In this episode we look at the birth of Jacob and Esau, and how the events surrounding their birth give us insight into the role of the firstborn in ancient cultures. Although Jacob was technically not the first born, he used an opportune moment of weakness in his brother to purchase the birthright from him, allowing Jacob to secure the rights and rewards of the firstborn in the family.
The interesting thing in the book of Genesis is that there is a pattern of the firstborn not living up to the role and responsibilities of the the firstborn, with the firstborn blessing passing on to a younger sibling in the family. The story in Genesis seems to be communicating that being the firstborn is not something that guarantees you firstborn rights and rewards. You actually have to live up to the role and responsibilities of the firstborn to receive the rights and rewards that come with it. If the first born did not live up to their firstborn status, then they were disqualified.
The role and responsibilities of the firstborn is a recurring theme in the Old Testament Scriptures, and is applied to Jesus in the New Testament to highlight his role as the firstborn over all creation, and the firstborn from the dead. In fact, through our participation in Christ as the firstborn, we too become the church of the firstborn, bringing us to share in his firstborn rights and rewards, while also leading us into an ever increasing participation in fulfilling the role and responsibilities of that firstborn status, too.
Key Passages
Genesis 25:19-34
Colossians 1:15-18
Hebrews 12:22-24 - we are called the "church of the firstborn"

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* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

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