Genesis 35:1-8 God uses the disasters at Shechem to move Jacob on to Bethel. Shechem was never intended to be a destination, only a portal to another place. What happens when we get stuck at Shechem, and why is it important that we move on to Bethel? How do we become like the world when we define our spirituality by how we are not like the world? What encouraging change do we see in Jacob in this part of his life? Do we really practice idolatry in our modern world, and if so, how? (57 min)

Keywords Jacob, Shechem, Idols, Bethel

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