Part 4 – When Heaven Meets Earth
Leader Guide
In this series, we’ve seen so many ways the Old Testament predicts Jesus’ coming. This weekend we focus on Jacob, who is given a dream from God that will impact the generations to come. We can find hope in his story, as Jacob meets the Living God.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What moment from this past year has changed your perspective the most?
2. God will meet you where you are. Read Genesis 28:10-15. Where is Jacob headed? How does God speak to Jacob? What does the ladder signify? How did God introduce Himself to Jacob? What promises does God make to Jacob? Has God ever showed up in an unlikely situation in your life?
Leader’s Note: Jacob is running away from his brother Esau, who is trying to kill him after Jacob stole his birthright. While he is scared, alone, and running for his life, Jacob has a dream that is from God. Jacob could not reach God, but God came down and showed Himself to Jacob. God promised him land, a great offspring, and there is a messianic prophesy: “in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (vs 14b).
3. God has been at work the whole time. Read Genesis 28:16-17. What surprised Jacob? What does he now see? Have you ever been surprised that God was doing something in your situation behind the scenes? Take comfort from the first few lines of this verse: Jeremiah 1:5. How did God’s plans for Jacob go beyond even his own life? How did Jacob's perspective of the place change?
Leader’s Note: Long before Jacob came to “Beth-el,” God was there and had a plan. God goes ahead of you and knows what you will be facing. He did not start working in Jacob’s life just when Jacob became aware of Him. He now can see God working and he has a greater sense of purpose where he is at. God has been at work in each of our problems, struggles, and hardships even before they happen. God has already been where you are going. And God knows you intimately!
4. God wants to be your God. Read Genesis 28:18-22. What action steps does Jacob immediately take in response to God’s working in his life? What do the vows tell you? How was Jacob’s dream fulfilled?
Leader’s Note: Jacob has not personally seen God like other stories in the Old Testament (Moses, Abraham, etc.). A personal encounter with God changed Jacob. He set up a stone and worshipped. He renamed the place to honor God. He promised to come back and make a better altar when he was able. He made vows to tithe (give a tenth) of all God blessed him with to God. His actions reflect how he is starting to involve God is every area of his life. God brought all His promises to pass: the nation of Israel was born of the twelve sons (the twelve tribes) of Jacob (later named Israel). They possessed the land of Canaan. The Messiah came through his bloodline. And all the world was blessed through our Savior, Jesus.
5. Action Step: Do you see God where you are? Is He your personal God, or the God of your parents or ancestors? How has God stepped into our lives? What steps can you take to see God working where you are right now?
Leader’s Note: We can assume we know God because we have heard of Him. Yet God wants to know you and wants to be known intimately. He promises us many times to be found if we will seek him. Read Proverbs 8:17 and Jeremiah 29:13. At Christmas particularly, we celebrate that Jesus came to earth, became like us, so He could show us God. Jesus fulfilled Jacob’s dream and became the “ladder” that bridged the gap between God and man. Discontentment can lead us to miss out on what God is doing. Make time to be thankful and see the blessings that are right in front of you. Even though you may not be where you are hoping to be, God still has something for you right here right now.
Deeper
As Jacob continues his journey, God prepares him for his future.
6. Read Genesis 32:3-6. What efforts does Jacob make to return home in peace? What is the result? LN: He tries to warn Esau he is coming and bribe him with gifts. Yet Esau comes out to meet him with 400 men.
7. Read Genesis 32:7-12. What emotions does Jacob experience? What actions does he take? LN: Jacob is afraid, and he turns to God. He thanks God for the way he has blessed him and grown his family and possessions. He then reminds God of His promises to bring him back home and to make him a great nation, implying that if they are wiped out, that will not come true.
8. Read Genesis 32:13-23. What strategy does Jacob employ now? LN: He continues to overwhelm Esau with expensive presents, also showing the prosperity Jacob has gained. He split his possessions and family into two camps, hoping that at least one of them would escape if Esau attacked them.
9. Read Genesis 32:24-28. Have you ever “wrestled” with God? Look up the word “Christophany.” How was Jacob changed? LN: The “man” is thought to be a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Jacob was not the same: he pleaded and struggled with God to receive a blessing. He had a name change and became Israel, father of the Jewish nation.
10. Read Genesis 32:29-31. How do Jacob’s words reveal his changed heart? LN: He now knew God. He did receive the blessing, but he was also injured during the struggles. He was forever changed 1) in his perception of God, 2) by his name change, and 3) by the physical reminder of the struggle with the messenger.
11. Read Genesis 33:1-4. How did Jacob behave as he met Esau? What was Esau’s reaction? How did God move in this situation? LN: Jacob humbly met Esau, going in front and protecting his wives and children, bowing low. He shows none of the entitled attitude he exhibited when he stole the birthright and the blessing all those years ago. In the end, God brought him back to his homeland and birthright, with so many people and possessions in his family. Evidently, God also worked in Esau’s heart, paving the way for reconciliation.