Friedrich Nietzsche claimed, “There are more idols in the world than there are realities.” As we conclude Jacob’s story, we find God claiming the central place in his life after a lifetime of Jacob’s struggle to trust God more than he trusted himself. Following a tragic series of events, Jacob finally leads himself and his family to replace their idols with the one true God-Almighty and worship him. Let’s follow Jacob through the mess and mystery of life to recognize Jesus’ authority and worship him DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read Genesis 35:1-13. If you can read the surrounding context including Genesis 34:1-35:29. This is a difficult story to read that includes murder, assault, and sexual violence. 2. In Genesis chapter 34, God does not speak or act and no one speaks of God. Dinah is also entirely silent. What might be the significance of this feature in the story? Have you ever experienced times when you felt God was absent? How could you respond in those times? 3. The different actors in Genesis 34 seem motivated by different ultimate desires or “idols”. What would you identify as the “idols” for: a. Shechem: b. Simeon and Levi: c. Sons of Jacob: d. Jacob: 4. What did you hear this weekend that inspired you, challenged you, or sparked disagreement or further consideration? 5. While making his famous observations about the United States and Americans in the 1830’s, Alexis de Tocqueville commented about a strange melancholy he noticed in Americans who pursued prosperity as their source for happiness with the line: “the incomplete joys of this world will never satisfy the human heart.” What do you think of that statement? How has your life experience confirmed or challenged that idea? 6. What “idol” threatens to claim the central place in your heart? Are you looking to someone or something other than Jesus to bring you significance, acceptance, security, approval, and joy? How could you take a step at uprooting your idols and placing Jesus on the throne of your life? If you’re searching for how to replace your idols with Jesus, consider how Colossians 3:1-5 could guide you to take this step of following Jesus.