Cain and Abel
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
Cain and Abel both fulfilled their priestly role given to them through Adam by offering sacrifice to God. Cain’s sacrifice, however, was unacceptable as it did not represent a true spiritual sacrifice.
God gave Cain the opportunity to repent, but he did not.
God’s punishment of Cain is a natural consequence of Cain’s actions. But, God steps in and tries to end the cycle of violence and sin by marking Cain as a warning to others not to continue the sinfulness.
The descendants of Cain were sinful and wicked. They created many of the basic elements of human civilization, which can be in used sinful and wicked ways, or they can be used to honor God and uphold the dignity of the human person.
Biblical Touchstones
Biblical Touchstones
In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the ground, while Abel, for his part, brought the fatty portion of the firstlings of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry and dejected. Then the LORD said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why are you dejected? If you act rightly, you will be accepted; but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it.
In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the ground, while Abel, for his part, brought the fatty portion of the firstlings of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry and dejected. Then the LORD said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why are you dejected? If you act rightly, you will be accepted; but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it.
GENESIS 4:3-7
GENESIS 4:3-7
He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
He said, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
LUKE 21:3-4
LUKE 21:3-4