Genesis - Patriarchs: Jacob - week 3

THURSDAY STUDY & DEVOTIONAL

In the ancient world, a laborer’s wage equaled from half a shekel to a full shekel per month. Thus, over seven years Jacob would have earned between 42 and 84 shekels while working for Laban (Gen 29:18-20). We later learn that the bride price for a man to the father of a virgin is capped at 50 shekels (Deut 22:29). Therefore, Jacob’s work for Laban and wages is more than generous and compensatory. He is even a little undervalued since he is a relative and not a common laborer, and could probably have had the higher wage. However, Jacob simply wants to work for his uncle for seven years in order to marry the younger daughter Rachel. He doesn’t want a higher salary even though he may have deserved it. He wanted the love of his life. Additionally, we read in Genesis 28:20 that, “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.”

Doesn’t Jesus deserve more than us? He is the King of all kings, the Word of God made flesh, the one for which all of creation was made. He owns everything, yet he set it all aside when he was incarnated. Certainly, he deserves a higher price than just you or me. Yet for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son (John 3:16). Jacob worked for seven years for his bride, but Jesus worked a lifetime of righteousness, followed by the atoning work on the cross, followed by the advocating work in heaven he does to this day. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” His bride price for the church wasn’t paid in shekels, silver, or gold, it was paid by his blood.

Nothing is too much for our Lord to receive those for whom he died. That means you, Christian.

REFLECTION & NOTES

Do you think or feel that you are valuable? Why or why not?

What does the gospel say about your value?

Are you placing your value in other things or people, or in Jesus?