1 00:00:01,010 --> 00:00:03,310 Speaker 1: But I tell you that everyone who is angry with 2 00:00:03,350 --> 00:00:06,550 Speaker 1: his brother without a cause will be in danger of 3 00:00:06,590 --> 00:00:14,140 Speaker 1: the judgment. Matthew 5.22 Heavenly Father, as we confront the 4 00:00:14,180 --> 00:00:18,640 Speaker 1: weighty words of Matthew 5.22, where Jesus teaches us about 5 00:00:18,660 --> 00:00:22,779 Speaker 1: the seriousness of anger in our hearts, we come before 6 00:00:22,840 --> 00:00:29,650 Speaker 1: you acknowledging our struggles with this powerful emotion. Lord, you 7 00:00:29,690 --> 00:00:33,380 Speaker 1: know the conflicts that stir within us, the quick tempers 8 00:00:33,900 --> 00:00:36,760 Speaker 1: and the harsh words that can easily escape our lips. 9 00:00:38,700 --> 00:00:43,180 Speaker 1: Search us and teach us that we may understand the 10 00:00:43,260 --> 00:00:47,440 Speaker 1: root of our anger. Guide us as we address our anger. 11 00:00:49,080 --> 00:00:52,139 Speaker 1: Help us to see our fellow human beings as you 12 00:00:52,180 --> 00:00:58,330 Speaker 1: see them, created in your image, deserving of love and compassion. 13 00:00:59,790 --> 00:01:03,350 Speaker 1: and instill in us a spirit of patience and the 14 00:01:03,410 --> 00:01:08,649 Speaker 1: strength to forgive, as you have forgiven us our many transgressions. 15 00:01:11,430 --> 00:01:15,250 Speaker 1: We ask for your help in transforming our hearts, that 16 00:01:15,310 --> 00:01:21,679 Speaker 1: we might be peacemakers rather than troublemakers, healers rather than herders. 17 00:01:23,540 --> 00:01:28,760 Speaker 1: Let our words bring life and not death, encouragement and 18 00:01:28,840 --> 00:01:35,140 Speaker 1: not despair. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and 19 00:01:35,180 --> 00:01:40,649 Speaker 1: renew a steadfast spirit within us, that we may reflect 20 00:01:40,690 --> 00:01:46,310 Speaker 1: your love and grace in all our interactions. And forgive 21 00:01:46,370 --> 00:01:50,510 Speaker 1: us for the times we've let anger control us, and 22 00:01:50,570 --> 00:01:53,670 Speaker 1: guide us toward living lives that are marked by your 23 00:01:53,780 --> 00:02:00,330 Speaker 1: peace and kindness. In the name of Jesus. who taught 24 00:02:00,410 --> 00:02:08,329 Speaker 1: us the way of love, we pray. Amen. Thank you 25 00:02:08,389 --> 00:02:12,410 Speaker 1: for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 26 00:02:13,669 --> 00:02:18,500 Speaker 1: Remain here for a story of revenge, murder, and hatred 27 00:02:18,660 --> 00:02:23,680 Speaker 1: toward God. If this podcast has inspired you, share it 28 00:02:23,700 --> 00:02:27,380 Speaker 1: with a few friends, spread hope today, and be a 29 00:02:27,560 --> 00:02:28,459 Speaker 1: light to the world. 30 00:02:31,210 --> 00:02:33,170 Speaker 2: Some of you here may think that I have come 31 00:02:33,250 --> 00:02:34,970 Speaker 2: to abolish the law and prophets. 32 00:02:35,530 --> 00:02:36,300 Speaker 1: You cannot be. 33 00:02:36,240 --> 00:02:37,320 Speaker 2: Further from the truth. 34 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:41,220 Speaker 1: Jesus saw the Pharisees stir and look at one another. 35 00:02:41,740 --> 00:02:42,580 Speaker 3: Hear me. 36 00:02:43,280 --> 00:02:46,179 Speaker 2: I have not come to abolish the law of Moses, 37 00:02:46,720 --> 00:02:50,540 Speaker 2: but to fulfill it. The word of God is unchangeable 38 00:02:50,680 --> 00:02:56,920 Speaker 2: as creation itself. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least 39 00:02:56,960 --> 00:03:00,429 Speaker 2: of these commandments and teaches others to do the same 40 00:03:00,810 --> 00:03:02,270 Speaker 2: will be called least in. 41 00:03:02,270 --> 00:03:03,150 Speaker 1: The kingdom of heaven. 42 00:03:04,130 --> 00:03:07,690 Speaker 2: But whoever does them and teaches them will be called 43 00:03:07,850 --> 00:03:11,470 Speaker 2: great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, 44 00:03:12,010 --> 00:03:15,770 Speaker 2: unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, 45 00:03:16,090 --> 00:03:19,950 Speaker 2: you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 46 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:23,730 Speaker 1: As Jesus said these things, the religious leaders began to 47 00:03:23,830 --> 00:03:27,850 Speaker 1: boil with frustration. What they could not see is that 48 00:03:27,930 --> 00:03:32,790 Speaker 1: the entirety of God's story, from Adam until now, was 49 00:03:32,930 --> 00:03:38,470 Speaker 1: leading up to this moment. Jesus was the crescendo of 50 00:03:38,510 --> 00:03:44,980 Speaker 1: human history and the embodiment of God's will. Jesus lifted 51 00:03:45,040 --> 00:03:49,640 Speaker 1: his arms and pretended he was a balancing scale. He 52 00:03:49,680 --> 00:03:51,190 Speaker 1: lifted one arm up and said. 53 00:03:51,670 --> 00:03:54,030 Speaker 2: You have heard it said to those of old, You 54 00:03:54,070 --> 00:03:58,500 Speaker 2: shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 55 00:03:59,240 --> 00:04:02,340 Speaker 2: But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his 56 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:06,920 Speaker 2: brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother 57 00:04:07,300 --> 00:04:11,160 Speaker 2: will be liable to the council, and whoever says, You fool, 58 00:04:11,660 --> 00:04:14,000 Speaker 2: will be liable to the hellfire. 