Two Brothers and a Blessing - Genesis
Read the summary of the Sunday sermon: Isaac and Rebekah attempt to control God’s blessing for their own purposes. We learn that even when people attempt to impose their own will on God’s plans, nothing can stop the will of God. His promises to bring the world’s saviour will come to pass in His way according to His word.
Read: Genesis 27
Discussion Questions:
What is your initial, gut-level reaction after your first reading of this story? For example, you may feel confused, shocked, unsure, etc.
Why do Rebekah and Jacob make this plan to take the blessing from Esau? Consider God’s promise in Gen. 25:19-23 as you think about this.
Do you think Esau’s response to the blessing being taken from him is justified? Why or why not?
Why do you think God might allow this situation to play out the way that it does? Is there a purpose you can think of for God to give the blessing to Jacob this way?
Hebrews 12:17 uses the example of Esau as a description of someone who “found no chance to repent, though he sought [the blessing] with tears.” How does the negative example of Esau propel us toward dealing with sin in our lives?
Like Rebekah and Jacob, we are often tempted to pursue life, blessing, and peace on our own terms instead of receiving them from God. How do we choose to live by faith and rest in the fact that God will come through on his promises even when it seems unlikely that he will do so?
Even though Rebekah and Jacob sinned by deceiving Isaac, God still used this moment to fulfill his purpose to bless Jacob. How does this reality help us to better understand the sovereignty of God in our lives?
How do we see the person and work of Jesus as the fulfillment of this story?
Prayer: Pray for the person on your right, and ask that they would rest in the goodness and care of Jesus, who is working “all things together for good” (Romans 8:28).
