Cain & Abel | Genesis 4

 

Lesson Goal

To help children understand that sin is bad, and love is important. The story of Cain and Abel emphasizes the importance of loving and worshiping God, while highlighting the dangers of anger and jealousy. Scripture uses the example of Cain as a warning for all believers (1 John 3:12)

 

Lesson Overview

Read Genesis 4:1-16: Sometime after Adam and Eve sinned and were commanded to leave Eden, they began to have children. Their first two children were Cain, a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd. When the time came to bring their offerings to God, Cain brought fruit from the ground while Abel brought a firstborn from his flock. God accepted Abel’s offering because it was made in faith (Hebrews 11:4), but He rejected Cain’s offering. This rejection fueled the jealousy and anger that had taken root in Cain’s heart, leading Cain to murder his brother, Abel. Later, God confronted Cain about Abel’s murder, to which Cain responded with the famous line, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” God swiftly pronounced judgment upon Cain, saying that he would no longer be a farmer, but one cursed to wander.

 

Today's Bible Story

 Video Courtesy of Sharefaith

 

Memory Verses

I John 4:19 (NIV)

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.

Meaning:  God is the One who teaches us how to love. Love is doing. "What can you do to show people that you love them?"

  

The Big Idea

We should give God our best and we should give it with a happy heart because we love Him.

Are we following the example of Cain? It’s important to remind your class that Cain’s evil act began in his heart. The Bible teaches us in 1 John 3:15 “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” The Holy Spirit is faithful to let us know when jealousy, envy or anger is beginning to take root in our heart’s. We should respond to the Spirit’s leading with repentance!

What kind of Sacrifice are we offering? God knows our hearts. We should give to God with open and happy hearts. Giving to God should not be a chore that we don’t want to do. Giving is a way to act on our love for God.

Are we mastering sin or being mastered by it? God warned Cain that sin desired to have him, but that he should master it. As Christians, we can live victoriously over temptation and sin. Revelation 12:11 tells us “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” This verse reminds us that our victory over Satan comes not by our strength, but by the work of Jesus and the testimony of what he has done in our lives.

 

Closing Prayer

Dear God, thank You for Your love. Help us to love others as You love us. Help our love for You to be real, and not just for show. We ask these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Fun Activities

Cain and Abel Bible Bookmarks
Cain and Abel Bible Coloring Pages
Cain and Abel Bible Mazes
Cain and Abel Bible Word Search Puzzles
Cain and Abel Kids Spot The Difference
Cain and Abel Sunday School Crossword Puzzles