Creation (Part 1)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. He created day and night, the sun, the stars, and the moon. He created the beasts of the earth, the livestock, and everything that crawls on the earth. And God saw that it was good.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ The Bible says that the earth was without form before God began creating. What do you think that was like?
__QUESTION TWO:__ God told the fish, birds, and animals to fill the earth. Why do you think it was important to God that the earth was full of His creatures?
__QUESTION THREE:__ On the fourth day, God established time and seasons. How does this affect you today?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ God could have made an infinite number of every animal and plant, but instead He made them to have the ability to reproduce according to their own kind. Why do you think it was important that God made things to have the ability to reproduce themselves?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ The Bible tells us that God created everything from nothing by speaking it into existence. What does this tell us about who God is and about His power?
__QUESTION SIX:__ God repeatedly looked at His creation and said that it was good. What do you think this tell us about creation? What do you think it tells us about God?
Dear God, thank You for making our world beautiful and complex. Your power and glory are shown in all created things, and we can look around and see Your handiwork everywhere we turn. Help us to see You as the source of all that is good. Give us understanding as we hear Your Word and experience Your love and care for us through it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Genesis 1:1–3 [ESV]
God formed man out of the dust and breathed into him the breath of life. God spoke to Adam, saying “Do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for if you do, you will surely die.” With Adam’s rib God made a woman.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ What are some of the ways life in the garden in Eden was different from life today?
__QUESTION TWO:__ The Bible tells us that God said, "Let Us make man in Our own image." What do you think this means? What does this tell us about what it means to be human?
__QUESTION THREE:__ God made humans to rule and have dominion over all the earth. What do you think that means? What does it tell us about how God feels about creation?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ After each day of creation, God said it was good. But after God completed creation, including the creation of Adam and Eve, He said it was “very good.” Why do you think we are told that God said his completed creation was "very good"?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ God brought the animals to Adam so Adam could name the animals. Do you think the animals were afraid of Adam? Why or why not?
__QUESTION SIX:__ The Bible says God rested from all his work on the seventh day. Did God get tired and need to rest? Why do you think we are told that He rested?
Dear God, as we take care of the world, help us to remember that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us also to look at the people around us and see them as You made them—in Your image. Break down barriers of hostility and help us love our neighbors as ourselves. Thank You for the gifts of marriage, companionship, and rest that You established from the very beginning. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
Genesis 1:27–28 [ESV]
The serpent came to Eve, saying: “Did God really say not to eat of any tree in the garden?” She ate of the fruit of the tree and shared it with her husband who was with her. Their eyes were opened, and they hid from God’s presence.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ When God called out to Adam and Eve in the garden: “Where are you?” Do you think God actually knew where they were? Was God surprised when He found that they had eaten the fruit that they were not supposed to eat?
__QUESTION TWO:__ How did God show kindness to Adam and Eve?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Adam and Eve brought sin into the world by disobeying God. Does every person born after Adam and Eve also sin?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Why did God not allow Adam and Eve to live in the garden and eat from the tree of life after they disobeyed? Do you think this was a punishment, a protection, or both?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ What do you think God meant when He referred to the offspring of Eve that would crush the head of the serpent?
__QUESTION SIX:__ The Bible tells us that God drove the man from the garden to work the ground from which he had been taken. How do you think Adam and Eve's life would be different outside the garden?
Dear God, as sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, mankind’s relationship with You was broken. Though You punished disobedience, You also made a path forward to restore and redeem that broken relationship. You sent Jesus into the world to die for us on the cross and rise from the dead. Through this, You have made us Your children. Forgive us and strengthen us in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Amen.
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. He [God] drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
Genesis 3:6, 24 [ESV]
Adam and Eve had two sons: Cain and Abel. In the course of time, Cain and Abel brought offerings to the LORD. The LORD accepted Abel and his offering, but He did not accept Cain or his offering. Cain turned on his brother Abel and killed him.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Why was Cain angry with his brother Abel? Did Abel do anything wrong?