59 00:04:14,650 --> 00:04:18,450 Speaker 1: Jesus raised the standard, piercing straight to the heart. 60 00:04:19,029 --> 00:04:20,950 Speaker 2: If you are worshipping in the house of the Lord, 61 00:04:21,450 --> 00:04:24,350 Speaker 2: and remember there that your brother has something against you, 62 00:04:24,920 --> 00:04:29,000 Speaker 2: leave the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, 63 00:04:29,700 --> 00:04:31,620 Speaker 2: then come and worship. 64 00:04:36,260 --> 00:04:42,540 Speaker 4: Forgiveness and reconciliation were of paramount importance to Jesus. So important, 65 00:04:42,600 --> 00:04:45,839 Speaker 4: in fact, that he said you should even stop worshipping 66 00:04:45,920 --> 00:04:51,510 Speaker 4: to settle disputes. Lingering conflict leads to contempt, and contempt 67 00:04:51,870 --> 00:04:55,530 Speaker 4: is the gateway to all kinds of sins. This is 68 00:04:55,570 --> 00:05:00,529 Speaker 4: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Join us as 69 00:05:00,589 --> 00:05:03,589 Speaker 4: we continue our mini-series through the Sermon on the Mount. 70 00:05:04,630 --> 00:05:07,930 Speaker 4: We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of 71 00:05:07,990 --> 00:05:12,070 Speaker 4: Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. Today, we 72 00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:15,940 Speaker 4: turn our attention to a profound teaching from Jesus' Sermon 73 00:05:15,980 --> 00:05:21,760 Speaker 4: on the Mount, found in Matthew 5, verses 21-26. This 74 00:05:21,820 --> 00:05:26,779 Speaker 4: passage addresses the deep issues of anger and reconciliation, and 75 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:29,680 Speaker 4: we will connect it to the tragic story of Cain 76 00:05:29,740 --> 00:05:35,120 Speaker 4: and Abel in Genesis 4, verses 1-16. We will emphasize 77 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:39,880 Speaker 4: how hatred is erosive to the soul, personal relationships, and 78 00:05:39,900 --> 00:05:43,600 Speaker 4: the fabric of society. Together, we'll explore how we can 79 00:05:43,960 --> 00:05:48,450 Speaker 4: live out these teachings in our daily lives. fostering reconciliation 80 00:05:48,850 --> 00:05:49,289 Speaker 4: and love. 81 00:05:51,650 --> 00:05:56,010 Speaker 1: The cave was dark, only slightly lit by the nearby firelight. 82 00:05:57,370 --> 00:06:02,279 Speaker 1: Eve's quiet and determined breaths echoed through the night. Beads 83 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:08,419 Speaker 1: of sweat, like pearls, descended her brow. Adam knelt beside 84 00:06:08,540 --> 00:06:11,880 Speaker 1: Eve as her hands and knees pressed against the floor. 85 00:06:11,900 --> 00:06:15,150 Speaker 4: Adam! 86 00:06:17,410 --> 00:06:20,570 Speaker 5: Is this death? Is this what God spoke of in 87 00:06:20,589 --> 00:06:21,029 Speaker 5: the garden? 88 00:06:24,040 --> 00:06:26,260 Speaker 2: No, Eve, I think this is life. 89 00:06:27,060 --> 00:06:31,160 Speaker 1: With that final encouragement, Eve let out a final groan, 90 00:06:32,200 --> 00:06:36,820 Speaker 1: giving birth to a son. Adam wrapped him in his 91 00:06:36,980 --> 00:06:39,560 Speaker 1: arms and wiped him with woven wool. 92 00:06:40,400 --> 00:06:43,150 Speaker 2: We must name him as God named me. 93 00:06:43,750 --> 00:06:47,580 Speaker 1: The boy glowed with promise. He was the first child 94 00:06:47,820 --> 00:06:52,210 Speaker 1: born into the earth. Eve rolled over on her back 95 00:06:52,330 --> 00:06:55,430 Speaker 1: and reached for her son. She cradled him in her 96 00:06:55,550 --> 00:06:57,250 Speaker 1: arms and stroked his face. 97 00:07:00,810 --> 00:07:06,440 Speaker 5: Oh, his name shall be Cain, for through him I 98 00:07:06,940 --> 00:07:09,060 Speaker 5: have received help from the Lord. 99 00:07:09,960 --> 00:07:14,280 Speaker 1: Eve pressed Cain against her chest and cried tears of joy. 100 00:07:16,290 --> 00:07:20,430 Speaker 1: God promised Eve that through her offspring, the work done 101 00:07:20,470 --> 00:07:24,850 Speaker 1: by the serpent would be undone. He promised that a 102 00:07:24,910 --> 00:07:26,630 Speaker 1: hero would come from her line. 103 00:07:27,370 --> 00:07:32,680 Speaker 5: This is God's promised deliverer. He's the one who will 104 00:07:32,710 --> 00:07:33,240 Speaker 5: save us. 105 00:07:34,180 --> 00:07:39,060 Speaker 1: Thus began Cain's ascension as the hope of humanity. His 106 00:07:39,120 --> 00:07:43,080 Speaker 1: younger years were spent saturated in the belief that he 107 00:07:43,180 --> 00:07:48,650 Speaker 1: was the favored hero of God. destined to reclaim Eden. 108 00:07:51,090 --> 00:07:56,530 Speaker 1: Days rolled into months, which passed into years. Adam taught 109 00:07:56,590 --> 00:08:00,090 Speaker 1: Cain how to work the land. He taught him about 110 00:08:00,130 --> 00:08:06,550 Speaker 1: the struggle, the anguish, the pain. Adam would often point 111 00:08:06,630 --> 00:08:07,910 Speaker 1: toward the hills in the west. 112 00:08:08,730 --> 00:08:12,240 Speaker 2: We didn't always sweat and bleed, Cain. We were once 113 00:08:12,480 --> 00:08:16,960 Speaker 2: on that holy hill. Surrounded by plants that bloomed without labor, 114 00:08:17,760 --> 00:08:19,180 Speaker 2: we were one with God. 115 00:08:20,080 --> 00:08:20,680 Speaker 1: Blessed. 