Untitled Sermon (2)

Cain/Abel

Hevel (Abel) is the same word that is used for "worthless"

treated as worthless by his brother

Cain is the expected "good" son

Sibling rivalry?

Cain's issue was a heart issue

both sacrifices were called mincha (which was an acceptable sacrifice)

unless we take care of the deep stuff, we will never be healed

we become like Cain wandering from place to place

Cain would always strive to find

he would find no more peace than his brothers blood (Chumash p. 21, v.12)

HaShem wanted Cain to repent and gave him opportunity

Cain's response is the focus of the text, not the purpose of the offering

Matt. 7:20 - by their fruit, you will recognize them

Where is your brother? Where are you? (3:9)

What is in our heart?

God’s concern for the innocent (10) is matched only by his care for the sinner. Even the querulous prayer of Cain had contained a germ of entreaty; God’s answering pledge, together with his mark or sign (the same word as in 9:13; 17:11)—not a stigma but a safe-conduct—is almost a covenant, making him virtually Cain’s gō’ēl or protector; cf. 2 Samuel 14:14b, av, rv. It is the utmost that mercy can do for the unrepentant.

Kidner, D. (1967). Genesis: An Introduction and Commentary (Vol. 1, p. 82). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Cross References:

Heb 11:4