Second Sunday in Lent

 Sermon Text: Genesis 28:10-17

 Other Readings: Romans 5:1-11 and Mark 8:31-38


 

  1. Whom did Jacob see on the stairway? Above it?
     
  2. Compare the painting below to the details of the account. What do you think this painting captures well? What do you think this painting does not capture well? (Source: Wikimedia)

  1. In our Gospel reading, Jesus said that God’s followers must “deny themselves and take up their cross” (Mark 8:34). What was the cross that Jacob was now carrying?
     
  2. God was merciful and gave promises to comfort Jacob. What promises did Jacob receive which also comfort you?
     
  3. Some churches have Jacob’s words from Genesis 28:17 displayed in their buildings. Why might they do that?

 

 

  1. God’s holy angels were going up and down the stairway. The Lord God himself was at the top of the stairway.
     
  2. Answers will vary based on personal perspective.
     
  3. A cross is anything we suffer specifically because we are believers. Because Jacob trusted in God, he was suffering the realization that he had wronged his father and brother. He now had to deny himself of his pride, repent of his sin, and ask for God’s mercy in the uncertain days ahead.
     
  4.  a) God is the God of all believers, both dead (Abraham) and alive (Isaac and Jacob). Even dead believers are alive with God! b) With all people on earth, we are blessed in Jesus with a holy Savior. c) God will keep all his promises to us, for Jesus’ sake.
     
  5. God promises that where two or three come together in his name, there he is with them (Matthew 18:20). Additionally, wherever the gospel is preached in its purity and the sacraments are administered correctly, there the Holy Spirit is offering, giving, and sealing forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation. Those are the things we need to get into heaven.