Genesis: Week 54

Sunday, August 10, 2025

Read aloud Genesis 35:16-19. Pray together.

Genesis 35:16-29

LAUNCHING QUESTION

After gathering together on Sunday morning (through the welcome and Elder’s prayer, through praying together, worshiping in song together, listening to the sermon together, observing Ukids loved on by servants, attending an educational class together, talking and listening to one another, etc.), in what ways were we helped to wholeheartedly follow Jesus Christ by knowing Him and making Him known? How can the main idea of the message help equip us to help others?

Main Idea: When God’s people go off track, He is faithful to bring them back.

Three Questions - From Genesis 35:16-29

What does this passage teach us historically?

  • Summary: God demonstrates His covenant love to His people through Jacob’s painful losses (vv.16-29) following God’s great blessings at Bethel (see 35:1-15). 

  • Jacob’s losses included death of his beloved wife and father, scathing dishonor by his first born son, and sin throughout his family. What are some means of grace that God used to help him continue to walk by faith? 

  • The last son from Rachel was named Ben-oni. Yet Jacob changed his name to Benjamin. What does this name change mean and how might this change demonstrate Jacob’s faith? 

  • At the end of the passage, why does Moses include a list of the twelve sons of Jacob?

  • How does Isaac’s life end and what does this tell about God?

What does this passage teach us theologically?

  • God is faithful to keep His promises to His people.

  • Read Gen. 28:13-17 and ask, “What are some promises God made to His people through the Abrahamic Covenant? 

  • How are these promises displayed through the New Covenant in Jesus? Specifically regarding 1) Place.  2) Progeny.  3) Promise. [Note to leader: These promises are:  1) Place the “house of God” fulfilled in Christ and His bride the church; both locally and globally. 2) Progeny in Christ as the converted born again children of God who multiply in local churches by the proclamation of the gospel throughout the world. 3) Promise in Christ from whom there can be no severing; that is, “I will never leave you or forsake you.  

What does this passage teach us practically? 

  • Through the best of life’s joys? 

  • Through the worst of life’s pains?