Daily Lectionary | Genesis 33 & John 17
Genesis 33
Summary
Esau comes out to meet Jacob. Jacob goes out in front of him family and falls before his brother weeping. Jacob has tricked Esau out of his blessing from their father, but now seeks to make amends and peace. He’s already sent him many gifts (Gen. 32:13-21). Now he takes a position humility before his brother. And Esau runs, not to attack, but greets his brother in a tender moment: “[Esau] fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept” (Gen. 33:4).
Jacob is genuinely happy to see Esau: “For I have seen your face, which is like seeing the face of God, and you have accepted me” (Gen. 33:10). The two brothers then go their separate ways: Jacob to Succoth and Esau to Seir. Jacob settles finally in Shechem in Canaan.
Reflection Questions
How does the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 replay some of the elements of the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob?
How does Jacob seek restoration with Jacob?
John 17
Jesus finishes his discourse with his disciples with his “High Priestly Prayer.” In the presence of this disciples, “he lifted up his eyes to the have” and began to pray to his Father.
In this prayer, we continue to see important aspects of the relationship between Father and Son. Jesus begins with the prayer that the Father would glorify the son. In John’s gospel Jesus’ moment of glory will be the cross. Jesus has faithfully carried out his mission from the Father: he has revealed the Father to those whom the Father has given him and entrusted them with God’s word.
Jesus prays not only for those who have believed in him but all who will believe in him on account of their testimony. Jesus prays for church in all times and places! Jesus prays that the Father will keep them and guard them even has Jesus has while he was with them. But Jesus asks not for his followers to be removed from the world, but that they would be kept from the evil one. He prays that they would be sanctified by the truth of God’s word.
The Father and the Son are one, so Jesus prays that his believes will be united (Jn. 17:21).
Reflection Questions
The theme of glory runs throughout the chapter. Who is doing the glorifying?
What can we learn about the priorities of prayer in this chapter?