“But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head—guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.” — Genesis 48:14
Lesson Objective:
By the end of this lesson, students should understand that:
God’s blessings often come in unexpected ways.
God’s plans are not based on human customs or birth order but on His divine purpose.
Obedience and faith are more important than position or status.
Lesson Outline:
Setting the Scene (Genesis 48:1–7)
Jacob (Israel), near death, calls for Joseph and his sons.
Joseph brings Ephraim (the younger) and Manasseh (the elder) for a blessing.
Jacob recalls God’s faithfulness and adopts the two boys as his own sons (v.5), giving them inheritance alongside Reuben and Simeon.
➤ Application:
God includes us in His promises, even if we were not originally part of the “firstborn” group. Just like Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh, God adopts us through Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15).
The Crossed Hands (Genesis 48:8–14)
Joseph places the older son, Manasseh, at Jacob’s right hand (signifying greater blessing), and Ephraim at Jacob’s left.
But Jacob intentionally crosses his hands, placing his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son.
➤ Key Point: Jacob’s actions were guided by divine insight, not custom or tradition. He did it “knowingly” (v.14). God was directing Jacob to bless according to purpose, not position.
Joseph’s Surprise and God’s Sovereignty (Genesis 48:15–20)
Joseph tries to correct Jacob, assuming it was a mistake.
Jacob refuses, affirming that although Manasseh will be great, Ephraim will be greater (v.19).
➤ Spiritual Lesson: God’s choice is not always the obvious one. He often elevates the unexpected—the younger, the overlooked, the unlikely—just like He did with David, Joseph, and even Mary.
🔍 Deeper Insights:
The Crossed Hands Represent Grace
The right hand traditionally symbolizes strength, favor, and blessing.
God “crossed” the expected order—showing us that grace overrides tradition and that God’s choice is not based on merit or order.
“The last will be first, and the first will be last.” — Matthew 20:16
A Foreshadowing of the Cross
Jacob’s crossed hands can also be seen as a symbol of the cross—where Jesus reversed our judgment and gave us undeserved blessing.
Jesus took our place, so we, like Ephraim, could receive the right-hand blessing.
Life Application Questions:
Have you ever felt overlooked or like the “younger” one in life?
What can you learn from God’s decision to bless Ephraim over Manasseh?
Are there areas in your life where you need to trust that God’s plan is better than your expectations?
Memory Verse:
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. — Isaiah 55:8
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for showing us that You bless according to Your purpose, not human preference. Help us to trust Your ways, even when they don’t follow tradition or our expectations. May we live with open hearts, knowing that Your grace chooses, calls, and blesses us beyond what we deserve. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Action Point
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