116 00:08:22,440 --> 00:08:23,620 Speaker 2: I wish you could have seen it. 117 00:08:24,340 --> 00:08:26,000 Speaker 1: Adam brought his son in close. 118 00:08:26,720 --> 00:08:29,050 Speaker 2: Perhaps you'll know one day what it means to be 119 00:08:29,110 --> 00:08:30,140 Speaker 2: blessed by God. 120 00:08:30,870 --> 00:08:34,470 Speaker 1: Cain looked up at the mountain. A sense of destiny 121 00:08:34,790 --> 00:08:40,170 Speaker 1: came over him. He felt chosen and picked to receive 122 00:08:40,309 --> 00:08:45,969 Speaker 1: something great from God. Cain held that belief close in 123 00:08:46,010 --> 00:08:52,450 Speaker 1: his heart. He was entitled to God's blessing. The months 124 00:08:52,510 --> 00:08:55,890 Speaker 1: rolled along as the moon and stars shifted in the skies. 125 00:08:57,340 --> 00:09:01,840 Speaker 1: The heavens were untouched by tragedy, untainted by the sins 126 00:09:01,900 --> 00:09:06,179 Speaker 1: of man. Adam and Eve often looked up at them, 127 00:09:07,100 --> 00:09:10,480 Speaker 1: dreaming about what life would have been like if they 128 00:09:10,520 --> 00:09:15,329 Speaker 1: had never eaten of the tree. Eve touched her pregnant 129 00:09:15,370 --> 00:09:20,000 Speaker 1: belly and leaned her head against Adam's shoulder. They were 130 00:09:20,030 --> 00:09:22,660 Speaker 1: days away from having their second child. 131 00:09:23,520 --> 00:09:26,760 Speaker 5: What will the future hold for our children? What will 132 00:09:26,800 --> 00:09:27,479 Speaker 5: happen to them? 133 00:09:28,220 --> 00:09:34,290 Speaker 1: Worry overcame Eve. It was part of the curse. Cultivating 134 00:09:34,350 --> 00:09:40,350 Speaker 1: a family would be her greatest blessing and burden. Marked 135 00:09:40,410 --> 00:09:42,050 Speaker 1: with joyful highs. 136 00:09:42,350 --> 00:09:45,790 Speaker 5: And anxious lows, Will they survive this world, Adam? 137 00:09:46,570 --> 00:09:49,360 Speaker 1: Adam looked forward at the plains dimly lit by the 138 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:55,179 Speaker 1: stars above. He wrapped his arms around Eve. He wished 139 00:09:55,230 --> 00:09:58,569 Speaker 1: he had words to comfort her. He wished they would 140 00:09:58,610 --> 00:10:02,140 Speaker 1: ascend the hills of Eden. and reclaim unity with God. 141 00:10:03,780 --> 00:10:05,400 Speaker 1: But there were no such guarantees. 142 00:10:06,059 --> 00:10:08,880 Speaker 2: We will teach them to sacrifice to God. We will 143 00:10:08,940 --> 00:10:12,120 Speaker 2: teach them to work the land. We'll teach them our history. 144 00:10:13,140 --> 00:10:14,840 Speaker 2: The future isn't in our hands. 145 00:10:15,500 --> 00:10:19,850 Speaker 1: Days later, Eve felt the pangs of childbirth again. to 146 00:10:19,910 --> 00:10:25,550 Speaker 1: bring forth her second-born son. Adam held him in the 147 00:10:25,670 --> 00:10:27,370 Speaker 1: air and whispered. 148 00:10:26,990 --> 00:10:31,020 Speaker 2: To God, We are multiplying, Lord, just as you asked. 149 00:10:31,740 --> 00:10:37,740 Speaker 1: Adam beamed with delight, feeling a sense of purpose. Although 150 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:43,540 Speaker 1: life had its struggles, it also had beauty. Just because 151 00:10:43,600 --> 00:10:47,600 Speaker 1: the land was harsh and sin was present didn't mean 152 00:10:47,740 --> 00:10:52,750 Speaker 1: there weren't pockets of paradise slivers of Eden in moments 153 00:10:52,890 --> 00:11:00,120 Speaker 1: like these. They named him Abel, breath, fleeting but filled 154 00:11:00,200 --> 00:11:06,540 Speaker 1: with life, just like their existence. The two boys grew 155 00:11:06,620 --> 00:11:11,180 Speaker 1: strong under their parents' care. Adam taught Cain how to 156 00:11:11,220 --> 00:11:15,710 Speaker 1: till the land and the reason for his struggle. He 157 00:11:15,750 --> 00:11:20,380 Speaker 1: taught Abel how to tend to the livestock, Abel learned 158 00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:23,260 Speaker 1: to care for the sheep with dignity as a fellow 159 00:11:23,300 --> 00:11:29,839 Speaker 1: creature and heir of the land. Most importantly, Adam taught 160 00:11:29,900 --> 00:11:34,530 Speaker 1: his sons how to sacrifice to the Lord. He would 161 00:11:34,570 --> 00:11:39,110 Speaker 1: take them up the mountain, bringing sacrifices to the Lord together. 162 00:11:39,570 --> 00:11:43,570 Speaker 2: One day, my sons, you will make offerings to the Lord. 163 00:11:44,230 --> 00:11:46,949 Speaker 2: You will join us in our mission to reclaim our 164 00:11:47,470 --> 00:11:48,790 Speaker 2: relationship with God. 165 00:11:49,490 --> 00:11:52,809 Speaker 1: When the boys were of age and became men, it 166 00:11:52,850 --> 00:11:55,930 Speaker 1: was time to march up the mountain and make offerings 167 00:11:56,030 --> 00:12:01,370 Speaker 1: to the Lord. Both prepared in their own way, making 168 00:12:01,470 --> 00:12:04,500 Speaker 1: offerings with the skills they had acquired from their mother 169 00:12:04,530 --> 00:12:09,620 Speaker 1: and father. Cain scanned the crops he had grown. He 170 00:12:09,660 --> 00:12:11,959 Speaker 1: had done his best to master the land in a 171 00:12:12,020 --> 00:12:17,120 Speaker 1: way that it flourished. The earth was against him, in 172 00:12:17,200 --> 00:12:21,470 Speaker 1: competition with him. Yet there was beauty in the struggle. 