VaYishlach

You may be an only child, or you may have siblings.  If you are an only child, you probably think sisters and brothers always get along well.  If you have siblings, you know this is NOT the case!!  In this week's parasha we read about a meeting between the two brothers, Jacob and Esau, who have not seen each other in years.  When they were together the last time, they had a horrible fight - so horrible that Jacob ran away afraid for his life.  (If you don't remember what they fought about, go back and read chapter 27)  Time has passed, both brothers have been successful as adults, but you have to wonder how they feel about seeing each other after such a long time.
Here's what it says in the text:

Genesis, Chapter 32  verse 4) And Jacob sent messengers ahead to Esau his brother...  5) [And he told them to give Esau this message,  "This is your servant Jacob's message - 'I have been living with Lavan.  6) and I have oxen, and donkeys, and sheep and servants, and I sent them ahead to give you this message so you will be happy to see me.

• How do you think Jacob feels?  

And the messengers came back to Jacob, and this is what they said:

7)...We came to your bother Esau, and he's coming to meet you with four hundred men

• How do you think Jacob feels now?

Some arguments are simple - you have them and then they are over.  But some are much more serious.  Did you ever have an argument like that?

• Why was the argument between Jacob and Esau so serious?  Do you think it can be solved?
• What advice would you give Jacob now?
• What advice would you give Esau? 

What do you do when you have a serious argument with someone?

What do you think?

Be sure to share your answers by commenting on this blog