__QUESTION TWO:__ What was the mark God placed on Cain and why did He protect Cain in this way?
__QUESTION THREE:__ When God said to Cain, "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it," what was God warning him about?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Why did God accept Abel and his offering and not Cain and his offering?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Why did God ask Cain where his brother was when He knew the answer?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Cain asked, "am I my brother's keeper?" Do you think Cain was supposed to be his brother's keeper? What do you think it means to be someone's keeper?
Heavenly Father, it is amazing to see the grace that You extended to Cain. Thank You for treating us with the same kindness. Though we have sinned, You have offered us forgiveness. Help us to turn away from evil and turn toward You. Do not let sin overtake us. Help us to rule over it. Open our hearts, Lord, to Your Word and the grace that you freely give us in Jesus Christ. Amen.
The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
Genesis 4:6–8 [ESV]
God saw that the people on earth were very wicked. Noah found favor with God. God gave him instructions to build an ark. He gathered all the animals, his family, and enough food, and entered the ark. It rained on the earth 40 days and 40 nights.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ The Bible says that one hundred years passed between God telling Noah to build the ark and the ark being complete. Imagine what it was like for Noah to build an ark over a period of one hundred years. What do you think Noah's community thought about the ark?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Noah's family had to believe Noah in order to enter the ark with him. How do you think Noah's family felt when Noah told them what was going to happen?
__QUESTION THREE:__ What do you think it was like for Noah and his family to take care of all the animals on the ark?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ What does the story of the flood tell us about God's attitude toward violence and wickedness?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Noah had no experience with a flood on this scale, and he would not have fully understood what the flood would have been like. What are all the ways Noah and his family would have had to trust God as they prepared for the flood?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Noah's family believed Noah enough to enter the ark when the time was right. What does this tell us about Noah's relationship with his family?
__QUESTION SEVEN:__ The Bible does not tell us whether Noah went looking for all the wild animals, or if God miraculously brought them to him. What do you think this process was like?
__QUESTION EIGHT:__ In the story of Noah and the great flood, there is a lot of death. Where do you see God’s compassion?
Dear God, thank You for the faithfulness of Noah, through whom You saved people and animals from the flood. Help us to be faithful to You in our lives as well. Keep us set apart from the wickedness of the world and preserve us from all harm and danger. Help us to trust in Jesus Christ, through Whom You save all who believe. In His name we pray. Amen.
And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth."
Genesis 6:12–13 [ESV]
God remembered Noah and all the animals in the ark. The waters began to recede. God established His covenant with Noah, Noah's family, and every creature on earth, that never again would all living things be destroyed by a flood. God set His bow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Noah and his family were on the ark for over a year, with thousands of animals. How do you think Noah and his family felt by the end of the year? How do you think they felt when God finally told them they could come out of the ark?
__QUESTION TWO:__ What do you think it was like for Noah and his family to come off the ark to a world that had been totally destroyed and know that they were the only people on the earth?
__QUESTION THREE:__ The earth was destroyed because of evil and violence. Do you think Noah's family worried that evil would come on the earth again? Why or why not?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ God made a covenant with His whole creation to never destroy all living things with a flood, and He blessed Noah and his sons to be fruitful and multiply. What does tell us about what God wants for His creation?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ In episode 5, we learned that God takes sin and violence very seriously and will send judgment in order to put an end to wickedness. In this episode, what do we learn about God's compassion?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Why do you think Noah cursed Ham's youngest son Canaan? Was this the right thing to do? Why or why not?
__QUESTION SEVEN:__ God's command concerning murder was, "Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed." Why do you think God said this now, after the flood?
Heavenly Father, You saved Your creation from the flood by a powerful act of mercy. Thank You for Your covenant with every living creature, that You will never destroy all living beings by a flood again. Thank You for the rainbow, that we can see a visible sign of Your care for all living things. Help us to repent and trust in You, just as You call us to do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
"I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh. And the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh."
Genesis 9:13–15 [ESV]
God called Abram out from Ur and promised to make him a great nation. Abram traveled to Canaan but a famine forced Abram and Sarai to go to Egypt. Abram told Sarai to tell the Egyptians that she was his sister, for fear that they would kill him.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ God promised Abram that he would make him a great nation. How hard would it have been for Abram to believe this promise when he was old and had no children?