173 00:12:22,510 --> 00:12:27,070 Speaker 1: Not that Cain recognized it. Cain tied up some grain 174 00:12:27,150 --> 00:12:30,840 Speaker 1: and leafy vegetables he'd grown at the mountain's base. He 175 00:12:30,900 --> 00:12:34,020 Speaker 1: plucked berries from the trestles he'd built near their camp. 176 00:12:35,920 --> 00:12:40,120 Speaker 1: As Cain knelt in the dirt, a shadow approached from behind. 177 00:12:41,640 --> 00:12:47,250 Speaker 1: It approached slowly, ready to pounce. Cain turned, but it 178 00:12:47,309 --> 00:12:49,939 Speaker 1: was too late. He was tackled to the ground. 179 00:12:50,580 --> 00:12:50,800 Speaker 4: Ha! 180 00:12:51,140 --> 00:12:51,760 Speaker 2: I gotcha! 181 00:12:52,470 --> 00:12:55,849 Speaker 1: Abel playfully wrapped his arms around his big brother's shoulders. 182 00:12:56,610 --> 00:13:00,330 Speaker 1: Cain laughed and tossed Abel into the dirt. They wrestled 183 00:13:00,429 --> 00:13:02,890 Speaker 1: playfully until Cain pinned him down. 184 00:13:03,610 --> 00:13:06,170 Speaker 3: How are you going to protect the sheep from wolves 185 00:13:06,250 --> 00:13:08,120 Speaker 3: if you can't even pin me from behind? 186 00:13:09,200 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 1: Cain helped Abel to his feet. 187 00:13:11,200 --> 00:13:13,740 Speaker 2: I'll just shout for you to help. You'll be lounging 188 00:13:13,780 --> 00:13:14,600 Speaker 2: around anyways. 189 00:13:15,280 --> 00:13:19,130 Speaker 1: Cain ruffled his brother's hair and pushed him away. Get 190 00:13:19,210 --> 00:13:21,030 Speaker 1: out of here so I can finish my offering. 191 00:13:21,500 --> 00:13:22,800 Speaker 2: What are you bringing to the mountain? 192 00:13:23,260 --> 00:13:26,520 Speaker 3: Grains, berries, and other crops. 193 00:13:26,980 --> 00:13:29,700 Speaker 1: Cain said, binding some of the grain together with string 194 00:13:30,260 --> 00:13:32,260 Speaker 1: and adding some flowers he'd grown nearby. 195 00:13:33,220 --> 00:13:34,900 Speaker 2: I hope he accepts our offering. 196 00:13:35,600 --> 00:13:37,230 Speaker 1: Abel sighed and looked to the west. 197 00:13:37,990 --> 00:13:41,870 Speaker 2: I want him to know my heart. God deserves our best. 198 00:13:42,590 --> 00:13:45,609 Speaker 3: Sacrificing is a lot like farming, dear brother. 199 00:13:46,150 --> 00:13:48,930 Speaker 1: Cain lifted his offering onto his shoulders and winked. 200 00:13:49,670 --> 00:13:52,510 Speaker 3: If you till the land and plant the seed, you'll 201 00:13:52,550 --> 00:13:55,910 Speaker 3: yield a good crop. I give the offering to God, 202 00:13:56,410 --> 00:13:59,690 Speaker 3: then he'll bless me. I give to him, he gives 203 00:13:59,750 --> 00:14:00,950 Speaker 3: me something in return. 204 00:14:01,590 --> 00:14:03,110 Speaker 2: I'm not sure that's how it works. 205 00:14:03,870 --> 00:14:07,840 Speaker 1: That's because you're young and have never farmed. Cain ruffled 206 00:14:07,880 --> 00:14:12,940 Speaker 1: his brother's hair and left for the mountain. Cain was 207 00:14:13,020 --> 00:14:17,110 Speaker 1: less concerned about the art of cultivation and more concerned 208 00:14:17,500 --> 00:14:22,400 Speaker 1: with the input-output relationship of farming. He put in the work, 209 00:14:23,040 --> 00:14:27,360 Speaker 1: and the land gave him crops. He saw his sacrifice 210 00:14:27,400 --> 00:14:28,980 Speaker 1: to God in a similar manner. 211 00:14:29,620 --> 00:14:32,340 Speaker 3: I will give an offering, and God will give me a. 212 00:14:32,360 --> 00:14:38,750 Speaker 1: Blessing, he thought to himself. Cain summited the hill. There 213 00:14:38,790 --> 00:14:42,390 Speaker 1: was an altar made of stone at the peak. The 214 00:14:42,430 --> 00:14:47,770 Speaker 1: wind whistled above. Cain pulled his hair back and smiled. 215 00:14:49,150 --> 00:14:53,630 Speaker 1: He was prepared to receive God's blessing. He was prepared 216 00:14:53,690 --> 00:14:59,940 Speaker 1: to step into his destiny as God's chosen hero. He 217 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:03,040 Speaker 1: removed the offering from his shoulders and placed it on 218 00:15:03,060 --> 00:15:07,240 Speaker 1: the altar. He stepped back and knelt on the ground. 219 00:15:08,460 --> 00:15:14,860 Speaker 1: He waited. He waited a sign of God's blessing. Nothing. 220 00:15:15,740 --> 00:15:20,040 Speaker 1: Just silence, along with the high-pitched whistle of the wind. 221 00:15:20,560 --> 00:15:23,920 Speaker 1: Where are you? Cain was unsure what he was looking for, 222 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:28,350 Speaker 1: but knew he would know when he saw it. There 223 00:15:28,390 --> 00:15:34,210 Speaker 1: was only silence. Cain stood to his feet, frustrated, confused. 