Hebrews 11:20, Genesis 25:39-34 & 27

1. Read Genesis 25:29–34. Esau did not appreciate that his birthright was tied to God’s plan of redemption for the whole world. So, he traded his birthright of blessing for a worthless momentary pleasure. In what ways are you tempted to settle for momentary pleasures instead of God’s better plan of blessing and provision? Be honest.
2. Believing he was near death, Isaac decided that the time had come to bless his firstborn son, Esau. Such blessings were very important. As prayers addressed to God, blessings were viewed as shaping the future of those blessed. Read Hebrews 11:20 and Genesis 27:1–17. What is your impression of the story so far? Are Rebekah and Jacob’s actions righteous, evil, or somewhere in between? Explain.
3. Read Genesis 27:18–41. Jacob received something he didn’t deserve, while Esau did not receive what he actually deserved. And that unfairness is exactly the point. Jacob is proof that our favor with God is entirely dependent on God’s mercy, not because of anything we deserve. In what ways are you prone to believe that your favor with God is dependent on your righteousness instead of God’s mercy?
4. The gospel shows us that even as Jacob received a birthright that was not rightfully his, we have received an inheritance in Christ Jesus that is not rightfully ours (2 Corinthians 5:21). Meditate on the gospel and spend some unhurried time in prayer with one another, bringing to God prayers of thanksgiving and asking for help in the midst of whatever you are facing.