The talents of Abel and Cain

SCRIPTURE:

Genesis 4:1-5

OBJECTIVES OF THE LESSON:

1. Focus on agriculture and animal husbandry;

2. Show that Abel and Cain were the first human beings to domesticate the animals and plants that God had created.

3. Show that the ability to tame wild animals and to take care of plants are amongst the talents that God gave the first men;

4. Help the children to realize that God has given each and every one of us abilities that we can use in order to live. Even toiling the soil needs talents and efforts;

5. Help the children to respect farmers because human survival depends on their activities.

6. Help the children to understand that animal husbandry and agriculture are conceivable activities to value their talents.

INTRODUCTION:

Start the lesson with a short song and/or a prayer.

PRESENTATION:

After the birth of Cain and Abel, the daily need for food began to increase in Adam’s family. Moreover, the animals and fishes that God had created were not always available for immediate consumption. Even though God had created all the necessary things for man’s needs, some animals were physically stronger than man. Even plants themselves didn’t provide fruit in all seasons; some of them were toxic for man’s consumption. Given that plants and wild animals were not always available to satisfy dietary needs; the first sons of Adam thought of using what they had, that is their intelligence. Abel settled down in the activity linked to animal reproduction.

Cain got engaged in agriculture (a set of activities destined to harvest vegetables from the soil that are useful for consumption). These first two sons of Adam and Eve noticed that their energy and intelligence was God given. They each offered to God the fruit of their efforts. Abel used his intelligence to tame certain animals that God had created. Rearing them, feeding them, and protecting them from other wild beasts needed a lot of thinking and perseverance. Cain on the other side, who had learned to domesticate certain plants, offered the fruits of the soil to God. The Lord accepted Abel’s offering but rejected Cain and his offering. God acknowledged Abel’s sacrifice and considered him as holy and his offering was a holy one. Abel’s heart was righteous and his life was godly. But Cain’s offering was not motivated by faith, it was just a task. God had no regard for Cain who was wicked, his sacrifice was a vain oblation (Isaiah 1:13).

SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION:

1. What is agriculture ?

2. Does this activity require talents? Which ones?

3. Can agriculture develop a community?

4. What is animal husbandry?

5. Does animal husbandry require particular talents? If yes, which ones? If no, why?

6. Can animal husbandry develop a community?

ACTIVITIES:

Form two groups of children; the first group made up of 10 children will present the advantages of agriculture and the second group also made up of 10 children will present the advantages of animal husbandry.

The children can make drawings to illustrate Abel’s and Cain’s offerings.

RESOURCE PERSON:

The Sunday school teacher can invite a breeder of small cattle (sheep, goats, rabbits, chicken, pigs…) to talk about the talents needed in his job.

ACTION TO ENCOURAGE:

Find time and visit a garden or a farm not far from the village.

MEMORY VERSE:

“For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10).

CLOSING:

Sing a hymn and say the dominical prayer (Our Father).