The book of Genesis hovers over one family because this is the one family that God has chosen to change all humanity through. This family is the hope of the world. From the previous chapters of Genesis, we see Jacob from his birth, fighting for the upper hand with his twin brother, Esau. And today, we watch as these two brothers come together for the first time in over twenty years. Not only that, today’s passage, Genesis 33:1-20, tells the story of these two brothers’ reconciliation, highlighting how a transformative encounter with God (wrestling in Gen 32) enables humility, breaks fear, and fosters peace after twenty years of estrangement.

I. Fear from the Shadow of the Past (Gen 33:1-3a)

At the end of Gen 32, Jacob wrestled with God and prevailed. However, the circumstances still had not changed. Jacob and his family still faced a dangerous situation. Jacob, this former…

2 Corinthians 4:1–12

Big Idea: We proclaim Christ in weakness — God opens blind eyes.

Aim: Do not lose heart. [Slide 1]

Hook

• What will it take for the world to know Jesus?

• What kind of people does God use?

The God who wrestles

Genesis 32:1-32

When our faith in Christ leads us to a crisis, let’s tighten our grip on God who wrestles those whom he blesses.

1. Jacob’s trust in God leads to impending crisis

2. Jacob’s preparation for atonement

3. Jacob’s grip on the God who wrestles him  

Following God’s dream

Passage: Genesis 30:25-34, 31:3-21, 31:42-47

Big Idea: In the face of our failings and our insufficiency, by faith, follow God’s dream.

1.      Jacob’s insufficiency for the trip home

2.      Jacob’s failings became his faithful allies