__QUESTION TWO:__ How would you respond if God promised you something that didn't seem possible?
__QUESTION THREE:__ How do you think Sarai felt when she was taken away from Abram and into Pharaoh's house?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ How do you think Abram felt when he had to leave his country and family? What did Abram have to look forward to?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ How can you see Abram demonstrating faith and/or doubt in the events surrounding Sarai and Abram in Egypt?
__QUESTION SIX:__ In these events, God told Abram that He would bless Abram and make his name great. How would you feel if God told you He would bless you and make your name great?
__QUESTION SEVEN:__ The Egyptians took Sarai without asking Abram's or Sarai's permission. Do you think Abram's life would have been in danger if he had told the truth about Sarai being his wife? What would have happened to Sarai if the Egyptians had killed Abram and taken Sarai?
Dear God, You told Abram that You would make him into a great nation, and that all nations would be blessed through him. While Abram was not perfect, he had faith in You and Your promises. Please help our faith increase. Help us trust You, even when we cannot see what is ahead of us. Help us to always trust Your Son, Jesus Christ, the One Who came to bless all nations. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Genesis 12:1–3 [ESV]
Abram and Lot separated: Lot lived in the Jordan Valley, and Abram lived in Canaan. God told Abram that He would give him and his descendants the land. After a battle between kings, Lot was captured. Abram defeated the captors and brought Lot back. Melchizedek blessed Abram.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Abram gave Lot the choice of land to settle in to avoid quarreling within his family. Do you think this was the right thing to do? Why or why not?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Lot lived in the Jordan Valley near Sodom. The Bible describes the men of Sodom as being wicked. What do you think could be the result of living close to wicked people?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Even though Abram and Lot had parted ways, Abram gathered a band of 318 fighting men to rescue Lot and his whole household. What does this tell us about Abram's character and how he felt about his nephew, Lot?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Why do you think Abram had so many trained warriors? What does this tell us about Abram?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Why do you think Abram gave Melchizedek, the king of Salem, a tenth of everything?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Abram refused to accept the goods that the king of Sodom offered. Why did Abram refuse? Would it have been wrong for Abram to keep them?
Heavenly Father, Abram refused to take any riches from the king of Sodom, but instead trusted You alone. Help us see you as Abram saw you, as the source of all good gifts. Please give us a generous heart, so that we will use our gifts for the good of others, just as Abram did. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Genesis 14:18–20 [ESV]
The LORD brought Abram outside and told him to look up at the sky and count the stars. So would be the number of Abram's offspring. Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted it to him as righteousness. That day, the LORD made a covenant with Abram.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ God told Abram that He was his shield. What do you think God meant by this? How would you have felt if God said this to you?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Abram and Sarai were too old to have children when God promised that he would have a son. How do you think Abram felt when he heard God's promise? Do you think he had doubts?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Imagine that God gave you the same promises He gave to Abram. Would it be easy or hard for you to believe Him? Why or why not?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ God told Abram that his descendants would be slaves in a foreign land, but that God would deliver them. Why do you think God told him this? Why would God allow His people to be slaves?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ The Bible tells us that Abram believed God and that God counted it to Abram as righteousness. What does this tell us about the importance of believing God and having faith in His promises?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Abram asked how he could know that God would give him the land. Was it right for Abram to question God? Why or why not?
__QUESTION SEVEN:__ When God made His covenant with Abram, God passed through the animals that Abram had prepared. What do you think is the significance of this?
Dear God, Thank You for revealing Your grace toward Abram through the Scriptures. Thank You for protecting him from all harm. You promised him that You would be faithful, and You were. You promised that You would bless all nations through him. You guided Abram and all his descendants until it was the right time to send Your Son Jesus into the world to save us. Thank You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.
Genesis 15:5–6 [ESV]
Rebekah became pregnant, and the children struggled together within her womb. Isaac favored Esau, while Rebekah favored Jacob. Esau exchanged his birthright for Jacob's stew. There was a famine, and Isaac settled in Gerar, where he said of Rebekah, “she is my sister.”
