Genesis 31-36 // Matthew 11-12

These chapters of Genesis and Matthew are full of conflict. However, Genesis presents conflict over selfish desires and depravity, while Matthew reveals the conflict that comes when Light penetrates such darkness. John the Baptist and Jesus are met with resistance when they war against these selfish desires that cause quarrels and fighting.

Genesis 31 reveals the feud between Jacob and Laban. Jacob has been treated deceitfully by his father in law for 20 years, yet he does not handle the situation perfectly either. And though he is tempted to think his house is without sin, Rachel has actually taken the idols of her father's home. Jacob, like others in the Old Testament, speaks presumptuously about the situation and is preserved from having to execute Rachel only because she is willing to lie and deceive. (No clue if Jacob ever found out.)

Genesis 32 shows that Jacob is still concerned with how he will be received by his brother. Until now, the interaction between the brothers has been filled with selfishness and power plays. Jacob shows an incredible amount of humility compared to earlier in his life. Of course, most significant of all is that though Jacob wrestled against God, he did not win, and God permanently marked him. He takes on the name Israel, for he strives with God yet God does not remove His love or covenant from him.

Genesis 33 shows that Jacob still resorts to deceit, but with different motive. In effort to protect his family, he makes it appear like he has two households, one which should survive provided Esau attacked. We do see that Jacob is grateful, for he understands the extreme blessing that he has two households. However, by God's grace, Esau receives him well and the brothers appear to be restored.

Genesis 34 shows how the brothers have learned sin from their father. Certainly Jacob (and Laban's) deceit has been passed to the sons. Simeon and Levi manipulate the covenant God has made with Abraham by using it as a means to gain an advantage over the men of Shechem. Interestinly, Jacob also reveals himself to be a man who does not take action and appears to fear the response of surrounding nations. Verse 30 seems to reveal a fragile faith, as he does not seem to regard the promises of God to hold true in all situations.

Genesis 35, yet in the midst of all this, we see God blessing and naming Jacob. He reveals to Jacob that Israel will be a mighty nation, and that kings will come from Jacob's line. Of course, greatest of all is the King of Kings who will rule over all nations! Though we are not informed of the consequences yet, we are told that Reuben, Simeon and Levi have sinned in severe ways.

Genesis 36 shows how God has made mighty men and rulers from the seed of Esau. However, this text reminds us that God's ultimate blessing does not just come through multiple descendants, or the formation of nations, or the power to exercise over those nations, for Esau's descendants have all of these. The ultimate blessing will come in Jesus, through the line of Jacob.

Matthew 11 shows that the blessing is not even being a descendant of Jacob, for many who are in Israel do not receive the words of Jesus or of John the Baptist. They reject both of their messages and yet the real blessing (and true children of Israel) receive Christ by faith and come take His yoke upon them. In verse 27, Jesus reminds us who really determines our response.

Matthew 12 shows that even the Law is a stumbling block to those who reject Christ. Even a gift like the Law, which is unique to the children of Jacob, becomes a curse to those who reject Christ. Ultimately, this issue, not your origin or descent, will be the issue that divides homes and causes unrest.

We live in a time where peace is hard to come by. At times, we see relative peace, as between Jacob and Esau. However, even as we read of the descendants of Esau, we know that peace is not lasting. Minor issues like land and human relations play into the unrest, but nothing fractures tranquility like the gospel. It divides homes and eternally changes relationships.