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Group Discussion
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The Reckoning
May 10,2025
Week 3: Heartbreak & Hope
Jeff Griffin
Genesis 29:30-35
In this sermon we studied the painful drama found in the lives of Jacob’s wives, Leah and Rachel. Each of them suffered with their unique broken dreams. We focused on the spiritual growth of Leah revealed in the names she gave to her four sons. Through Leah’s example, we discovered how we too can find joy in God in the mist of family disappointment.
How did you celebrate Mother’s Day?
1. Reread the pain-filled cry of Rachel found in Genesis 30:1: Give me children, or I’ll die!
Why is infertility one of the greatest hardships for many women?
2. Reread about the physical differences between the two sisters found in Genesis 29:17: Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was beautiful.
How would you counsel someone struggling with insecurity caused by sibling comparison?
3. Reread Genesis 19:32: Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.”
What does this verse tell us about Leah’s spiritual life and emotional state?
4. Reread Genesis 19:33-35: 33 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” So she named him Simeon. 34 Again she conceived, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi.
35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah.
What change in Leah is demonstrated with the birth of Judah? Why is it significant that Jesus came from the tribe of Judah?
5. Reread Psalm 63:3: God’s love is better than life.
David had a very dysfunctional family. He wrote these profound words while running from his murderous son Absolom. What do his words tell us about life?
6. How can our family become an idol?
Ask God to show you his love for you. Ask him to use his love to fill all the holes in us caused by family disappointments.