JACOB: THE CON-MAN
- Meredith Lee Harris
- May 31, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 17
Con-men are willing to deceive, steal, manipulate, and scheme to get whatever they want. This was Jacob—one of the most famous tricksters in the Bible. From deceiving his brother to stealing his father’s blessing, and a lot of other shady acts in between, Jacob’s actions were far from honorable. Yet, his story is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to redeem and forgive even those who have lived lives marked by dishonesty and deceit.
The Life of Jacob
Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, was known for his cunning and craftiness. His name literally meant "Deceiver" so it was pretty safe to say, scams were his superpower. He famously tricked his older brother, Esau, into selling his birthright for a bowl of soup. Later, with the help of his mother, Jacob deceived his blind father into blessing him instead of his brother. As a result, Jacob fled for his life, leaving his family and the life he knew behind. For years, Jacob lived a life on the run, outwitting others, but never fully escaping the consequences of his actions. His life seemed destined to be one filled with manipulation, deceit, and retribution.
God’s Grace: The Turning Point
Despite Jacob’s seedy past, God didn’t give up on Jacob and He never stopped pursuing him. God appeared to Jacob in a dream at Bethel, reaffirming the promise He had made to his grandfather, Abraham—that Jacob’s descendants would become a great nation. It was at this moment that Jacob began to realize the depth of God's grace and His willingness to forgive and use even someone like him.
In the years that followed, Jacob's character began to change. When he returned to meet Esau after many years of separation, he was no longer the same man who had stolen his brother's blessing. He humbled himself before Esau, offering gifts and apologizing for his wrongs. Esau, in turn, forgave him, and their reunion was marked by reconciliation, not revenge. As the Bible reminds us,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Redemption for the Deceitful
Jacob’s story is one of transformation. He was a man who, by his own actions, had made enemies and harmed those closest to him. But through God’s grace, Jacob found forgiveness, not only from God but from those he had wronged. God didn’t discard Jacob because of his deceitful past; instead, He used him in incredible ways, even changing his name to Israel and making him the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
This reminds us that no matter how much we have wronged others, how deceitful we have been, or how far we’ve strayed, God’s love is greater than our mistakes. Like Jacob, we can experience redemption and transformation through God's grace. If God can use a con-man like Jacob to fulfill His purposes, He can surely work through us, regardless of our past.
Conclusion: God Loves You Anyway
Jacob’s story is a testament to the power of God's forgiveness. Despite his cunning nature and the harm he caused, God didn’t give up on him. Instead, God worked in Jacob’s life, leading him toward repentance and reconciliation. If God could redeem Jacob, He can redeem anyone—no matter what they've done or how they’ve lived.
If you feel like your past defines you, remember Jacob. He is a living proof that God’s grace is bigger than our mistakes, and His love is unconditional. God sees you as you are but loves you enough to transform you into something new. No matter your past, God is ready to forgive, redeem, and use you for His greater purpose.
Application Questions:
Do you believe your past actions—your lies, thefts, or betrayals—have permanently disqualified you from God's love? Jacob’s story shows that no one is beyond God’s grace. If God can redeem a deceiver like Jacob, He can redeem you too.
Are you holding onto guilt or shame from your past mistakes, thinking God can’t use you because of them? God is calling you to trust in His ability to transform your life, just as He did with Jacob. Your past doesn’t define your future with Him.
Are you running from God, thinking you’re too far gone to seek His forgiveness? Like Jacob, you don’t have to hide. God is ready to meet you where you are and offer His grace, but you must turn toward Him and seek reconciliation.
Do you feel stuck in a pattern of deceit or selfishness, unsure of how to break free? Jacob’s life shows that a change of heart is possible. Trust in God’s forgiveness and let Him guide you toward a new path, one shaped by His love and purpose.
