Session 3: Cain and Abel

Genesis 4-5

After Adam and Eve leave the Garden of Eden, they have children. The eldest son, Cain, kills his brother Abel out of jealousy. They had another son, Seth, whose family line we will continue to follow through the Old Testament.

Read the story of Cain and Abel with your kids, or watch a video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zRNA4Pb704

Source: Sharefaith Kids on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIiFORixXFI

Discussion:

Why does God need offerings and sacrifices?

God does not need sacrifices and offerings for himself. It's not like he's going to eat them! Offerings are a reminder that all good things come from God, and that our hearts must be turned towards him in gratitude.

Why do you think God accepted Abel's offerings, but rejected Cain's?

Abel brought God the best of his flock, the firstborn, and brings the best parts of it to God. He gives the best he has, and gives it from the heart.

Cain did not do so, but just brought some of his produce.

Reflect: Do we give God the best of ourselves? Or do we do things out of routine/obligation?

What is God's response to Cain?

God sentences him to be a fugitive and wanderer on earth, and he is banished from the family. However God is merciful. When Cain worries that he would be killed by others, God puts a mark on his forehead to warn others against killing him.

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Adam and Eve go on to have another child, Seth. Genesis 5 talks about the family line which follows Adam and Seth. Adam -- Seth -- E'nosh -- Ke'nan -- Mahal'alel -- Jar'ed -- E'noch -- Methu'selah -- La'mech -- Noah. The following week will focus on Noah and the flood.

(Aside: A frequent question which is asked is, did Adam and Eve have other children besides Cain, Abel and Seth? It is likely they did since in Genesis 4:14 Cain talks of others who may kill him in revenge. However, the bible does not mention them, because it only focuses on telling the story of key characters and follows the one family line which is important in salvation history).