Grow Guide | June 9, 2024
Series Theme: The Good Book
Reading: Genesis 32:24-28
Connecting Question
When did someone have to help you because you physically could not move on your own?
Who chose your name? Do you like it?
Prayer for Illumination
Let your Spirit, our Advocate, guide us still— preserving us from judgment, protecting us from sin, and leading us into righteousness, so that we may testify to the good news: fullness of life and joy for all; through Jesus Christ our Savior and in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Context
The Good Book: Meeting Our Ancestors in Faith, One Story at a Time
The Bible can be a barrier for a lot of people of faith. It’s large, intimidating, and can be confusing! Many people are wary of reading these texts, carry bruises from their upbringing, or simply do not have enough information for the stories to make any sense. This summer, we invite you to spend time reclaiming the “good” in The Good Book - learning and relearning how ancient stories relate to our stories here and now. We are so glad you are here!
From Pastor Terry Fretheim at EntertheBible.org:
Traditionally, Moses has been considered the author of the Pentateuch and hence Genesis. Over the course of half a millennium, at least since the Reformation, the question of authorship has been seen to be more complex. Genesis is now usually understood to be the product of a long growth of development in which many authors and editors have had an important role.
Look at the Book
Open to Genesis 32. Who is Jacob the son of?
Genesis 32 opens with a man named Laban. Who is that?
Why is Jacob running from his brother, Esau?
Family relationships can be hard. Who is someone in your family that you have a tough time getting along with? Why?
Names in the Old Testament often reflect personality or character. Jacob means trickster. What does your name mean? Does it reflect how you see yourself?
In Genesis 32:23, Jacob sends his family ahead of him. Why?
Jacob was alone. Sometimes this next scene is called a “dark night of the soul.” What does that phrase mean to you?
Jacob wrestles with someone. Some think it was God, some think it is spirit (in the ancient near east, they had to leave by daybreak). What kinds of things do people wrestle with in a “dark night of the soul?”
Jacob is injured. What happens to us if our hip is injured or hurts?
Jacob does not want money to let the other person go. He wants a blessing; why?
Reading further, what happens to Jacob’s name? What is the significance of changing a name?
Why is being connected to a church important to you? What things do you prefer to do alone? Why?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?
Taking it Home
Learn one new name this week at your grocery store or places your frequent so you can great them with Christ’s love next time.
God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.