family, and God's call to return home. Through hurtful human choices, God remains faithful and sees each person.
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Free YouTube release: Thursday, December 3, 2026 at 6:00 a.m. Eastern.
Runtime: 7 minutes 27 seconds. Suggested ages: approximately 7-11, alongside a parent or teacher. The story includes deception, family rivalry, infertility, and ancient marriage customs. The lesson guide helps adults discuss these with care; God's faithfulness does not make unfair choices right.
Free teaching resources
Use these free materials at home, in a homeschool lesson, in the classroom, or in parish religious education. The two-page leader guide includes learning goals, discussion and answer notes, a fairness activity, prayer, vocabulary, Scripture, and adaptations by readiness.
Choose Draw & Tell for drawing or spoken responses, and Read & Write for children ready to put their ideas into words. The complete packet contains both options.
Talk about it together
1. How did Jacob help Rachel at the well? What could we do to help someone today?
2. Laban broke his agreement with Jacob. Why does another person's wrongdoing never make unfairness right?
3. Leah and Rachel each longed for something the other had. How can we notice and care for someone without comparing people?
4. What did God promise when he called Jacob home? How can prayer help us take a good next step?
Practice fairness and kindness
Use a pretend situation: two children want the same toy, while another child feels left out. Practice taking turns and inviting someone into the game. Use fictional examples; children do not need to share private family experiences. If treatment is unsafe or unfair, seek help from a trusted adult.
Pray together
Faithful God, you see every person. Help us tell the truth, keep our promises, and care for people who feel left out. Stay with us as we learn to love. Amen.
Scripture and further reading
Based on Genesis 29-31. Dialogue and visual details are adapted for storytelling. Ancient plural marriage is not God's original plan for marriage. A baby is not a reward for being good, and infertility does not mean a person lacks faith. God remembering Rachel describes his care in action, not a time when he had forgotten her.
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