Grow Guide | October 31

God Is - We Are

Genesis 32:9-12, 32:22-33:4  

Connecting Questions 

• Have you ever been given a second chance on something? Or, have you ever given someone else a second chance on something? Tell the story. 

• What types of things in your life have felt like it was a wrestling match to get it done? 

Context 

This week we continue our series God Is, We Are by jumping into the middle of Jacob’s story. Much has happened since last week. Abraham’s promised son, Isaac, grows up and marries Rebekah. She gives birth to twin boys: Esau and Jacob. The younger son, Jacob, tricks his older brother, Esau, out of his birthright, and then lies to his blind father to steal the blessing of the firstborn.  

Jacob is kind of a jerk. 

Jacob flees for his life because Esau is a big man and could hurt him. Esau has every right to be angry at Jacob. The trickster, Jacob, spends many years in hiding. While hiding in another country, he marries two women, has children, and amasses great wealth. God tells Jacob to return home and face his brother. Jacob is terrified of the reunion. How will Esau respond? That’s where our story begins. 

Look at the Book 

• Read Genesis 32:9-12.  

  • What is Jacob’s attitude toward God in light of what has happened to him since he fled from home? 

  • Why is Jacob afraid of Esau? 

• Read Genesis 32:22-33:4.  

  • Why did Jacob wrestle with the man? What did he want from him? 

  • What lasting injury did Jacob receive from the wrestling match? 

  • Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Why? (note: Jacob means “supplanter; someone or something taking the place of another, as through force, scheming, strategy, or the like.” Israel means “wrestles with God.”) 

  • How did Jacob approach Esau (33:3)? Why? 

  • How did Esau treat Jacob when they finally met (33:4)? 

Taking it Home 

• If you were Esau, and Jacob had stolen everything from you, would you have treated Jacob the way Esau did? Why? 

• We have seen in the stories of Abraham and Jacob that God chooses people who are less than perfect (to put in kindly). Why do you think God works this way? What message might this send to us about how we treat others? How we treat ourselves? 

• In what ways are we all Israel (wrestling with God)? 

• In your own life, where are you currently in the place of Esau in a relationship? Where are you currently in the place of Jacob? What might God be speaking to you through this story? 

• Based on this story, fill in the blanks: God is ______, We are _________.