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__QUESTION ONE:__ In episode 19, Rebekah's family sent her away with this blessing: "May you become thousands of ten thousands." How do you think Rebekah felt when she was unable to have any children for twenty years?
__QUESTION TWO:__ God told Rebekah that there were two nations in her womb. What do you think He meant by this?
__QUESTION THREE:__ The Bible tells us that Esau despised his birthright. What do you think that means?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Esau was willing to part with his birthright in exchange for some stew because he was very hungry. What does this reveal about Esau's character?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Because Isaac was afraid, he told the men of Gerar that Rebekah was his sister. Do you think that was a wise thing to do? Why or why not?
__QUESTION SIX:__ God told Rebekah that her older son would serve the younger. Do you think it was God's will for Jacob to ask for Esau's birthright?
Dear God, we see the mercy and love that You showed to Your people in miraculously providing children for Rebekah when she could not have children for 20 years. As we experience suffering and heartache, grant peace and provision. You also provided a path to our Savior Jesus Christ through Isaac and Rebekah; thank You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.” Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Genesis 25:31–34 [ESV]
When Isaac was old, he called for Esau to prepare wild game for him, and he would bless him. Rebekah heard their conversation, prepared the food, and put Esau’s clothes on Jacob. Isaac ate the meal that Jacob brought to him, and blessed him instead of Esau.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Why do you think it was so important to Rebekah for Jacob to receive Isaac's blessing?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Do you think Isaac knew that God told Rebekah that their older son would serve the younger?
__QUESTION THREE:__ God told Rebekah that the older son would serve the younger. Do you think she was doing God's will by helping Jacob take Esau's blessing?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Do you think it was a good thing for Isaac's birthright and blessing to pass to Jacob instead of Esau? Why or why not?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Esau married Ishmael's daughter when he learned that his Canaanite wives displeased his father. Do you think that his new marriage pleased his father? Why or why not?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Do you think Esau would have killed his brother Jacob if Jacob had not fled to Haran?
Dear God, Thank You for choosing to walk with us and bring blessing to our families, just as you did for Jacob. Just like Jacob's family, we also experience deception and fractures within our families. Help us to trust you, and give us wisdom to know how to seek forgiveness and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “I heard your father speak to your brother Esau, ‘Bring me game and prepare for me delicious food, that I may eat it and bless you before the LORD before I die.’ Now therefore, my son, obey my voice as I command you. Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves. And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies.”
Genesis 27:6–10 [ESV]
On his way to Haran Jacob had a dream and saw a ladder set on the earth and reaching to Heaven. At the very top, the LORD appeared, and He promised to give the land on which Jacob was lying to him and his offspring.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ What do you think was the meaning of the angels ascending and descending on the ladder that Jacob saw in his dream?
__QUESTION TWO:__ The shepherds told Jacob that they would wait until all the flocks were gathered together at the well before rolling away the stone that covered the well. Why do you think Jacob chose to move the stone himself?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Jacob promised to give a tenth of everything God gave him back to God. How do you think Jacob would accomplish this?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ When Jacob met Rachel, he kissed her and began to weep. Why do you think he had this reaction?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Jacob rolled the stone away from the well, watered the sheep, and then wept and kissed Rachel. What do you think Rachel was thinking as he did these things?
__QUESTION SIX:__ In Jacob's dream, he saw the LORD appearing at the very top of the ladder that reached from the earth to Heaven. What do you think is the meaning of this?
Heavenly Father, as we learn about Your Divine Narrative, we can see Your promises throughout generations. The promise You gave to Abraham was the same enduring promise that You gave to Jacob, and that same promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Help us see how we also receive Your promises. Please equip us with faith, trust, and endurance to face all trials knowing that You are forever faithful. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring."
Genesis 28:12–13 [ESV]
Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but Laban deceived Jacob, and brought Leah to him on his wedding night. Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven more years so he could marry Rachel as well. God blessed Leah and Rachel and their servants with sons and a daughter.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ How would you feel if you were tricked into marrying a different person than you wanted to marry?
