Grasping for Grace
September 21, 2025
In the final message of our Grasping for God series, we reach the last chapter of Jacob’s story — not his deathbed confession of failure, but his clearest act of faith. With failing eyesight, Jacob blesses the sons of Joseph and, in a surprising move, crosses his hands to give the greater blessing to the younger son. What looked like a mistake was actually a vision: for the first time, Jacob truly saw the world through the lens of grace. This moment shows that grace is more than something we need and more than something we experience — it is the power of God that reshapes how we live, how we see others, and how we trust Him for the future.
Passage
The __________ of Grace (Genesis 48:15)
The __________ of Grace (Genesis 48:16)
The __________ of Grace (Genesis 48:8-20)
Principle
Grace is not just something we ________ or ___________; it is God’s power to ______________ how we __________ ourselves, others, and the world.
Practice
_________ the world through the __________ of __________.
Small Group Questions
We all have family traditions — some helpful, some harmful. What is one tradition or habit from your family of origin that you want to keep? What is one you hope will end with you?
Read Genesis 37:1-11
- How does Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph reflect earlier family patterns (Isaac with Esau, Rebekah with Jacob)? Why do you think this cycle of favoritism keeps repeating?
- How did Jacob’s gift of the special robe influence Joseph’s relationship with his brothers? How can favoritism — even if unintentional — lead to division within families today?
- How do you see God’s hand at work through family brokenness in this passage?
Read Genesis 37:31-35
- What does Jacob’s reaction to Joseph’s “death” reveal about his attachment to Joseph? How does grief affect Jacob’s life from this point forward?
- How can unchecked grief harden someone’s heart? What examples have you observed of grief drawing someone closer to God or pushing them away?
- What do we learn about the risk of placing too much hope in people instead of in God?
Read Genesis 45:25-28 & Genesis 46:1-4
- After years of loss, how does Jacob respond to the news that Joseph is alive? What do these verses show us about hope being restored?
- What does God promise Jacob in 46:1-4, and how does it connect to the covenant promises given to Abraham and Isaac?
- Why do you think Jacob needed God’s reassurance before heading to Egypt? What reassurances has God provided you during times of uncertainty or change?
Jacob’s journey highlights both the pain of family dysfunction and the hope found in God’s faithfulness. Where do you see cycles of brokenness in your family or personal life that God wants to break? Where do you need to trust God to bring restoration, even if it feels unlikely right now? Pray together for the courage to trust God’s promises and for His power to heal generational wounds.
Daily Readings
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Genesis 39 & 40
- Day 2: Genesis 41 & 42
- Day 3: Genesis 43 & 44
- Day 4: Genesis 45 & 46
- Day 5: Genesis 47 & 48
- Day 6: Genesis 49
- Day 7: Genesis 50
Think Deeper
- When have you most needed God’s grace?
- How have you felt God’s grace? Did it arrive as you expected?
- How is God’s grace changing the way you view and interact with the world?
Suggested Resources
The Patriarchs, by Stephen Davey
Abraham, by Charles Swindoll
Limping with God, by Chad Bird
Joseph, by Charles Swindoll
Joseph, by R.C. Sproul