The modern tendency to idealize the character of Jacob, simply
because he was one of the famous patriarchs, is both unfortunate
and misleading. Although he vividly typifies certain
characteristics of his race, the Jacob of these early prophetic
accounts is portrayed with absolute fidelity and realism. His
faults are revealed even more clearly than his virtues. The
dominant motive in his life is ambition, but it is a thoroughly
selfish ambition. In the light of the stories, state in your own
words what was the exact nature of Jacob's ambition. How did it
differ from that of Abraham? What methods did he use to achieve
his ambition? Were these methods justifiable? What is your view
of the statement, "The end justifies the means"? Try to define
exactly the method of determining justifiable means. May Jacob's
action be excused because he was acting under the direction of his
mother?
Does a man with a selfish ambition always injure others? Does he
in the end injure himself most of all? How? Every type of
selfishness is directly opposed to a man's highest self-interest.
Jesus continually had this large truth in mind when he declared,
"He that findeth his life shall lose it, but he that loseth his
life for my sake shall find it." Jesus himself illustrated this
principle. Cite other illustrations from history. From your own
observation or experience.
Was Jacob, even with his wrong ambition, a stronger and more
promising character than his brother Esau? Why?
Would you rather have your son a boy of strong character with
vicious tendency or a weakling with harmless, virtuous inclinations?