God speaks to Jacob and instructs him to journey to Bethel. Jacob responds with faith to go. And as they go, God puts a defense around the group to ensure their safety.

Additional Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:4, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 12:6, Genesis 28:11-22, Genesis 33:20, Deuteronomy 7:1-2

*sensitive topic warning*

After Shechem commits sexual assault against Jacob’s daughter, Jacob and his brothers find out. Then, Shechem and his father, Hamor, ask Jacob if he will give Dinah in marriage to Shechem. Jacob’s sons take matters into their own hands for the response.

Additional Scripture: Genesis 17:1-14, James 4:12

*sensitive topic warning*
After Jacob’s family settles in Shechem, his daughter Dinah goes out into the town and is violently assaulted. The predator then acts as if he loves her and wants to marry her.

Additional Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28, Hebrews 12:6, Revelation 3:19, Proverbs 10:6, Proverbs 3:29-34

After the reconciliation with Esau, Jacob does not follow Esau to his home, but continues on into the heart of Canaan. Jacob knows God has called him and he wants to be obedient to the call.

Additional Scripture: Romans 14:23, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 John 4:8, Psalm 23:4, Proverbs 14:15, James 4:12

Jacob finally meets Esau and is surprised by Esau’s countenance. Esau welcomes Jacob to prove God matures those He has called, and also to prove there is no value in fearing the unknown. Both men have been blessed and it is God who has provided.

Additional Scripture: Matthew 9:9-15, 19-34, Genesis 32:13-15

After Jacob sends his family and belongings on ahead of him, Jacob stays behind for the night alone. But in his struggle, a mysterious encounter changes him forever and removes his name for another.

Additional Scripture: Luke 14:26

After prayer, Jacob sends forth a series of appeasing gifts toward Esau, in hope to dissuade what Jacob fears (but does not know), because he thinks it may help.

Additional scripture: Col. 3:5-6, John 16:33, John 1:1-5

Jacob travels toward Canaan and deals with a spectrum of emotion, from faith to fear. God has called him to look ahead, but he starts looking down, when God has called him to look ahead. He prays, confessing his fear and heralding the truths God has promised to him before.

Additional Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, John 10:10, 1 John 4:18, 2 Tim. 1:7, Matt. 6:33