224 00:15:34,750 --> 00:15:37,290 Speaker 3: What's wrong? Why are you silent? 225 00:15:37,730 --> 00:15:43,150 Speaker 1: Cain waited even longer, wondering what had gone wrong. Why 226 00:15:43,210 --> 00:15:49,860 Speaker 1: wasn't God speaking? Why hadn't he accepted his sacrifice? Cain 227 00:15:49,900 --> 00:15:53,020 Speaker 1: had put in the work, so why wasn't he getting 228 00:15:53,100 --> 00:15:58,590 Speaker 1: his return? Cain scoffed, dragging his feet down a small 229 00:15:58,670 --> 00:16:03,170 Speaker 1: path and sat on a stone, waiting for God to 230 00:16:03,210 --> 00:16:08,630 Speaker 1: bless him. As he waited, Cain heard the faint bleeding 231 00:16:08,690 --> 00:16:13,229 Speaker 1: of a lamb in the distance. Abel scaled up the hill, 232 00:16:14,260 --> 00:16:17,500 Speaker 1: carrying the firstborn lamb of the season on his shoulders. 233 00:16:18,790 --> 00:16:23,170 Speaker 1: A dagger was strapped to his side. Cain observed the 234 00:16:23,230 --> 00:16:28,190 Speaker 1: sorrow on Abel's face. His eyes were foggy with tears 235 00:16:29,110 --> 00:16:32,170 Speaker 1: as he petted the lamb in his arms. It's okay, 236 00:16:32,190 --> 00:16:37,229 Speaker 1: little one, Abel whispered to it. Cain scoffed at his brother. 237 00:16:38,460 --> 00:16:41,860 Speaker 1: He had always thought Abel was too sensitive, too soft 238 00:16:41,940 --> 00:16:47,690 Speaker 1: for this harsh world. Tears rolled down Abel's face as 239 00:16:47,730 --> 00:16:51,890 Speaker 1: he placed the newborn lamb on the altar. He stroked 240 00:16:51,950 --> 00:16:56,930 Speaker 1: its head and sang it a lullaby, his singing mixed 241 00:16:56,990 --> 00:17:01,520 Speaker 1: with a gentle hiss of the wind. Abel loved every 242 00:17:01,740 --> 00:17:06,260 Speaker 1: one of his sheep. He had a tender heart and 243 00:17:06,320 --> 00:17:11,520 Speaker 1: understood the value of life. Abel brought the firstborn of 244 00:17:11,580 --> 00:17:16,179 Speaker 1: his flock the very best of what he had. It 245 00:17:16,220 --> 00:17:20,680 Speaker 1: was an act of pure faith, faith in the future, 246 00:17:21,920 --> 00:17:25,600 Speaker 1: faith in God as a provider and worthy of the 247 00:17:25,680 --> 00:17:32,649 Speaker 1: immense value of the firstborn. With a shaking hand, Abel 248 00:17:32,790 --> 00:17:38,010 Speaker 1: raised his blade. The lullaby leaked out of his quivering 249 00:17:38,109 --> 00:17:42,399 Speaker 1: lips as he drove the blade down into the lamb's throat. 250 00:17:44,000 --> 00:17:48,330 Speaker 1: He let it bleed onto the altar He offered the 251 00:17:48,410 --> 00:17:51,869 Speaker 1: best parts of the lamb to God and sang a 252 00:17:51,910 --> 00:18:00,420 Speaker 1: song silently to him. Abel's faith was pure. Cain watched 253 00:18:00,460 --> 00:18:05,060 Speaker 1: from a distance and waited for something to happen. He 254 00:18:05,119 --> 00:18:10,919 Speaker 1: waited for God to move. That's when something changed in 255 00:18:10,960 --> 00:18:16,209 Speaker 1: the air. Something's happening. an indescribable shift occurred in the 256 00:18:16,320 --> 00:18:21,359 Speaker 1: atmosphere around Abel. The favor of God was upon him. 257 00:18:22,940 --> 00:18:27,139 Speaker 1: On that hill, it seemed like a sliver of Eden 258 00:18:27,720 --> 00:18:35,680 Speaker 1: was reclaimed for humanity through Abel, not Cain. Abel descended 259 00:18:35,720 --> 00:18:40,010 Speaker 1: the mountain, surrounded by a holy glow of God's love 260 00:18:40,450 --> 00:18:46,639 Speaker 1: and affirmation. He was like a trickling stream, joyfully falling 261 00:18:46,700 --> 00:18:52,080 Speaker 1: from the hills. Cain emerged from his hiding place with 262 00:18:52,119 --> 00:18:59,770 Speaker 1: his mouth agape. His jaw tightened in annoyance. Undoubtedly, God 263 00:18:59,810 --> 00:19:08,050 Speaker 1: had just accepted Abel's sacrifice above Cain's. Weeks passed, and 264 00:19:08,070 --> 00:19:12,440 Speaker 1: it became clear that God's hand was on Abel. His 265 00:19:12,520 --> 00:19:16,980 Speaker 1: flocks multiplied, his strength increased, and the work of his 266 00:19:17,060 --> 00:19:23,660 Speaker 1: hands was blessed. With each passing day, Abel's success made 267 00:19:23,780 --> 00:19:30,060 Speaker 1: Cain more and more indignant. Rage welled up within him. 268 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:38,379 Speaker 1: His bitterness was a poison, slowly eroding his heart. Whenever 269 00:19:38,440 --> 00:19:41,290 Speaker 1: a crop didn't yield or a thorn cut his hand, 270 00:19:42,300 --> 00:19:47,169 Speaker 1: Cain thought about how God had blessed Abel. Cain began 271 00:19:47,230 --> 00:19:54,040 Speaker 1: to compare every inconvenience and struggle with Abel's successes. Cain 272 00:19:54,100 --> 00:19:57,940 Speaker 1: perceived each ounce of favor given to Abel as a 273 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:05,889 Speaker 1: slight against him. Yet Cain's hatred wasn't against Abel. It 274 00:20:05,930 --> 00:20:11,200 Speaker 1: was against God. Cain was supposed to be chosen, not Abel. 275 00:20:12,330 --> 00:20:15,750 Speaker 1: He was supposed to be the blessed. He was the 276 00:20:15,890 --> 00:20:22,429 Speaker 1: chosen child of promise, the favored son. Cain's entire body 277 00:20:23,230 --> 00:20:28,340 Speaker 1: shook with jealous rage. Cain sat by the fire with 278 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:32,159 Speaker 1: his parents and brother. They were celebrating a record month 279 00:20:32,340 --> 00:20:36,520 Speaker 1: for Abel's flock. They laughed and sang by the fire. 280 00:20:37,720 --> 00:20:43,800 Speaker 1: joy rising from the smoke into the skies. Cain wasn't 281 00:20:43,859 --> 00:20:47,440 Speaker 1: amused by any of it. He stormed off to a 282 00:20:47,520 --> 00:20:53,899 Speaker 1: solitary place. He slammed his fist against a stone and 283 00:20:54,109 --> 00:21:01,030 Speaker 1: shouted into the night. Then, interrupting the tense fit, God spoke. 