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Bible Essentials

Genesis 25:19-34

Jacob and Esau

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Opening

  • Share life updates
  • Review highs and lows of the week
  • Share prayer requests and praises

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Icebreaker

  • If you have any siblings, what was/is your relationship with them like?
  • Did you fight all the time? Or did you get along well?

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Genesis 25:19-34

  • Read the passage
  • What is the context for this passage?
    • Most of Isaac’s early story is still focused on Abraham.
    • Isaac married Rebekah when he was 40 years old.
    • When Abraham died, Isaac received God’s blessing and Abraham’s estate.
    • It is now 20 years later, and Isaac is 60 years old.

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Genesis 25:19-34

  • Read the passage again, in a different version if available.
  • Summarize the passage in your own words.

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What does the passage say about God?

  • God hears the prayers of his people.
  • God answers the prayers of his people.
  • God has control over childbirth.
  • God speaks to his people.

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What does the passage say about people?

  • People want children to carry on their family line.
  • Siblings fight with each other.
  • People often question God.
  • People can have different complexions and personalities even from the same parents.
  • Sometimes parents have favorite children.

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What does the passage say about people?

  • People often over-react to what seems like dire situations.
  • People sometimes try to trick or take advantage of others.
  • People do not react well when they are taken advantage of.

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What does the passage say about God’s plan?

  • God’s plan was to give Isaac a son through which God’s promise would be fulfilled.
  • God’s plan was to have two nations come from Isaac and Rebekah.
  • God’s plan was for Jacob to have the birthright even though he was younger.

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Discussion

  • How does the passage fit into the overarching story of the Bible?
    • This story is the first to show all three forefathers of the Israelites together: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    • God wanted the blessed line of Abraham that would bring the Messiah to go through Jacob, not Esau.
    • God has a plan for each of our lives.
    • God’s plan is to give us hope and a future through Jesus Christ.

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Discussion

  • What else strikes you about this passage?
  • How does the passage affect how you view God? How you view yourself?
  • How does this passage affect how you will live your life?