__QUESTION TWO:__ When Rachel gave birth to Naphtali, she said, "I have wrestled mightily with my sister, and I have prevailed." What does this reveal about how Rachel saw her relationship with Leah?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Laban told Jacob that he switched Leah for Rachel because in their country the older needed to be married first. Do you think this was a good reason to trick Jacob?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ How do you think Rachel felt after her father tricked Jacob into marrying her older sister Leah?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ How do you think Jacob's children were affected by the competition between Rachel and Leah?
__QUESTION SIX:__ In iBIBLE episode 21, we learned that Jacob tricked his father into thinking he was Esau so he could get Esau's blessing. In this episode, Laban tricked Jacob into marrying Laban's older daughter, Leah. Do you think these two stories are related? Why or why not?
Dear God, Your Word reveals to us Your plan to redeem and restore mankind from the very beginning. You worked powerfully through Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and their servants to help accomplish Your plan by blessing them with children. As we read more from Your Word, help us to focus our eyes on Your enduring mercy and grace toward Your people, including us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.”
Genesis 29:15–18 [ESV]
Jacob asked Laban to let him return to his country, Canaan. Laban convinced him to stay by agreeing to give him the speckled and spotted sheep and goats from his flock. But Laban quickly removed these from his flock. Jacob continued to care for Laban’s flocks and God blessed Jacob. Jacob, his wives, and all that he had, fled to Canaan.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Why do you think Laban kept taking advantage of his nephew, Jacob?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Why do you think Jacob was willing to work for Laban even though Laban kept cheating him?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Why do you think Rachel took her father's household gods?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ What do you think Jacob thought of his Uncle Laban after being treated so badly by him?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ How do you think Leah and Rachel thought about their father after they saw him cheating Jacob?
__QUESTION SIX:__ God kept blessing Jacob even though Laban was cheating him. What does this tell us about God?
Heavenly Father, just as Jacob trusted You for protection as he left Laban’s house, equip us with faith as well. Even when we cannot see a path out of difficult situations in this life, help us to place our trust in Your ability to provide all that we need. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
And [Jacob] said to them, “I see that your father does not regard me with favor as he did before. But the God of my father has been with me. You know that I have served your father with all my strength, yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God did not permit him to harm me. Genesis 31:5–7 [ESV]
When Laban learned that Jacob had fled, he pursued him. After seven days, Laban overtook Jacob. God warned Laban in a dream not to say anything, good or bad to Jacob. Laban searched for his stolen gods, but did not find them. Rachel had hidden the gods in her saddle.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Why do you think God warned Laban in a dream not to say anything, good or bad, to Jacob?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Laban said that Leah and Rachel, their children, and all Jacob's flocks belonged to Laban. Why do you think he said this? Do you think he was right?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Laban said that he could have sent Jacob's household away with joy and singing. Given what we know of Laban's character, do you think this is what he would have done? Why or why not?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Jacob said that whoever took Laban's household gods would be killed. What do you think Jacob would have done had they discovered that Rachel had stolen the gods?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ How do you think Jacob felt leaving Laban after working for him for 20 years?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Why do you think Laban suggested that he and Jacob make a covenant together?
Dear God, You protected Jacob when he was confronted by Laban and Laban's kinsmen. In doing so, You not only protected his life, but the line that would—years later—lead to Jesus. Thank You for protecting Your people, including us. Help us to trust You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
"These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been on my side, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed." Genesis 31:41–42a [ESV]
Jacob became afraid after hearing that Esau was approaching, so he divided his camp and prayed to God. A Man appeared to Jacob, and they began to wrestle through the night. The Man blessed Jacob and changed his name to Israel. The next day, Esau ran toward Jacob and embraced him.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Do you think Jacob had a good reason to be afraid of seeing his brother again?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Jacob (Israel) said he would not let the Man go unless He blessed him. Why do you think he said this?
__QUESTION THREE:__ What do you think the Man meant when He told Jacob (Israel), "you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed?"