284 00:21:01,830 --> 00:21:07,859 Speaker 6: Why are you so angry, Cain? Why has your face fallen? 285 00:21:07,880 --> 00:21:10,960 Speaker 4: Oh, now you show yourself. 286 00:21:11,580 --> 00:21:15,940 Speaker 1: Cain's mind raced with hatred and contempt. He didn't understand 287 00:21:16,040 --> 00:21:19,880 Speaker 1: why God had blessed Abel instead of him. He was 288 00:21:19,920 --> 00:21:23,530 Speaker 1: the oldest. He was the one whose name held a promise. 289 00:21:25,130 --> 00:21:29,609 Speaker 1: God's voice resonated within Cain, warning, If you. 290 00:21:29,470 --> 00:21:33,010 Speaker 6: Do well, will you not be accepted? 291 00:21:33,730 --> 00:21:34,650 Speaker 1: If I do well? 292 00:21:35,920 --> 00:21:36,439 Speaker 3: If I. 293 00:21:37,100 --> 00:21:39,200 Speaker 1: Cain stopped and clenched his fists. 294 00:21:40,030 --> 00:21:43,209 Speaker 7: I did what was asked. I made my offering, and 295 00:21:43,290 --> 00:21:46,910 Speaker 7: you didn't hold up your end of the bargain. Instead, 296 00:21:46,950 --> 00:21:50,189 Speaker 7: you chose to bless that whimpering and soft fool. 297 00:21:50,830 --> 00:21:55,830 Speaker 6: Be warned, Cain. Sin crouches at the door of your heart. 298 00:21:56,550 --> 00:22:01,180 Speaker 6: It desires to destroy you, but you must overcome it. 299 00:22:01,940 --> 00:22:03,139 Speaker 3: Why should I listen to you? 300 00:22:03,920 --> 00:22:05,160 Speaker 4: What good has that done me? 301 00:22:05,720 --> 00:22:09,380 Speaker 1: Cain stormed down the hill, determined to leave a distance 302 00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:13,980 Speaker 1: between him and the Lord. God's word wasn't a comfort 303 00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:19,639 Speaker 1: to Cain, but salt to his wounded pride. The further 304 00:22:19,700 --> 00:22:25,770 Speaker 1: he walked, the darker his heart became. Rage against God 305 00:22:25,850 --> 00:22:27,910 Speaker 1: was boiling over in his heart. 306 00:22:28,650 --> 00:22:30,790 Speaker 3: You accepted Abel's blood offering. 307 00:22:30,810 --> 00:22:33,070 Speaker 1: If it's blood you want. 308 00:22:34,710 --> 00:22:39,230 Speaker 1: Didn't blood you get? The following day was shrouded in darkness. 309 00:22:40,650 --> 00:22:44,409 Speaker 1: Clouds rolled in from the east, covering the sun's warmth. 310 00:22:46,250 --> 00:22:49,990 Speaker 1: Cain's breath rose like a specter in the chilly air. 311 00:22:51,470 --> 00:22:54,970 Speaker 1: He paced at the pasture's edge, where Abel tended to 312 00:22:55,030 --> 00:23:02,719 Speaker 1: the sheep. He was like a wolf, stalking, waiting. He 313 00:23:02,790 --> 00:23:07,750 Speaker 1: remained there all day in the shadows, warring with himself. 314 00:23:09,330 --> 00:23:13,350 Speaker 1: Hatred coiled around his heart like the serpent around the 315 00:23:13,510 --> 00:23:19,449 Speaker 1: ancient tree. It squeezed, choking the humanity out of him. 316 00:23:21,070 --> 00:23:25,310 Speaker 1: The sun began to set, and a crimson hue covered 317 00:23:25,359 --> 00:23:31,260 Speaker 1: the horizon. Sin was stalking at the borders of Cain's heart. 318 00:23:32,510 --> 00:23:37,169 Speaker 1: It was hungry for his soul. The warnings of God 319 00:23:37,430 --> 00:23:38,389 Speaker 1: echoed in his mind. 320 00:23:39,190 --> 00:23:43,570 Speaker 6: Sin crouches at the door of your heart. It desires 321 00:23:43,630 --> 00:23:47,449 Speaker 6: to destroy you, but you must overcome it. 322 00:23:48,470 --> 00:23:54,280 Speaker 1: Cain wouldn't listen. He refused. Cain knelt into the cold 323 00:23:54,380 --> 00:24:00,120 Speaker 1: dirt and picked up a stone. A shadow approached from behind. 324 00:24:01,100 --> 00:24:05,540 Speaker 1: As Abel knelt beside one of his sheep, it came slowly, 325 00:24:06,460 --> 00:24:11,460 Speaker 1: ready to pounce. Abel turned, but it was too late. 326 00:24:12,380 --> 00:24:16,580 Speaker 1: He was tackled to the ground. Abel struggled in the 327 00:24:16,619 --> 00:24:20,869 Speaker 1: dirt and kicked Cain off him. Cain bounced back up 328 00:24:21,550 --> 00:24:25,630 Speaker 1: and struck his brother on the temple, sending him flying 329 00:24:25,730 --> 00:24:30,189 Speaker 1: to the floor. Abel scurried backwards with his arms up 330 00:24:30,250 --> 00:24:30,530 Speaker 1: to Cain. 331 00:24:31,200 --> 00:24:35,980 Speaker 2: Cain, stop! What are you doing? Getting my revenge. 332 00:24:36,500 --> 00:24:37,060 Speaker 3: Revenge? 