Introduction
“Abel brought the best parts of his best sheep. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift. But God did not accept Cain and his gift. Cain became very angry and looked unhappy.” Genesis 4:4-5
For their disobedience in eating of the forbidden fruit, God sent Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden forever. He sent angels to guard the tree and to make sure they did not return. They were not happy away from home, but then they had a little baby boy. They named him Cain. Then they had another baby boy, and they called him Abel. They loved both boys.
Cain and Abel were not alike. They were interested in different things. Cain liked to farm and grow things, while Abel liked to be around the animals, and keep the flock for his father.
In this age people did not worship by going to church, but brought something they had and burned it. It was called a sacrifice, and was burned upon an altar or bed of rocks made for this purpose.
Cain and Abel were taught to respect God, and one day they brought sacrifices. Cain gathered fruits and vegetables he had grown. Abel brought some of the fine sheep from his flock. We do not know why, but God was pleased with Abel’s offering, but was not pleased with Cain’s sacrifice. This made Cain very angry, such as he even showed it upon his face.
God spoke to Cain for he did not want him to be so angry, but Cain did not listen. He did not want to do right. He became more angry, and blamed his brother Abel. One day when they were in the field, he killed Abel.
The Lord knew about this terrible thing and began to test Cain by asking him where Abel was. Cain only answered,
“Am I my brother’s keeper?”
God must punish Cain for doing so wrong, so he sent him away from home. God put a special mark on Cain so strangers would not harm him. God loves us even though we do wrong, but he must punish us so we will remember to obey Him.
Quiz
1. Who were the first two babies born in the world?
2. How were they different?
3. What did Cain offer as a sacrifice?
4. What did Abel offer as a sacrifice?
5. Did God give Cain a second chance to obey?
6. How did Cain disobey God?
7. What terrible thing did Cain do?
8. How was he punished?
