Genesis 33:12-20 From last week's passage we consider the importance of Jacob owning his own wrongs he had committed against Esau. Then in today's passage we finally uncover the reason for Esau bringing 400 armed men to meet Jacob. Having now been reconciled, what are the assumptions that Esau makes which differ from how Jacob views things? What are the differences between Jacob and Esau? Where is Succoth, and why is that important to the story? How does Jacob finally come to Shechem? What is the significance of Shechem in the lives of Abraman and Jacob, and in the broader biblical narrative? What will we make of the Shechems in our lives? Why does Jacob name his altar El Elohe Israel? (50 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Esau, Reconciliation, Shechem

Genesis 33:1-11 With not a moment to rest, Jacob goes from his wrestling match with God to his encounter with Esau. He does not retreat or wait passively, but moves forward towards reconciliation. What is the significance of the arrangement of the mothers and children? How does Jacob's bowing and Esau's running work out? How have these two brothers changed, and what changed them? How can we preach a gospel of reconciliation and yet resist reconciling with those we've wronged or been wronged by? What did Jacob mean by saying that his encounter with Esau was like seeing the face of God? Why did Esau first refuse Jacob's gift, and then receive it? (56 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Esau, Reconciliation

Genesis 32:24-32 In this passage we read of a mysterious encounter Jacob has with a "man" on the night before he meets Esau. Why so much mystery surrounding this event? Eventually we discover who the man really is, but other mysteries remain. Why could God not prevail over Jacob? What was the significance of the crippling blow to Jacob's thigh? Once he can no longer wrestle the "man," to what does Jacob resort to secure the blessing he sought? What is the significance of God asking Jacob to declare his name? After a long night of fear and struggle, we find the sun rising on Jacob. A new man crosses at Penuel. (54 min.)

Keywords Jacob, Esau, Blessing

Genesis 32:13-23 After his desperate prayer to God for protection from his brother, Esau, Jacob sets about to prepare for meeting Esau. Was Jacob acting in faith or not? Why the massive present he assembled for his brother? Why did he stress to his servants to tell Esau that he was coming right behind them? Why does the narrator seem to stress that it is night? How must Esau have responded upon this constant arrival of Jacob's present? What was important to happen before Jacob could encounter God as he does in the following passage?

Keywords Jacob, Esau