333 00:24:37,560 --> 00:24:38,800 Speaker 2: What did I do to you? 334 00:24:39,420 --> 00:24:43,730 Speaker 1: Not you. Cain lunged forward at Abel and struck him 335 00:24:43,810 --> 00:24:48,150 Speaker 1: again with the stone. Abel's face fell into the dirt. 336 00:24:49,190 --> 00:24:52,350 Speaker 1: Cain turned him around and continued to attack. 337 00:24:54,250 --> 00:24:56,310 Speaker 4: How blessed are you now, Abel? 338 00:24:56,800 --> 00:25:00,180 Speaker 1: Cain's strike smashed Abel's nose in with the rock. 339 00:25:00,910 --> 00:25:03,139 Speaker 2: Please, no, stop! 340 00:25:04,460 --> 00:25:05,580 Speaker 4: Where's God now? 341 00:25:06,520 --> 00:25:08,020 Speaker 7: Where's God now? 342 00:25:08,880 --> 00:25:13,520 Speaker 1: His anger wasn't directed toward Abel. No, it was directed 343 00:25:13,560 --> 00:25:18,879 Speaker 1: at the Lord. Blow after blow, Cain threw spite at 344 00:25:19,000 --> 00:25:24,670 Speaker 1: God by striking his innocent brother. When Abel was too 345 00:25:24,750 --> 00:25:29,170 Speaker 1: weak to struggle, Cain pressed his thumbs against his throat. 346 00:25:30,290 --> 00:25:35,949 Speaker 1: and finished what he had started. Abel's life left him. 347 00:25:37,530 --> 00:25:42,410 Speaker 1: Cain removed his hands, rolled his neck back, and exhaled quietly. 348 00:25:44,040 --> 00:25:47,379 Speaker 1: He dared not look up at heaven, but he dared 349 00:25:47,440 --> 00:25:52,980 Speaker 1: not look down at his slain brother. Cain found himself 350 00:25:53,080 --> 00:25:59,719 Speaker 1: suspended in a place between guilt and indignation. He buried 351 00:25:59,770 --> 00:26:03,050 Speaker 1: his brother in that field and stormed back to his 352 00:26:03,109 --> 00:26:09,570 Speaker 1: home to rest. Abel had been buried. Abel had been buried, 353 00:26:10,210 --> 00:26:15,630 Speaker 1: but his blood cried out from the ground. God had 354 00:26:15,730 --> 00:26:21,290 Speaker 1: seen it all, and he would not let Cain go unpunished. 355 00:26:22,910 --> 00:26:26,710 Speaker 1: One day, he would end the hatred that consumed Cain. 356 00:26:28,080 --> 00:26:31,840 Speaker 1: He would send his Redeemer to rid the world of 357 00:26:31,960 --> 00:26:35,300 Speaker 1: sin once and for all. 358 00:26:44,560 --> 00:26:46,080 Speaker 4: You have heard that it was said to the people 359 00:26:46,160 --> 00:26:49,500 Speaker 4: long ago, You shall not murder, and anyone who murders 360 00:26:49,540 --> 00:26:52,899 Speaker 4: will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that 361 00:26:53,060 --> 00:26:55,940 Speaker 4: anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will 362 00:26:55,960 --> 00:26:59,480 Speaker 4: be subject to judgment. Again, Anyone who says to a 363 00:26:59,540 --> 00:27:03,859 Speaker 4: brother or sister, Raka, is answerable to the court. And 364 00:27:03,920 --> 00:27:06,740 Speaker 4: anyone who says, You fool, will be in danger of 365 00:27:06,780 --> 00:27:10,370 Speaker 4: the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your 366 00:27:10,420 --> 00:27:13,070 Speaker 4: gift at the altar and there remember that your brother 367 00:27:13,130 --> 00:27:16,270 Speaker 4: or sister has something against you, leave your gift there 368 00:27:16,369 --> 00:27:19,889 Speaker 4: in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled 369 00:27:19,910 --> 00:27:24,470 Speaker 4: to them. Then come and offer your gift. Jesus expands 370 00:27:24,560 --> 00:27:27,600 Speaker 4: on the commandment against murder by addressing the root of 371 00:27:27,660 --> 00:27:33,419 Speaker 4: such actions, anger and contempt. He emphasizes the seriousness of 372 00:27:33,690 --> 00:27:38,970 Speaker 4: harboring anger and the importance of reconciliation. Jesus teaches that 373 00:27:39,130 --> 00:27:43,910 Speaker 4: unresolved anger and broken relationships are detrimental to our spiritual 374 00:27:43,950 --> 00:27:47,780 Speaker 4: health and must be addressed promptly. The story of Cain 375 00:27:47,820 --> 00:27:51,420 Speaker 4: and Abel is a powerful illustration of the erosive nature 376 00:27:51,480 --> 00:27:56,820 Speaker 4: of hatred and its devastating consequences. Cain and Abel were 377 00:27:56,840 --> 00:28:01,060 Speaker 4: the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain, a farmer, 378 00:28:01,380 --> 00:28:04,980 Speaker 4: and Abel, a shepherd, both brought offerings to the Lord. 379 00:28:06,080 --> 00:28:09,159 Speaker 4: God accepted Abel's offering but did not look with favor 380 00:28:09,240 --> 00:28:13,340 Speaker 4: on Cain's. This led to intense anger and jealousy in 381 00:28:13,400 --> 00:28:17,619 Speaker 4: Cain's heart. Cain's unchecked anger and jealousy led to the 382 00:28:17,740 --> 00:28:22,310 Speaker 4: first murder. His hatred not only resulted in Abel's death 383 00:28:22,690 --> 00:28:26,850 Speaker 4: but also brought severe consequences to himself and his relationship 384 00:28:26,890 --> 00:28:30,990 Speaker 4: with God. Peaceful resolution to conflict must be at the 385 00:28:31,090 --> 00:28:37,090 Speaker 4: top of our priority lists. Burned bridges, revenge, and passive-aggressive 386 00:28:37,130 --> 00:28:41,470 Speaker 4: gossip shake the foundation of a peaceful society. If we, 387 00:28:41,730 --> 00:28:45,380 Speaker 4: as followers of Christ, can find ways to settle disputes 388 00:28:45,450 --> 00:28:50,260 Speaker 4: with love and patience, we will watch that expand outward 389 00:28:50,300 --> 00:28:54,540 Speaker 4: from our souls to our relationships and society as a whole. 