The deeper meaning of the story of Esau and Jacob
Many people are familiar with the story of the ladder Jacob saw in a dream, while fleeing from his brother Esau. As is so often the case in the Old Testament, the story is full of symbolism and parallels to the New Covenant. What does the conflict between Esau and Jacob mean for a Christian in our time? What is the connection between Jacob’s ladder and what Jesus said about Himself?
We get the answers to this, and much more, in the film «Escaping Esau», which is now available on the YouTube channel Hidden Treasures of Sanctification. The film follows a young man, Felix, who is struggling to find meaning in life. He has done something that has had dramatic consequences for someone else, and his entire future is in jeopardy. In a conversation, the Apostle John brings up the story of Esau and Jacob to illustrate what is going on inside Felix. Through stories from his own time with Jesus, John further demonstrates how all possibilities are open to Felix – if he is willing to seize them himself. However, the solution John points to is radical and dramatic, and not easy for Felix to simply swallow.
Do you struggle to find meaning in life?
A great many people experience a feeling of emptiness and would love to find more meaning in their existence. For many, it is natural to seek meaning in what the world has to offer in terms of material goods, art and culture, nature, and much else. This may certainly provide a certain level of satisfaction, but one still cannot escape “Esau’s embrace”.
The experience of a person searching for meaning is that none of these things can truly fill the void inside.
It is here that the Apostle John points to Jesus as the Logos – the universal wisdom and creative power that can fill this void and provide true meaning in life. Jesus is the ladder that leads up to God’s presence and care, where Esau no longer has any power.
The film «Escaping Esau» takes certain artistic liberties in its storytelling, but through the voice of the Apostle John, it is densely packed with points and truths from the New Testament. Even though the film is long (91 minutes), we highly recommend watching it multiple times to fully grasp this important content.
