Genesis 4 offers insight into the first family in history—showcasing the deathly reality of sin and merciful nature of God. Here, we read of Abel’s blood that was wrongfully shed, which cried out for condemnation. In contrast, however, the gospel speaks of a different firstborn Son whose blood provides everlasting life to us instead.
How does Cain’s life differ from Eve’s expectations for her firstborn son? What can we learn about sin, sacrifice, and the God who is worthy of worship?
Brothers Cain and Abel both offered sacrifices to God, but the former’s offering wasn’t truly a sacrifice—pleasing to God and reflective of His true worth. God spoke directly to Cain asking him to consider why he felt so rejected by His response to the offering. God also warned him that though sin’s temptations were strong, he could rule over it. Yet Cain did not heed the words of his Creator. Instead, he chose destruction and would soon end his own brother’s life.
God drew near to Cain and addressed his wrongdoings, acknowledging the unjust death of the righteous Abel. God told Cain that he was now cursed. As a result, Cain would not receive back from the earth the fruit of his labors and would wander for the rest of his days. Even still, God protected Cain from the fate he forced upon his brother; he received protection against the threat of death by another’s hands. However, this act was only a glimmer of God’s mercy toward sinners. The greatest picture we see of His mercy is in Jesus’ blood shed at the cross, the ultimate offering to satisfy God’s wrath toward our unrighteousness.
Reflect on the Jesus’ righteousness in light of the unrighteousness of Cain, Adam and Eve, and the rest of mankind. The promised descendant who would redeem us amidst our sin wasn’t Eve’s firstborn son, but Jesus, the firstborn of all creation. God’s plan has always been to redeem us through faith in His Son. Pray for the kids hearing today’s Bible story, that their hearts will be opened to the mercy of their Creator who leads us away from destruction and into everlasting life.
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