Genesis: Week 51
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Read aloud Genesis 33:1-20. Pray together.
Genesis 33:1-20
LAUNCHING QUESTION
After gathering together on Sunday morning (through prayers, worship in song, listening to the sermon, attending a class, enjoying conversations with each other, etc.), in what ways were we helped to wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ? How can the main idea of the message help equip us to help others in wholeheartedly following Jesus Christ?
Main Idea: God’s faithfulness to His people includes His transformation of His people.
Three Questions - From Genesis 33:1-20
What does this passage teach us historically?
Jacob, having previously deceived Esau who was angry enough to want to kill him, prepares for their meeting after 20 years of separation by dividing his family. When everything was in place, Jacob went out before his family to meet Esau. What happened?
In what ways does Jacob look like God is transforming him? How does Jacob talk about God as a result of receiving His blessing in chapter 32? (vv.3, 5, 11)
In what ways does Esau look like he has already forgiven Jacob? (v.4)
In verses 6-11, Esau received Jacob’s gifts. What does this signify? (Hint: They are reconciled and sins are forgiven.) And Jacob says,”I have seen your face Esau, which is like seeing the face of God and you have accepted me.” What does that strange statement mean? (Hint: Jacob earned death from Esau but instead received forgiveness from him like God receives His people who deserve death.)
Vv. 12-18, how did Pastor Jason’s map help you to understand the geography of the passage? * Succoth (middle meeting place), * Seir (outside the Promised Land, east of Jordan), *Shechem (in the land of Canaan).
Vv.19-20 demonstrates how Jacob understood this encounter with his brother. How was Jacob viewing God now? What did Pastor J. tell us El-Elohe-Israel in verse 20 mean? (Hint: personal God for Jacob and personal God for Israel) How does “pitching a tent and erecting an altar” show Jacob’s heart and how He views God?
What does this passage teach us theologically?
Big Idea: God’s faithfulness to His people includes His transformation of His people.
How does this big idea strike you personally? In what ways has He been transforming your life? What are some ways you try to remember that our God is faithful?
What does this passage teach us practically?
Discuss the 4 marks of God’s transforming work in your lives.
You start to take steps of courageous faith.
You begin moving toward humble reconciliation.
You grow in thankful recognition of God’s grace.
You begin to give personal worship to the LORD.
Take time to go around the group to share specific ways God has been transforming you. REMEMBER: We are not talking about perfection. We are talking about direction - changes in how we take steps forward even when it is intimidating, when we need to take initiative to reconcile a relationship and are unclear whether it will go well, how we are expressing gratitude to God even in unpromising circumstances, noticing how we are more freely worshipping our LORD.
Consider memorizing one of the following verses.
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thess. 3:3
“He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:6
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Cor. 10:13
“The grace of our Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” Rev.22:21