Mark 11:25-26 and Genesis 33:1-20 Bible Study Notes

Bible Study Notes - Mark 11:25-26 &

Genesis 33:1-20

We continue our study in prayer and its importance as a foundational spiritual discipline in the life of an individual believer and church.  We will discuss hindrances to prayer.  What causes “unanswered prayer?”  How do we pray when we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts towards another person?  As you study the passage, consider the following questions and ideas.

·         At the end of the passage in Mark 11 in which the Lord Jesus discourses about prayer, He instructs us to forgive anyone and everyone when we stand praying.

·         He says that forgiveness is a reciprocal act.  In order to receive God’s forgiveness, you must be willing to forgive anyone who has harmed you.

·         Take a moment to consider if you have a list of people whom you have not forgiven?

·         Take a moment to consider if there are any people who believe that you have offended or harmed them in some way?  Should you approach them and ask for their forgiveness?

·         Look at Matthew 5:23-24 as it relates to Jesus’ command on reconciliation in relationships and having a fluid and fruitful prayer life.

·         Genesis 33 records one of the most touching and enduring stories of forgiveness in the Bible and perhaps in the history of human literature.  After twenty years of separation, Jacob and Esau meet again.  Last time they were together, Esau had a murderous rage against his brother.  Their parents, Isaac and Rebekah sent Jacob to live with her uncle, Laban, to spare his life.  Jacob had stolen Esau’s birthright and blessing.  Arguably, Esau has every reason to be highly upset with his younger brother who essentially finagles the entire inheritance from his parents; not to mention the divine blessings attached to the material wealth.

·         How do you think that Jacob feels when he sees Esau with four hundred men accompanying him for this reunion?

·         Look closely at the order in which Jacob arranges his family as he nears Esau and his men.

·         Jacob bows seven times on the ground before Esau.

·         Let’s discuss Genesis 33:4 in detail.

·         Jacob brings Esau a big gift in Genesis 33:8.  Was it genuine?  Was it necessary?  Is it ever helpful to give a gift to someone whom you have harmed?  Is it permissible to ask for a gift from someone who has harmed you?

·         Let’s discuss Genesis 33:10 in detail.

·         What do we glean about Jacob’s character in the exchange that he and Esau have in Genesis 33:12-15?

·         How we connect relational conflict with prayer?

·         How do we achieve resolution and reconciliation?

·         What is forgiveness?

·         How do we forgive?

·         How do we know that we have forgiven someone?

·         What do we do if someone refuses to forgive us?

As always, I look forward to studying the Word of God and growing in grace with you as we seek the mind, heart and character of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in whom we have abundant and eternal life.