Today’s Bulletin
OUTLINE
Genesis 29:1-30
29 Then Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the east. 2 As he looked, he saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep lying beside it, for out of that well the flocks were watered. The stone on the well’s mouth was large, 3 and when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place over the mouth of the well.
4 Jacob said to them, “My brothers, where do you come from?” They said, “We are from Haran.” 5 He said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?” They said, “We know him.” 6 He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well; and see, Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep!” 7 He said, “Behold, it is still high day; it is not time for the livestock to be gathered together. Water the sheep and go, pasture them.” 8 But they said, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together and the stone is rolled from the mouth of the well; then we water the sheep.”
9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. 10 Now as soon as Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, Jacob came near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s kinsman, and that he was Rebekah’s son, and she ran and told her father.
13 As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things, 14 and Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh!” And he stayed with him a month.
15 Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” 16 Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. 18 Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.
21 Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” 22 So Laban gathered together all the people of the place and made a feast. 23 But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. 24 (Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.) 25 And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” 26 Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” 28 Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. 29 (Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.) 30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years.
Sermon Discussion questions
Trickster Gets Tricked: (Genesis 29:1-30)
Ice Breaker: Like Jacob at the well, have you ever tried to impress someone by doing something? What was it and did it work? or What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen someone do to try and impress a boy or girl?
This Week Specific
God’s Presence in Our Lives
Recognizing God’s Presence – In Genesis 28:15, God promises Jacob, “I am with you and will keep you wherever you go.” How do you remind yourself that God is with you, even when circumstances don’t seem to reflect that? Share a time when you had to trust in God’s presence despite difficulties.
God’s Providence in Everyday Life – Jacob arrives at the right place at the right time and meets Rachel at the well. Have you ever seen God orchestrate events in your life in unexpected ways? How can this passage encourage you to trust God’s timing in your job, family, or personal struggles?
Prayer For EveryDay Life - While on a journey to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:12-14 prayed for the Lord to lead him to the right woman, Jacob does no such thing. I expect we tend most of us function more like Jacob, as we go through life, why is that and how might prayer become more apart of your life during the moments of your day?
Relationships & Integrity
Family & Deception – Laban deceives Jacob just as Jacob had deceived Esau. What does this passage teach us about the long-term consequences of deception? How can you strive for honesty and integrity in your own family, workplace, or school? (See Proverbs 12:22)
Love & Waiting – Jacob worked seven years (then another seven) for Rachel. In a culture of instant gratification, what does his patience teach us about waiting well for what we desire—whether in relationships, career, or spiritual growth? How can this apply to something you’re waiting on God for today? (See Psalm 27:14)
Work & Faithfulness
Work & God’s Sovereignty – Even when treated unfairly, Jacob remained committed to his work. How does this passage shape your perspective on work, especially when your job or responsibilities feel unfair or unrewarding? How can Colossians 3:23-24 shape how we work?
Handling Disappointment – Jacob wakes up expecting Rachel and finds Leah. Have you ever faced a situation in life where reality did not meet your expectations? How did you respond? How should we process disappointment in a way that honors God? (See Romans 8:28)
God’s Greater Plan
God Works Through Imperfect People – Despite deception, heartbreak, and family drama, God uses this situation to build the 12 tribes of Israel. How does this encourage you in the midst of your own messy or complicated situations? Where do you need to trust that God is working behind the scenes?
Weekly Questions
What stood out to you/challenged you most in this sermon?
What’s one area you feel the Lord wants to grow you into more Christ likeness?
How can this group pray for you this week?