God Works Despite the Mess of Real Life - Genesis
Read the summary of the Sunday sermon: Jacob sets out on a journey outside of the promise land. He works for Laban and is tricked into marrying Leah before Rachel. His family grows through Leah, Rachel, and their maidservants, and God blesses Jacob with wealth. After rising conflict, God tells Jacob to return home, and he leaves Laban behind.
Read: Genesis 29:31-35 & 31:38-42
Discussion Questions:
The dramatic centre of these chapters occurs when Laban deceives Jacob into taking Leah as his wife instead of Rachel. How does this moment illustrate the principle “with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38)?
Genesis 29:31 says “When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.” How does this reveal God’s heart for the downcast and oppressed?
Genesis 29:32-30:24 lists the birth of some of Jacob’s sons, who will eventually become heads of the tribes of Israel. How does this section display God’s faithfulness to his promises (see Gen. 12:1-3)?
In what ways can we learn to see God’s faithfulness and provision even in the midst of relational conflict or tension?
Given the obvious examples of sin and brokenness on display in this passage, what do we learn about God’s grace in this story?
Jacob showed favouritism to Rachel over Leah; however, God blessed Leah by giving her children first instead of Rachel. How do we show honour to those we are most prone to overlook (see James 2:1-5)?
Jacob followed God’s leading when God told him to go back to his father’s land (Gen. 31:3). Is there a situation or decision where you need to listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading? Share with the group and invite their input.
How does this story of God’s grace and faithfulness in the midst of deep brokenness shed light on how Jesus relates to us?
Prayer: Take some time pray over the things discussed in question #7, and ask for God for a greater sense of his leading and to follow the voice of his Spirit, whatever he says to do.
