Law 12 of the 48 Laws of Power is “Honesty is the best policy.” In the Bible, Jacob serves as an example of this principle, specifically in his interactions with his brother Esau.
How Jacob Exemplifies Law 12:
Jacob’s Return to Esau: After years of estrangement following his deception of Esau, Jacob knew he needed to approach his brother with caution and humility. To disarm Esau’s potential anger, Jacob sent ahead lavish gifts of livestock, creating a gesture of goodwill that displayed both humility and generosity.
Honesty and Generosity: Jacob’s gifts were strategically calculated to soften Esau’s heart and secure his favor. By sending multiple droves of livestock, each accompanied by a message of peace, Jacob disarmed any lingering resentment. He addressed Esau as “my lord” and referred to himself as Esau’s “servant” (Genesis 32:4), using humility as a way to bridge the gap.
Reconciliation through Generosity: When Esau finally saw Jacob and the gifts he had sent, his anger was appeased, and the two brothers were able to reconcile peacefully (Genesis 33:4). Jacob’s generosity and selective honesty allowed him to avoid a potential conflict, paving the way for peace.
Jacob’s approach demonstrates how thoughtful gestures and humility can defuse tensions. His actions allowed him to reconnect with Esau while avoiding hostility. Jacob’s story reminds us that strategic generosity and humility can often be powerful tools for reconciliation and resolution.
Sermon Title: “The Power of Reconciliation: Jacob’s Journey to Peace with Esau”
Main Scripture: Genesis 32:3-5, Genesis 33:4
Introduction Parable: The Two Brothers and the Broken Fence
There once were two brothers who had a big falling out. Their disagreement was so deep that they built a fence between their homes to keep each other out. Years passed, and bitterness grew, but as they grew older, the memories of their fights became blurry, while the memories of shared childhood and family gatherings grew sweeter. One day, the younger brother decided he would be the first to act. He brought over a gift—a small, handmade carving. He handed it to his older brother and said, “I miss our friendship.” The older brother was stunned, and seeing this gesture, he softened, smiled, and eventually reached out to mend their bond. Soon enough, the fence was gone, and peace replaced years of bitterness.
This story, of course, mirrors one of the most memorable reconciliations in the Bible: Jacob and Esau. Today, we’re going to look at how Jacob used humility, honesty, and generosity to repair a relationship with his brother, seeking peace and restoration instead of remaining in conflict.
Main Points
1. Jacob’s Approach to Reconciliation: Humility and Generosity
After deceiving his brother Esau years before, Jacob was understandably nervous about meeting him again. But instead of coming defensively, Jacob prepared for their meeting by sending lavish gifts ahead as a gesture of goodwill.
Scripture: Genesis 32:3-5 – “And Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother unto the land of Seir, the country of Edom. And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall ye speak unto my lord Esau; Thy servant Jacob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and stayed there until now: And I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.”
Commentary: Jacob’s gifts and respectful language show a heart that has transformed. Notice how Jacob refers to Esau as “my lord” and himself as Esau’s “servant.” Though years had passed since Jacob took Esau’s blessing and birthright, he realized that approaching Esau with humility was the only way to rebuild trust. His goal was not only to appease Esau’s possible anger but to demonstrate that he had changed. Jacob’s actions remind us that humility and generosity open doors that pride and defensiveness keep shut. He knew that his gifts alone wouldn’t solve everything, but they would soften Esau’s heart, showing that he came with no hidden agenda or grudge.
Cross-Reference:
Proverbs 18:16 – “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Jacob’s gifts here act as an olive branch, as Proverbs states, “A man’s gift maketh room for him.” Gifts can soften hearts and change attitudes. In this case, Jacob’s offerings symbolize peace, creating room for reconciliation with his brother. God sometimes uses gestures of generosity to communicate a greater intention and open the way for restored relationships.
Jacob’s story here is a beautiful example of how we can seek peace with others by humbly offering kindness, even if we’re unsure of their response. His gifts expressed that he valued his relationship with Esau more than his own pride.
