Reconciling with those we’ve hurt is always a difficult thing to do. Repentance is necessary if there is any chance for two parties to be properly reunited. Jacob gives us a picture of what real repentance looks like but also points us to the one who makes real repentance possible in the first place.

Discussion Questions1. Do you struggle with repentance before God and others? Why do you think it’s such a difficult thing to do? 2. How does Jacob demonstrate humility before Esau? How does he show that he really cares for Esau’s well-being, contrary to what how he acted decades before? 3. What makes repentance such a risky proposition? What are the risks when trying to make things right with others? What do you stand to lose? 4. What is it about Jacob’s previous experiences with God in chapters 28 and 32 transform him to become a person who can repent before his brother? 5. Is there someone in your life right now that you need to repent to? What is keeping you from doing it? How does Christ’s sacrifice for you form a foundation for why you can and should?