The text for this lesson is Genesis 25:19–34; 27:1–40.
Key Point
- God worked through Jacob and Esau, despite their sin, to advance His plan of salvation. In spite of our sinful actions, God accomplishes His will and plan for our lives.
- Law: God does not want me to lie and deceive others, but to trust Him and follow His way.
- Gospel: Because of His Son, Jesus, God forgives all my sins and promises to work all things together for my good.
Discussion Points
- How do we view inheritance? What is its significance for us today? How does the way we divide our inheritance demonstrate this significance?
- In these accounts of the birthright and blessing, which people acted righteously? Consider Rebekah’s call to Jacob to obey her (27:13–14). Was it right for Jacob to obey her? What other commandments were being broken? By whom? How?
- If none of these were righteous, how could God continue to bless them and bless the whole world through them (27:29; 28:4; compare 22:17–18; 12:1–3)?
- Meditate briefly on the blessings that Isaac gave to Jacob (27:27–29) and to Esau (27:39–40). Name some of the particular blessings mentioned here and, if you remember from other Bible readings, how they were fulfilled. Discuss how the blessing of Jacob differed from the blessing of Esau.
- How are we partakers of the inheritance of Jacob? How does this compare to earthly inheritances that may or may not satisfy our earthly needs? In Christ, eternal life and rule with Christ is our birthright!
- Some of those in the account may have had good intentions, yet all ended up breaking God’s Commandments by not trusting, by lying, coveting, or disobeying their parents. How does a reverent knowledge of the Law of God and trust in His provision help us in our daily life? What assurance do we have from the blessing of Jacob that God’s forgiveness is greater than any transgressions we commit in our daily life?
- It can seem troubling that the Lord “hated” Esau. But we know that Esau’s condemnation and Jacob’s blessing are the result of God’s Word preached to them. Think about the Word of God we hear in preaching, Absolution, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. What does this mean for anyone who hears and trusts these words? Even when we don’t understand the election of God, we are assured by the words He does speak to us in the Divine Service that we are forgiven and will inherit all of His blessings.
