Connect
At some point in our lives, we aspire to be someone different than we are or to achieve something special. Who or what did you want to become and why?

Engage
The following passages reflect on the early life of a person named Jacob, a descendent of Abraham. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and a twin to his brother Esau.

Read Genesis 25:19-28
In verse 22, there appears to be some foreshadowing about the relationship between these twins in Rebekah’s womb. When Rebekah inquires of the Lord about her situation, what was the Lord’s response in verse 23? Do you think she was puzzled by the term “two nations?”
From verses 27-28, describe the differences between the two boys. What kind of family dynamic did this create between the parents and the children?

Read Genesis 27:1-46
This account starts with Isaac expressing a desire to pass along his blessing to his older son Esau.
In verses 5-10, what was Rebekah’s reaction to Isaac’s request? What do you think was her motivation for reacting the way she did? Describe Jacob’s reaction in verses 11-13. Do you think he was enthusiastic about the plan? What convinced him to go along with it?
In verses 19-24, Jacob engages with Isaac according to the nefarious plan that was laid out by Rebekah. When Isaac became suspicious, Jacob had the opportunity to come clean. What did he choose to do? Did the plan work?
What was Esau’s reaction to Jacob’s deceit in verses 41-45? What did Jacob end up doing after this incident? Did Isaac’s blessing really turn out to be a blessing to Jacob? Why or why not?

Read Genesis 28:10-17
While fleeing Esau, on his journey to his new home Paddan Aram, Jacob rested for the evening and had a dream. Describe what he saw in this dream. What words did he hear from the Lord? Understanding the context of Genesis 27, do these words from the Lord surprise you? What does this say about the nature of God? In verse 16, what was Jacob’s response to the dream?

Apply
In his message, Scott talked about the traditional interpretation of weakness and strength as it pertains to the perception of ourselves. Some believe that weakness is the opposite of strength, as if it were a continuum to progress along. The idea that you can become strong by overcoming your weakness. Scott also presented the Biblical perspective, which is that in weakness, we become strong. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. How does being weak make us strong? Give an example from your life where becoming “weak” you were made strong.

Pray together
Take some time to pray as a group.