Today’s Bulletin

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Genesis 29:31-30:24

31 When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” 33 She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. 34 Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. 35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing.

30 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” 2 Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go in to her, so that she may give birth on my behalf, that even I may have children through her.” 4 So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went in to her. 5 And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. 6 Then Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. 7 Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

9 When Leah saw that she had ceased bearing children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Then Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, “Good fortune has come!” so she called his name Gad. 12 Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, “Happy am I! For women have called me happy.” So she called his name Asher.

14 In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” 15 But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” Rachel said, “Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” 16 When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come in to me, for I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he lay with her that night. 17 And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 Leah said, “God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar.

19 And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. 20 Then Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun. 21 Afterward she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah.

22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph, saying, “May the Lord add to me another son!”

Sermon Discussion questions
The Womb Wars: (Genesis 29:31 to Genesis 30:24)

Ice Breakers:
A. What’s the weirdest or most unexpected place you’ve ever fallen asleep?
B. If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would you say?
C. What’s a time you got yourself into a mess, but looking back, you see how God used it for good?

This Week Specific

PERSONAL REFLECTION & HEART OF IDOLATRY

1. Leah longed for Jacob’s love, and Rachel longed for children. What is something in your own life that you desperately desire but do not have? How do you respond when that desire is unmet? (See Psalm 37:4; Philippians 4:11-13)

Marriage & Family

2. The polygamous relationships in this passage led to jealousy, bitterness, and strife. How does this passage reinforce God’s design for marriage? How can married couples today guard against comparisons and resentment in their own relationships? (See Ephesians 5:22-33)

3. Leah and Rachel’s rivalry was rooted in comparison. How does comparison create tension in families today? What are some practical ways to cultivate gratitude and contentment within your home? (See 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Work, School & Social Circles

4. Rachel demanded children from Jacob, forgetting that God alone opens the womb. How do we sometimes try to force our will at work, in school, or in friendships instead of trusting in God’s timing? (See Proverbs 3:5-6)

5. Leah’s identity was wrapped up in Jacob’s love, and Rachel’s in having children. How does our culture encourage us to find our worth in achievements, relationships, or approval? What does Scripture say about our true identity? (See Colossians 3:1-4)

Trusting God’s Sovereignty in Unmet Desires

6. Leah eventually shifts her focus from seeking Jacob’s love to praising the Lord (Genesis 29:35). What are some practical ways we can shift our own focus from unmet desires to worshiping and trusting God? (See Habakkuk 3:17-19)

Gospel Connection

7. Judah, Leah’s fourth son, is the ancestor of Jesus (Genesis 49:10, Matthew 1:2-3). How does this passage point us to God’s faithfulness in bringing about salvation despite human brokenness? How does this encourage you in your own struggles?

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?