Reconciling Broken Relationships

Jacob & EsauGenesis 25-33

Jacob & Esau

• Miracle sons of Isaac and Rebekah

• Brothers who struggle in the womb 25:22

• Esau firstborn hunter & pride of his father

• Jacob the younger & pride of his mother

• Prophetic promise 25:22-23

“Look, I’m dying of hunger, what good are those rights to me?” said Esau. Jacob replied, “First promise me with an

oath that you are selling me your rights”. 25:29-34

The Blessing (Gen:26)Govert Teunisz (1615-1660)

The Injury

• Premeditated deceit 27:6-10

• Dishonesty 27:11-16

• Betrayal of trust - mother of son & son of father 27:17-24

• The blessing for Jacob 27:28-29

• The curse for Esau 27:39-40

The Withdrawal

• Esau, “When my father dies I will kill Jacob”

• Jacob, “I will flee to my uncle Laban in Haran”

• Brothers become bitter enemies

Self-Awareness

• God tells Jacob to return home 31:3

• Jacob acknowledges his fear 32:11

• Jacob seeks to placate his brother 32:13ff

Jacob Wrestles with GodGen.32:22-30

Commitment to Reconciliation

• “I have seen the face of God” 32:30

• My perspective is neither the right one nor the only one

• Positions - Jacob’s and Esau’s - versus Interests

• Practicing the way of the Kingdom

Act of Risk

• Jacob bows to Esau seven times 33:3

• Esau runs to embrace Jacob 33:4

• Relationship restored

• Everyone’s a winner!

Jacob & Esau MeetFrancesco Hayez, 1844

Circle of Reconciliation

In groups take the ‘Circle of Reconciliation’ model and illustrate it from the redemptive work of Jesus

through the cross.

RECONCILIATION

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

The hatred which divides nation from nation, race from race, class from class,Father Forgive.

The covetous desires of people and nations to possess what is not their own,Father Forgive.

The greed which exploits the work of human hands and lays waste the earth,Father Forgive.

Our envy of the welfare and happiness of others,Father Forgive.

Our indifference to the plight of the imprisoned, the homeless, the refugee,Father Forgive.

The lust which dishonours the bodies of men, women and children,Father Forgive.

The pride which leads us to trust in ourselves and not in God,Father Forgive.

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.