2. Jacob’s Fear and Trust in God’s Plan
Despite the gifts, Jacob was still fearful. He prayed to God, acknowledging his own limitations and asking for divine protection, showing a profound trust that God would bring resolution to his encounter with Esau.
Scripture: Genesis 32:11-12 – “Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.”
Commentary: Jacob’s prayer demonstrates his complete dependence on God. While he had taken practical steps toward peace by sending gifts, he recognized that he couldn’t control Esau’s reaction. His appeal to God was one of vulnerability and reliance, acknowledging that only God could truly protect him. Jacob’s prayer is a reminder that we don’t have to rely solely on our efforts to resolve conflicts; we can invite God into the process. By asking for divine guidance and protection, Jacob entrusted his efforts to God, which turned his meeting with Esau from a potentially dangerous encounter into a moment of peace and grace.
Cross-Reference:
Psalm 37:5 – “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” Jacob’s prayer is an act of committing his way to the Lord. His actions and trust show us that while we can prepare for reconciliation, we ultimately need God’s involvement to bring our efforts to completion. This verse calls us to trust that God will intervene and bring about the best outcome, even if we fear the process.
Jacob’s prayer reflects the power of surrender. He realized that while he had done his part, he needed God to do the rest, teaching us to approach conflict resolution with humility, action, and prayer.
3. The Moment of Reconciliation and the Power of Forgiveness
When Jacob and Esau finally meet, Jacob’s fears are put to rest. Esau runs to meet Jacob and embraces him, showing forgiveness and grace that Jacob may not have anticipated.
Scripture: Genesis 33:4 – “And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.”
Commentary: This moment is powerful. After years of estrangement and tension, the brothers finally come together in peace, their tears signaling the release of years of bitterness. Jacob’s gifts, humility, and prayerful preparation opened the door, but Esau’s response of forgiveness is what completed the reconciliation. Esau, despite being the wronged party, didn’t harbor resentment or seek revenge. This scene exemplifies the impact of forgiveness—it frees both parties, allowing them to embrace each other with open hearts. God worked through both men, showing us that He desires reconciliation in relationships, especially those that are damaged or distant.
Cross-Reference:
Ephesians 4:32 – “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Esau’s forgiveness of Jacob exemplifies the command in Ephesians. Forgiveness here is a gift that requires courage and humility, yet it’s a path to true healing. Esau could have held on to his anger, but by letting go, he opened the door for a relationship that had once been lost.
In forgiving Jacob, Esau displays the same grace that Christ calls us to show each other. Their reunion is a powerful example of how reconciliation requires not just actions, but open hearts on both sides.
Conclusion: Christ as the Ultimate Example of Reconciliation
In many ways, Jacob’s reconciliation with Esau reflects the larger story of reconciliation that God enacts with humanity through Jesus. Just as Jacob offered gifts, humility, and sought peace, Jesus also came to us with love, humility, and a desire for peace. He gave everything, laying down His life as the ultimate gift, bridging the gap between us and God.
Scripture: Colossians 1:20 – “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus removed the barrier of sin that separated us from God, offering forgiveness and reconciliation. Like Jacob, Jesus approached us with love, humility, and grace, becoming the bridge we needed to find peace with God.
Jacob’s story with Esau reminds us that God cares deeply about the relationships we have with others and with Him. Reconciliation requires humility, honesty, and a heart open to change—qualities that Jesus exemplified to perfection. Today, as we consider our own relationships, let’s follow Christ’s example, working toward peace and unity with others, knowing that God values these steps and will walk with us every step of the way.
May we seek reconciliation with humility, prepare our hearts with prayer, and look to Christ, our greatest example of love and forgiveness.
Yes this is what I needed reconciling can be a hard thing especially when you feel like you’ve done no wrong but I think it’s always best to make peace Esau saw from his lens and Jacob saw from his. I think that oftentimes we worry about our own feelings and our own pride but humility will always win the race.