__QUESTION FOUR:__ As they approached Esau and his 400 men, Jacob (Israel) put the two maidservants with their children in the front, Leah with her children next, and Rachel and Joseph last. Why do you think Jacob arranged them in this way?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ How do you think Jacob (Israel) felt when he was finally reunited with Esau, and realized he and his family were safe?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Why do you think Esau was so happy to see his brother, Jacob (Israel), even after Jacob had stolen Esau's blessing 20 years earlier?
Dear God, You are the One Who fixes broken relationships. Just as You heard Jacob’s prayer for safety and protected him from the wrath of his brother, and just as You brought them together in brotherly love, help us to reconcile with those in our lives where our relationships are broken. Strengthen us in the knowledge that You are powerful to do so. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.”
Genesis 32:28, 30 [ESV]
When Shechem saw Dinah, he seized her and forced himself on her. Hamor asked Jacob to give Dinah to his son Shechem as his wife. The sons of Jacob agreed but only if the men of Shechem were circumcised. On the third day, Simeon and Levi killed every male in the city.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Why do you think Jacob (Israel) wanted to wait for his sons to return before reacting to what happened to Dinah?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Do you think God was pleased with how Simeon and Levi reacted to the attack on their sister? Why or why not?
__QUESTION THREE:__ How do you think Dinah felt about what her brothers did to the people of Shechem?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ How do you see God blessing and protecting Jacob's (Israel's) family, even in the midst of the attack on Dinah and the violence that followed?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ After the events at Shechem, Jacob (Israel) told his household to get rid of their foreign gods, and to purify themselves. Why do you think Jacob felt this was necessary before they went to Bethel?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Why do you think God caused a terror to come upon the surrounding cities as Jacob and his household traveled away from Shechem?
Dear Heavenly Father, in this world full of sin and suffering, in all the wrongs we experience, we pray that You will grant us peace and endurance. Help us to forgive those who wrong us in our own lives and help us to put our trust in Your justice, which is perfect. And where our forgiveness falls short, and we still feel resentment and hurt, forgive us, Lord. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her.
The sons of Jacob had come in from the field as soon as they heard of it, and the men were indignant and very angry, because he had done an outrageous thing in Israel by lying with Jacob's daughter, for such a thing must not be done.
Genesis 34:1–2, 7 [ESV]
The LORD told Abram that he would be the father of many nations. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. God promised that Abraham would give birth to a son. As a sign of the covenant, Abraham and all male descendants were to be circumcised. God blessed Ishmael as well.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ How would you feel if you were in your 90s and God told you that you would have a child?
__QUESTION TWO:__ God told Abraham to walk before Him and be pure-hearted. What do you think that meant?
__QUESTION THREE:__ What do you think it means to establish an everlasting covenant with someone?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ The Bible says that Abraham laughed when God told him he would have a son. Do you think Abraham was being disrespectful to God? Was it wrong for him to laugh?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ What can we learn from Abraham about faith?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Why do you think God blessed Ishmael even though he was not the son God had promised would be Abraham's heir?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You made to Abraham, to make him the father of many nations. Just as Abraham and Sarah had to trust you to fulfill your promises, help us to trust You, and to wait on Your perfect timing. Thank you for bringing us into Your family through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
“Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.
And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you."
Genesis 17:4–5, 7 [ESV]
Sarai was childless, and she gave Abram her servant Hagar to be Abram's wife, so that Sarai could have children through her. Hagar became pregnant, but ran away when Sarai dealt harshly with Hagar. The Angel of the LORD found Hagar and gave her a promise. Hagar bore Abram a son, Ishmael.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ God had promised Abram that he would have a son, and in this episode Hagar became pregnant and had a son. Do you Abram thought this would be son God had promised?
__QUESTION TWO:__ After Hagar became pregnant, she treated Sarai with contempt. Why do you think she did this?
__QUESTION THREE:__ When Hagar began to treat Sarai with contempt, Sarai blamed Abram. Why do you think Sarai blamed Abram?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ After Hagar ran away, the Angel of the LORD told her to return to Sarai. Why do you think the Angel of the LORD wanted her to return to someone who was treating her harshly?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ The Bible does not say how Sarai treated Hagar after she returned from running away. How do you think Sarai and Abram treated Hagar after she returned?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Do you think it was God's plan for Abram to have a son with Hagar?
