-By Dr.Sumeet Manakan J
I’ve always been fascinated by how God works so differently from the way we expect. If you’ve ever felt like the “second choice” in life—or maybe not even chosen at all—this message about the firstborn is going to encourage you.
The Hebrew meaning of being the Firstborn
In Hebrew culture, the Firstborn deserved the double portion of the property of the household (Deuteronomy 21:17). The firstborn also carried the Spiritual inheritance that God declared to the Hebrews (Genesis 12:2-3). God even said, “Consecrate to me every firstborn” (Exodus 13:2).
Think of it like being the CEO of the family business. Everyone looked to you, you carried honor and authority, position and power. OfCourse the pressure was enormous, and there was no option to hide in the background. Yet, it was a blessing. Honestly, if I were the younger sibling, I might have felt relieved.
The firstborn was the priest of the house carrying priestly duties. The firstborn was also entrusted the task and the right to distribution and management of the siblings and other members of the household. So, in Hebrew culture, being a Firstborn was an immense blessing. When we understand this, we realize the folly of Esau who cared little for the great identity he was born with and traded his firstborn privileges for a bowl of red soup (Genesis 25:29-34). Alas!
Jacob and Esau – The Battle for the Blessing
So, we now, we know the story. Esau, the firstborn, comes home hungry and sells his birthright for a bowl of stew. Jacob, though deeply flawed, valued the blessing enough to grasp for it.
- Esau had eyes on the Temporal. Jacob on the Eternal.
- Esau lived for appetite; Jacob lived for promise.
- Esau valued the things outside (work, play, game, food etc.,), Jacob valued for the things inside (heart, soul etc.,)
- Esau had no knowledge and value for spiritual rights. Jacob had complete knowledge of material and spiritual rights
- Esau wasn’t chasing the “Blessing”. Jacob was after the “Blessing”
The writer of Hebrews warns us not to be “godless like Esau” (Hebrews 12:16). Why? Because he traded something eternal for something temporary.
Let me put it this way—Esau’s choice was like selling a mansion for a sandwich. And before I judge him too harshly, I realize I’ve done the same at times. I’ve traded prayer for sleep, purity for pleasure, or obedience for convenience. We all have our “bowl of stew” moments.
We can also compare what Jacob did to his elder brother as the way the Devil does to God’s children – steal their Spiritual birthright (even our Earthly ministry) as God’s sons and daughters by scheming and plotting us into Sin.
Dear friend, let us not lose sight of the promise for the sake of momentary comfort.
Jesus – Our True Firstborn
The good news is that Jesus redefines the whole concept of the firstborn.
- Firstborn over creation – Colossians 1:15
- Firstborn from the dead – Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5
- Firstborn among many brothers and sisters – Romans 8:29
- Appointed Firstborn, exalted King – Psalm 89:27
- God’s Firstborn, heir of all things – Hebrews 1:2–6
- Firstborn over the household – Hebrews 3:6 → As the Son over God’s house, Christ is supreme; we are His household if we remain faithful.
- Church of the Firstborn (we share His rights) – Hebrews 12:23
And unlike Esau, Jesus never despised His inheritance. He embraced the cross so that you and I could share it.
I love the moment at His baptism when Heaven opened and the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son” (Matthew 3:17). That was Heaven’s stamp of approval—the true Firstborn, consecrated for redemption.
And here’s where it hits home: through Him, we too become co-heirs (Romans 8:17). Hebrews 12:23 even calls us “the church of the firstborn (who is Jesus).” That means you and I get to share in the rights and blessings Jesus, the firstborn secured.
What This Means for Us
Here’s the part that feels deeply personal. Like Jacob, I often feel unworthy, flawed, or like I’m not the “first choice.” Yet, God in His grace still chooses me. He chooses you.
It’s like adoption. A child doesn’t earn the family name—it’s given. In the same way, we don’t earn firstborn rights; Jesus hands them to us by grace.
God doesn’t always stick to man’s order. He chose Abel, not Cain. Isaac, not Ishmael. Jacob, not Esau. David, the shepherd boy, not his impressive older brothers. Why? Because His grace, not human tradition, determines destiny.
So the question is—what will we do with it?
Will we live like Esau, trading our inheritance for temporary cravings? Or will we live as heirs—valuing the spiritual over the fleeting, carrying responsibility, and reflecting Jesus’ glory?
Friend, don’t sell your mansion for a sandwich. Don’t let the lure of a moment steal the weight of eternity.
You are chosen. You are consecrated. And in Christ, you are part of the family of the Firstborn. So walk in maturity, carry responsibility, and live with eternity in view.
✨May you never despise the inheritance God has given you, but walk boldly as a son or daughter of the King—embracing the privilege of being part of His firstborn family. Amen!
