HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH - Wrestling: Bethel - Gateway to Heaven

Genesis 28-29 Introduction:   The Deceiver Meets His Match (Genesis 29)   The Deceiver Meets His Maker (Genesis 28:12–19)   Jesus: The True Ladder (John 1:47–51)   Reflection Questions How would you briefly retell where Jacob is coming from in Genesis 27 and 28 (deceiving Isaac, stealing Esau’s blessing, fleeing for his life) and then describe how that background makes God’s promise to him at Bethel even more surprising? Read Genesis 28:10–17. What are the three main parts of God’s promise to Jacob in verses 13–15, and how do they connect back to the original promises to Abraham? Leah is unloved but seen and blessed by God. How does her story challenge the way we measure worth and being seen in our culture? Put Genesis 11:1–9 and Genesis 28:10–17 side by side. What similarities and differences do you see between the “tower” at Babel and the “ladder” at Bethel in terms of who acts, what is being built, and whose name is being lifted up? Read John 1:47–51. How is Jesus intentionally connecting Himself to Jacob and Bethel in verse 51? What is He claiming about Himself, not just about an experience Nathanael will have? Daily Prayer Prompts Pray: God, thank You that You meet me not when I have it all together, but when I am empty and at the end of myself. Where I have schemed or tried to climb my own way to You, help me to rest in Jesus, the true ladder and gate of heaven, and to trust that You see me and will not leave me. Amen.