Dear God, You showed us Your kindness in how You spoke to Hagar in the wilderness. Instead of leaving her alone, You found her and blessed her. You are “The God Who sees me.” You are all-knowing and kind, even when we sin. Help us, Lord, to look upon those who are hurting as You did with Hagar, with grace and love. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.
Genesis 16:3, 15–16 [ESV]
Joseph went up to Canaan to bury his father Jacob, and many went with him. Joseph continued to live in the land of Egypt along with his father’s household. He made the sons of Israel swear an oath to carry his bones out of Egypt. Joseph died at the age of 110.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Why do you think the place of his burial mattered so much to Jacob (Israel)?
__QUESTION TWO:__ In addition to Joseph’s family, all of Egypt went to mourn Jacob’s (Israel’s) death. Why do you think they did this?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Pharaoh had granted multiple requests from Jacob (Israel) over the years. Why do you think Pharaoh had such respect for Jacob?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ What do you think motivated Joseph to forgive his brothers?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Do you think Joseph’s brothers were right to be afraid that Joseph would hurt them in return after their father died?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Is there anyone in your life who has sinned against you and needs your forgiveness, like Joseph’s brothers desired forgiveness from Joseph?
Heavenly Father, thank You that death is not the end. Though we may weep and suffer in our lives, and ultimately face physical death, please give us hope in the resurrection and our eternal lives with You. Just as Joseph’s life was used to protect Your people, help us to serve You throughout our own lives to help others. Gather us, Your people, into Your Kingdom which has no end. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:19–21 [ESV]
Jacob called for his sons to tell them what would happen to them in the days to come. These were the twelve tribes of Israel, and their father spoke to them and blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him. Then Jacob breathed his last breath.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ For years, Jacob (Israel) thought that Joseph was dead, and Simeon was imprisoned for a time. How do you think he felt to be surrounded by all of his sons as he died?
__QUESTION TWO:__ What do you think was going through Reuben’s mind when he was confronted with his past sin of sleeping with his father’s concubine?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Why do you think Jacob (Israel) cursed the anger of Simeon and Levi? What does this tell us about Jacob?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Jacob (Israel) said that the scepter would not depart from Judah. What do you think this means?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Jacob (Israel) said that the archers attacked Joseph fiercely, but that his bow remained steady. What do you think this means?
__QUESTION SIX:__ How do you think Benjamin felt being compared to a “ravenous wolf”?
Dear God, You established the twelve tribes of Jacob (Israel) to multiply and fill the land that You set aside for them. You used Jacob to prophesy over and bless his sons in order for that to happen. Now that we have been brought into Your family through faith, bless us with faith that endures, even when things are hard. Help us to see Your mercy and provision throughout the Scriptures, and let it give us comfort. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.”
When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last and was gathered to his people.
Genesis 49:10, 33 [ESV]
Jacob and his sons lived in Goshen, and their numbers multiplied greatly. Joseph swore to Jacob that he would bury him in the land of Canaan. Jacob blessed Joseph’s two sons, saying that the younger brother would be greater than the older.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Jacob (Israel) made Manasseh and Ephraim his inheritors along with his own sons. What does this tell us about how he thought about Joseph and being reunited with him?
__QUESTION TWO:__ How does the blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim mirror what happened to Jacob (Israel) himself earlier in his life?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Why do you think Joseph was displeased that his younger son would receive a greater blessing?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ When Joseph, Manasseh, and Ephraim heard of God’s faithfulness to Jacob (Israel) throughout his life, do you think that gave them hope for their own lives?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Why do you think it was so important to Jacob (Israel) to be buried in the land of his fathers, rather than in Egypt?
__QUESTION SIX:__ How do you think Manasseh and Ephraim felt hearing about their grandfather’s conquests over the Amorites to take their land?
Heavenly Father, throughout Scripture, You reveal Your promises to Your people. Thank You for reminding us of Your enduring love and grace, that Your blessings really do continue from generation to generation. Thank You for revealing Who You are and Your faithful character. You are our shepherd throughout our lives, redeeming us from all evil, just as You did for Jacob (Israel). In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
And he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life long to this day, the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys; and in them let my name be carried on, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.”
