Discuss what you chose to do from last week's "Searching Our Lives" suggestions.
List some positive and negative aspects of Jacob's actions in Genesis 30 and 31.
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
Chapter 32:
Whom does Jacob meet on his way after leaving Laban, and how does he respond to seeing them?
Why does Jacob send a message to Esau (v. 5)?
How does Jacob instruct his messengers to address Esau?
And to refer to Jacob?
What is Esau's response to receiving Jacob's message?
When Jacob hears that Esau is coming to meet him, what is his emotional response? (And see Genesis 27:41.)
What action does he take and why?
What is Jacob's prayer (v. 11)?
Where does Jacob get a gift for Esau?
What was his gift?
What were the leaders and all others following the herds instructed to be sure to say to Esau?
Why?
What happened to Jacob when he was left alone that night?
Verse 25 says the man could not overpower Jacob, so then what did the man do? (See Hosea 12:4.)
At daybreak, the man asked Jacob to let him go. What did Jacob want first?
What did the man ask him?
What was Jacob's name changed to and why?
Did Jacob receive his blessing?
What did Jacob name this place?
Why?
What mercy does Jacob feel (v. 30)?
After wrestling with God, how was Jacob walking?
How do the Israelites still remember/respect this experience?
Chapter 33:
Whom does Jacob see coming when he looks up?
How does Jacob order his children and their mothers?
Why?
Who goes first to meet Esau?
How does he approach him?
How does Esau greet Jacob?
What does verse four mention that both brothers do?
How do the mothers and children greet Esau?
In verse 10, what does Jacob compare his reunion with Esau to (also remember 32:30)?
Why does Esau keep his brother's gift?
Why does Jacob tell Esau to go on ahead of him?
What does Jacob buy and from whom (v. 19)?
What does he set up there (besides his tent), and what does he call it?
MAKING THE CONNECTION
Contrast the relationship—both before and after a brother left—of Jacob and Esau with that of the brothers in the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32.
Why is it important to our spiritual well-being that we forgive? (See Matthew 6:12.) To physical and emotional well-being?
SEARCHING THE HEART
Do you react, then pray, as Jacob did (Genesis 32:7-12), or do you pray and then react? How does the old saying "God helps those who help themselves" reflect Jacob's attitude and your own?
Do you feel that Jacob's gift in 32:13 was a) a bribe, b) an expression of affection, or c) a custom of the day? Discuss.
Esau accepted the gift he neither expected nor needed. Was his acceptance a greater blessing to himself or his brother? Have you had a similar experience?
Would you consider yourself blessed if you came away from an encounter hurting and limping?
If a Christian brother or sister comes back "home" after being away from the Father and the family for a long time, what is our attitude? How can we help this brother or sister feel welcomed home?
SEARCHING OUR LIVES
(Choose one of the following to complete and discuss for next week.)
Do you have a conflict with a sibling (or someone else) to resolve? What steps will you take in healing a broken or strained relationship this week? Remember to pray and act with a humbled heart. Are there issues from your childhood (such as favoritism or mistreatment within your family) you are hanging on to that you need to let go of? How can you fully forgive?
What does your name mean? How can you use this to the glory of God? If your name was changed now to reflect your present walk with the Lord or what you desire in your future, what do you think your new name would be?
Is there something you need to "wrestle with God" about this week? Are you willing to accept God's answer, even if it hurts?
Lesson 15