390 00:28:55,580 --> 00:28:59,740 Speaker 4: There are layers to unchecked anger and contempt's corrosive and 391 00:28:59,800 --> 00:29:05,330 Speaker 4: sinister nature. First, hatred and unresolved anger corrode the soul. 392 00:29:06,380 --> 00:29:12,510 Speaker 4: Cain's internal struggle and jealousy consumed him, leading to sin. Similarly, 393 00:29:12,930 --> 00:29:18,610 Speaker 4: harboring anger and resentment damages our inner peace and spiritual well-being. Second, 394 00:29:19,110 --> 00:29:25,400 Speaker 4: hatred and unresolved conflict damage personal relationships. Cain's hatred destroyed 395 00:29:25,460 --> 00:29:30,020 Speaker 4: his relationship with Abel, his own brother. Hatred creates divisions 396 00:29:30,080 --> 00:29:35,250 Speaker 4: and destroys trust and love in relationships. Jesus' call to 397 00:29:35,350 --> 00:29:40,600 Speaker 4: reconcile emphasizes the importance of healing and restoring our relationships. 398 00:29:41,880 --> 00:29:44,740 Speaker 4: If we don't deal with our conflict and allow it 399 00:29:44,780 --> 00:29:48,300 Speaker 4: to fester inside, it will always leak out by us 400 00:29:48,440 --> 00:29:53,860 Speaker 4: lashing out. Third, hatred and violence undermine the fabric of society. 401 00:29:54,740 --> 00:29:58,110 Speaker 4: Cain's act of violence set a precedent for further discord 402 00:29:58,180 --> 00:30:01,880 Speaker 4: and strife. As followers of Christ, we are called to 403 00:30:01,920 --> 00:30:06,910 Speaker 4: be agents of peace and reconciliation, countering the destructive power 404 00:30:06,990 --> 00:30:10,550 Speaker 4: of hatred. How do we live out these teachings in 405 00:30:10,910 --> 00:30:15,390 Speaker 4: our daily lives? How can we, when faced with jealousy, anger, 406 00:30:15,830 --> 00:30:21,340 Speaker 4: and unresolved conflict, rise up to be peacemakers? First, we 407 00:30:21,420 --> 00:30:25,720 Speaker 4: must address anger promptly. Jesus teaches us to address anger 408 00:30:25,760 --> 00:30:29,910 Speaker 4: before it festers into something more harmful. We should seek 409 00:30:29,950 --> 00:30:33,590 Speaker 4: to resolve conflicts quickly and not let anger take root 410 00:30:33,750 --> 00:30:38,780 Speaker 4: in our hearts. This can be awkward and uncomfortable, but 411 00:30:38,820 --> 00:30:42,440 Speaker 4: it's better to pursue peace awkwardly than give anger time 412 00:30:42,480 --> 00:30:47,240 Speaker 4: to dig a deeper burrow in our hearts. Second, seek reconciliation. 413 00:30:48,000 --> 00:30:51,860 Speaker 4: Reconciliation isn't arguing until the other person admits you're right. 414 00:30:52,700 --> 00:30:56,320 Speaker 4: It's understanding that the relationship with the person is more 415 00:30:56,400 --> 00:31:00,620 Speaker 4: important than being right about something. Instead of fighting with 416 00:31:00,640 --> 00:31:04,040 Speaker 4: the person face to face, you should see conflict as 417 00:31:04,080 --> 00:31:08,800 Speaker 4: the two of you fighting side by side for the relationship. Third, 418 00:31:09,400 --> 00:31:15,120 Speaker 4: you must practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is a powerful antidote to hatred. 419 00:31:15,820 --> 00:31:19,540 Speaker 4: By forgiving others, we release the burden of anger and resentment, 420 00:31:20,140 --> 00:31:24,770 Speaker 4: allowing healing and reconciliation to take place. This doesn't mean 421 00:31:24,810 --> 00:31:28,410 Speaker 4: we forget what's been done to us. Healing may still 422 00:31:28,470 --> 00:31:33,280 Speaker 4: need to take place. However, forgiveness is posturing your heart 423 00:31:33,320 --> 00:31:36,180 Speaker 4: in such a way where you want God's best for 424 00:31:36,220 --> 00:31:42,620 Speaker 4: that person. Lastly, we must promote peace. As followers of Jesus, 425 00:31:43,090 --> 00:31:47,190 Speaker 4: we are called to promote peace and understanding in our communities. 426 00:31:48,050 --> 00:31:53,110 Speaker 4: This involves being peacemakers, standing against injustice, and fostering an 427 00:31:53,170 --> 00:31:58,490 Speaker 4: environment of love, dialogue, and respect. As we reflect on Jesus' 428 00:31:58,550 --> 00:32:03,110 Speaker 4: words in Matthew 5, 21-26, and the story of Cain 429 00:32:03,150 --> 00:32:07,160 Speaker 4: and Abel, let us be mindful of the erosive nature 430 00:32:07,340 --> 00:32:11,180 Speaker 4: of hatred. May we strive to address our anger, to 431 00:32:11,240 --> 00:32:16,530 Speaker 4: seek reconciliation, to practice forgiveness, and to promote peace in 432 00:32:16,590 --> 00:32:19,890 Speaker 4: our lives. Let us pray for the strength and the 433 00:32:19,990 --> 00:32:23,940 Speaker 4: grace to be true citizens of heaven. living out the 434 00:32:24,020 --> 00:32:28,650 Speaker 4: love and reconciliation that Jesus calls us to. In our 435 00:32:28,690 --> 00:32:32,070 Speaker 4: next episode, we'll find ourselves wrapped up in a scandalous 436 00:32:32,150 --> 00:32:36,680 Speaker 4: and devastating story, one of lust, lies, and murder.