Genesis 48:15–16 [ESV]
Joseph presented himself to his father Jacob, and he embraced him and wept on his neck for a long time. Pharaoh gave Jacob and his family the land of Goshen to live in. Joseph made it a law in Egypt that Pharaoh should collect a tax of 20 percent.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Joseph had not seen his father for over twenty years. What do you think Joseph was thinking when he saw him again?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Why do you think Egyptians were disgusted by shepherds?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Jacob (Israel) told Pharaoh that the years of his life were few and difficult. Why do you think he described his life this way?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Jacob (Israel) blessed Pharaoh. Why do you think he did that?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ The Bible tells us that Joseph provided for all of Jacob’s (Israel’s) household, taking care of even the youngest. Why do you think the Bible records this detail?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Do you think it was right for Joseph to transfer the ownership of the Egyptians’ land, livestock, and persons to Pharaoh?
Dear God, You used leaders in Egypt to protect and bless the people of Israel as they established themselves in that land and faced the famine. Please guide and protect us in our own countries, knowing that You establish rulers and leaders for our care. Help all who lead and rule to do so justly and with the wisdom that comes from You. And help us to honor those in authority. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Settle your father and your brothers in the best of the land. Let them settle in the land of Goshen, and if you know any able men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
Genesis 47:5–6 [ESV]
Joseph asked his brothers to go and tell his father, Jacob, about everything they had seen. Joseph’s brothers left Egypt and returned to Jacob. Jacob exclaimed that his son was alive and began his journey to Egypt, taking with him all that he had.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Joseph told his brothers that God made him a father to Pharaoh. What do you think this means?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Why do you think Pharaoh wanted to help Joseph’s family move to Egypt?
__QUESTION THREE:__ Do you think Jacob (Israel) would have agreed to come down to Egypt if Joseph had returned to him? Why or why not?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ Jacob (Israel) never questioned his sons about what happened to Joseph after finding out he was alive. Why do you think he chose not to?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Jacob (Israel) offered sacrifices to God on his way to Egypt. Why do you think Jacob felt this was an important thing to do?
__QUESTION SIX:__ God told Jacob (Israel) not to be afraid to go to Egypt. Do you think Jacob was afraid to go to Egypt? Why or why not?
Heavenly Father, through Israel, You brought all of Your people into the land of Egypt, and saved their lives during a famine. Thank You for showing us that You work good through our lives and circumstances in ways we do not understand. As we learn from Your Divine Narrative, help us to see Your love for Your people, including us. Keep us steadfast in the faith. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
“And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
“Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; do not tarry.’”
Genesis 45:7–9 [ESV]
Joseph’s brothers were not far away from Egypt when Joseph’s manager caught up to them. The silver cup was found in Benjamin’s pack, so the brothers returned to Egypt. Judah pleaded with Joseph for his brother Benjamin’s life. Joseph revealed who he was to his brothers.
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__QUESTION ONE:__ Do you think it was wrong for Joseph to have his household manager put the silver cup in Benjamin’s bag? Why or why not?
__QUESTION TWO:__ Do you think Joseph’s brothers believed Benjamin really stole the silver cup? Or do you think they believed it was planted, or an accident?
__QUESTION THREE:__ What would you do if you were falsely accused of stealing? What would you do if you were in Benjamin’s situation?
__QUESTION FOUR:__ What do you think Judah felt when he stood before Joseph to plead for Benjamin’s life?
__QUESTION FIVE:__ Why do you think Joseph’s brothers were terrified at his presence when he revealed who he was to them?
__QUESTION SIX:__ Benjamin and Joseph wept when they saw each other for the first time in so long. Have you ever been so happy that you cried?
Dear Lord, thank You for how Your Word encourages and shapes us. As Judah pleaded for the life of his brother, offering himself as a ransom for Benjamin’s life, we can look forward to see how You gave Your only Son as a ransom for our lives, when Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Strengthen our faith and help us to trust in You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.”
Genesis 45:4–5 [ESV]
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