In this week’s message, we journey through the story of Jacob and Esau, the prophecy of Obadiah, and the parable of the Good Samaritan to discover a surprising truth: God continually works through the unexpected. As we wrestle with boundaries, favoritism, and who deserves our love, we’re challenged to trust a God who constantly extends grace farther than we imagine. Join us as we explore how God shows up in surprising places—and calls us to love beyond our comfort zones.

Primary Sermon Texts

• Obadiah 1: 18 — “Jacob will be a fire and Joseph a flame; Esau will be stubble…” This verse anchors the sermon’s discussion of the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and God’s judgment on those who rejoiced over Israel’s downfall.
• Genesis 25: 21–26 — Rebecca’s pregnancy with Jacob and Esau, including the prophecy that “the older will serve the younger.” Used to frame the recurring biblical theme of God choosing the unexpected.

Genesis Narrative References (discussed, not fully quoted)

• Genesis 25: 29–34 — Esau selling his birthright for stew.
• Genesis 27 — Jacob deceiving Isaac and stealing Esau’s blessing.
• Genesis 32–33 — Jacob wrestling with God, being renamed Israel, and reconciling with Esau.

New Testament Gospel Text

• The Gospel According to Luke 10: 25–37 — The parable of the Good Samaritan, including:
  • “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”
  • “Love the Lord your God…” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (quoting the law)
  • “Who is my neighbor?” and Jesus’ parable of radical mercy across boundaries.
  • “Go and do likewise.”

Additional Biblical Themes / Allusions

• Genesis Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) — briefly referenced in relation to God repeatedly choosing the “lesser” or unexpected person.
• The Gospel According to Matthew 2: 1–18 — King Herod and the massacre of infants, connected to Herod’s Edomite lineage.

The sermon’s main biblical arc was: Obadiah → Jacob & Esau (Genesis) → the Good Samaritan (Luke 10), all pointing to the idea that God continually works through the unexpected and calls us to love beyond our boundaries.

Pastor Scott also referenced:

• Maccabean history / the Maccabean Revolt (167 BC) — historical background explaining the lead-up to Roman rule and the rise of Herod.
• King Herod’s Edomite (Idumean) lineage — historical context tying Matthew’s nativity story back to Esau and Edom.