Read | Genesis 25:19–33
These are the family records of Isaac son of Abraham. Abraham fathered Isaac. Isaac was forty years old when he took as his wife Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The LORD was receptive to his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD. And the LORD said to her:
Two nations are in your womb;
two peoples will come from you and be separated.
One people will be stronger than the other,
and the older will serve the younger.
When her time came to give birth, there were indeed twins in her womb. The first one came out red-looking, covered with hair like a fur coat, and they named him Esau. After this, his brother came out grasping Esau’s heel with his hand. So he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when they were born.
When the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for wild game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field exhausted. He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stuff, because I’m exhausted.” That is why he was also named Edom.
Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
“Look,” said Esau, “I’m about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?”
Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to Jacob and sold his birthright to him.
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Each week, we’re reminded that experiencing God happens best through Scripture alongside others—join us for worship today at one of our five campuses and grow together in faith. Today’s sermon is titled "Jacob."
Focus
View this work of art titled Jacob Wrestling the Angel, by Edward Knippers, connected to Sunday’s sermon passage.
Visio Divina, or ‘divine seeing,’ is a way of praying and reflecting through art. As you look at this week’s piece, take a few quiet moments to notice details, colors, or emotions that stand out to you. Ask God what he might be saying through the image, and listen for his insight in your thoughts, feelings, or prayers.
Commentary:
Edward Knippers is an American artist who has created a vast body of monumental paintings focusing on biblical subjects as expressed through the human figure. His work is deeply infused with the theological significance of the incarnation. God chooses to partner with and speak through fragile and fleshly bodies, and he chose to come in corporeal form to accomplish the redemption of the world. This is why the human figure in all its violence and grace has captivated Knippers for over 40 years.
Jacob Wrestling the Angel is an 8-foot by 12-foot monumental work displaying a dynamic and powerful struggle between two figures, and it's nearly impossible to appreciate the power of this work in a reduced image on your screen, so use your imagination: these figures are much larger than you! Jacob’s face is hidden, while the angel, who is surrounded with fractured sections of color, brings him to his knees. The angel emanates light, color, and energy set against the darkness of night.
Jacob clings to the angel in a near-embrace, reminding us that to wrestle with God implies a certain level of intimacy and a willingness to risk being forever changed.
Art Source: Jacob Wrestling the Angel, Edward Knippers, 2012. Used by permission. https://edwardknippers.com/
Pray
Lord Jesus,
Today is your day—the gift of rest, the open door to worship, the living reminder of your resurrection, and a glimpse of the eternal Sabbath to come. On this day, may all your people—struggling and triumphant—join in endless praise.
Fill my mind with peace that surpasses understanding. Let my thoughts be sweet, my worship alive, my heart free and joyful. May I drink deeply from the streams that flow from your throne, feed on your precious Word, and stand strong behind the shield of faith. Draw my heart ever closer to you, Jesus, today and always.
— Adapted from The Valley of Vision, edited by Arthur Bennett
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.
Conversation Starters
The Bible is best studied with others. Talk about today’s sermon with someone else (friends, family, neighbors, at lunch, or in your community group). Use the questions below to get you started!
Jacob lied, schemed, and fractured his family—yet God still pursued him. Can you recall a time when your choices made you feel distant from God? What helped you believe he hadn’t given up on you?
This passage doesn’t offer a hero—it offers a mess. Is there a part of your story that feels too broken, too selfish, or too complicated? How might God be working with you anyway, even in that?
Jacob didn’t earn God’s favor—he received it in spite of himself. What practices, people, or truths help you stay grounded in God’s presence when shame or doubt creep in?
