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Bible People  -  Jacob 

Films about Destructive Lies Can you name them? Answers HERE

Extra Websites

The story of Jacob's one true love
Bible Women: Rachel

Love at first sight: a shorter version 
of Rachel's story
Bible People: Rachel

Marriage and Polygamy in the ancient world
All about the Bible: Marriage

Childbirth in the ancient world
All about the Bible: Childbirth

Photographs of the sort of tent 
Jacob and his family lived in
Bible Architecture: Housing

The story of Jacob's favorite son - 
a cautionary tale for parents
Bible People: Joseph

BIBLE TEXT 

             Activities

                  for individuals or groups

Films: the destruction caused by lies

(group or single activity)

Stage 1:  Make up a list

List some films about the destruction caused by lies. You can choose recent films or classics. If this is a group activity, choose films most people know. 

Stage 2:  Glance over your list

1.  Have you chosen films that are realistic, or do you prefer films that are inspiring/uplifting?
2.  Do your favorites have both these qualities?
3.  What does this say about you and what you need in a story?

Stage 3:  Choose your favorite 
4.  What are the central theme in this film? 
5.  Do any of the scenes remind you of your own life or experiences?
6.  Are there lessons you could learn from the theme of the film? Could you apply ideas from this film to your own life and relationships?

Stage 4:  Think about your choices

Group activity: discuss these questions, making sure everyone in the group has a chance to talk about their ideas.

Single activity: sit down for a few minutes and focus your mind; work through the Stage 3 questions; think about them as you do other tasks in your day.

Paintings of Jacob, Rachel and Isaac

Stage 1

Read the story at BIBLE PEOPLE: JACOB

Stage 2

Go to the link at the bottom of the painting at right. Scroll through the paintings from first to last.

Which part of the story has been the most popular with artists?

Would this have been your choice?

Artists paint what they want to paint, but they also paint with their audience in mind. Look at the paintings again. Who is the painting directed at? Explain your reasoning.

Stage 3

Is there a scene that has been ignored by artists, but which you would like to see? Why does this other incident appeals to you more than the scene favored by the artists? Spend some time quietly thinking about your response.

Telling Lies
The trouble is, once you start telling lies, it's hard to stop. Jacob's life begins with lies, and continues with lies. Even so, God loves him - loves him enough to let him suffer the punishment that comes with lying: his children tell him a terrible lie about the supposed death of his beloved son Joseph, and Jacob suffers greatly.
Tell the truth now: have you ever been guilty of lying? To others? To yourself? How easy (or difficult) is it for you to tell the truth? What times was it most difficult for you to face the truth? Spend a little quiet time thinking about your life. It can't hurt.

The Importance Of Dreams
The story of Jacob places great importance on the dream he has about a ladder leading up to and down from heaven. 

Have you had dreams that have been particularly significant, or that have affected you deeply? 

Significant dreams often happen when we are stressed about something. Has this happened to you? 

If so, write a description of the dream, then share this with a learning partner. Can you see any significance or symbolic meaning in what happened in the dream? 

In depth study of one person's story
Choose one of the people whose stories are told on this site and answer the following questions:

1. What are the main events of the person's life? Tell the story.

2. What were their main qualities? What made them stand out from the crowd?

3. What obstacles did they face? Did they overcome them, or go with the flow? Explain.

4. How did they use their abilities to do God’s work?  

5. Which part of their story appeals to you most? Why?

You must include three short quotations from the Bible texts to illustrate the points you are making. 

Famous Quotes

Each of these quotes tell us something important about Jacob and his family.

Take each quote and read it in context - you can find the Bible passages for each one at BIBLE TEXT. The quotes are highlighted.

What does each quote one tell you about the man himself - even if the words were said by someone else?

If someone were telling your story, what sentences might they use to sum up your life?

Focus Questions
1. Choose one of the stories from the Jacob saga. What are the most interesting moments in the story? 
2. In the story, who speaks and who listens? Who acts? Who gets what they want? If you were in the story, which person would you want to be friends with? Which person would you want to avoid?
3. What is God's interaction with the main characters? What does this tell you about the narrator's image of God? Do you agree with this image?
4. What is happening on either side of the story, in the chapters before and after it? Does this help you understand what is happening?
5. The narrator/editor has chosen to tell some things and leave other things out. What has been left out of the story that you would like to know?
6. Are the characteristics and actions of the people in the story still present in the world? How is the story relevant to modern life, especially your own? 

Extra Websites  in the left column have background information and ideas.

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Bible Stories: People of the Old Testament - Bible Study Resource
Jacob, Leah and Rachel