Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat my game, so that you may bless me."
Genesis 27:19
In the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob deceives his father in order to receive the blessing that was intended for his older brother Esau. According to the Oxford Annotated NRSV, “The blessing, like the curse, released a power that effectively determined the character and destiny of the recipient.”
Jacob deceives his father in order to gain an advantage over his brother. This may be the most common form of deception in society today. Whether it comes in the form of a little white lie on the resume, elevating oneself at the expense of another, or pure manipulation, we are encouraged to deceive in order to get ahead. It is a dog eat dog world out there, do whatever you must to get ahead. But also know deception comes with a cost. In this story, and many like it, deception led to a fractured family and Jacob spending years estranged from his brother.
Faithful God, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ child, may I be mindful of my own deception. Forgive me for all the times I have sought personal gain at the expense of others. Amen.
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“Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:11b
Go on a treasure hunt throughout the house and have each family member find one thing that they would offer Jesus.
Have each person explain the significance of each item during a time of show and tell!
Highland Park United Methodist Church
3300 Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, Texas
214-521-3111
www.hpumc.org