Educator Guide
Jacob Bible Study Guide
Jacob
Jacob
Renamed Israel after wrestling with God; father of the twelve patriarchs; led the family to Egypt.
Teaching prompt
How does the schemer who grabs his brother's heel become Israel, the one who wrestles with God?
Reflection
What name has God given you that is truer than the name your past has given you?
Points to Jesus
John 1:51 has Jesus pick up Jacob's Bethel dream: 'You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.' Jesus is the true ladder between heaven and earth that Jacob saw in shadow.
Discussion questions
- Genesis 25:24-34: What does Jacob's bargain with Esau reveal about both brothers?
- Genesis 28:10-22: What does God promise Jacob at Bethel, and how does Jacob respond?
- Genesis 32:22-32: What changes in Jacob when he wrestles with God at Peniel?