1 00:00:00,990 --> 00:00:03,290 Speaker 1: But I tell you that everyone who is angry with 2 00:00:03,330 --> 00:00:06,540 Speaker 1: his brother without a cause will be in danger of 3 00:00:06,580 --> 00:00:14,120 Speaker 1: the judgment. Matthew 5.22 Heavenly Father, as we confront the 4 00:00:14,160 --> 00:00:18,599 Speaker 1: weighty words of Matthew 5.22, where Jesus teaches us about 5 00:00:18,640 --> 00:00:22,750 Speaker 1: the seriousness of anger in our hearts, we come before 6 00:00:22,829 --> 00:00:29,640 Speaker 1: you acknowledging our struggles with this powerful emotion. Lord, you 7 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:33,340 Speaker 1: know the conflicts that stir within us, the quick tempers 8 00:00:33,860 --> 00:00:36,740 Speaker 1: and the harsh words that can easily escape our lips. 9 00:00:38,680 --> 00:00:43,160 Speaker 1: Search us and teach us that we may understand the 10 00:00:43,220 --> 00:00:47,409 Speaker 1: root of our anger. Guide us as we address our anger. 11 00:00:49,050 --> 00:00:52,110 Speaker 1: Help us to see our fellow human beings as you 12 00:00:52,150 --> 00:00:58,290 Speaker 1: see them, created in your image, deserving of love and compassion. 13 00:00:59,770 --> 00:01:03,310 Speaker 1: and instill in us a spirit of patience and the 14 00:01:03,370 --> 00:01:08,640 Speaker 1: strength to forgive, as you have forgiven us our many transgressions. 15 00:01:11,420 --> 00:01:15,240 Speaker 1: We ask for your help in transforming our hearts, that 16 00:01:15,300 --> 00:01:21,660 Speaker 1: we might be peacemakers rather than troublemakers, healers rather than herders. 17 00:01:23,500 --> 00:01:28,740 Speaker 1: Let our words bring life and not death, encouragement and 18 00:01:28,800 --> 00:01:35,110 Speaker 1: not despair, Create in us clean hearts, O God, and 19 00:01:35,170 --> 00:01:40,610 Speaker 1: renew a steadfast spirit within us, that we may reflect 20 00:01:40,650 --> 00:01:46,280 Speaker 1: your love and grace in all our interactions. And forgive 21 00:01:46,360 --> 00:01:50,500 Speaker 1: us for the times we've let anger control us, and 22 00:01:50,560 --> 00:01:53,660 Speaker 1: guide us toward living lives that are marked by your 23 00:01:53,760 --> 00:02:00,290 Speaker 1: peace and kindness. In the name of Jesus. who taught 24 00:02:00,390 --> 00:02:08,310 Speaker 1: us the way of love, we pray. Amen. Thank you 25 00:02:08,350 --> 00:02:12,400 Speaker 1: for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 26 00:02:13,660 --> 00:02:18,480 Speaker 1: Remain here for a story of revenge, murder, and hatred 27 00:02:18,639 --> 00:02:23,640 Speaker 1: toward God. If this podcast has inspired you, share it 28 00:02:23,680 --> 00:02:27,359 Speaker 1: with a few friends, spread hope today, and be a 29 00:02:27,520 --> 00:02:28,440 Speaker 1: light to the world. 30 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:33,160 Speaker 2: Some of you here may think that I have come 31 00:02:33,220 --> 00:02:36,560 Speaker 2: to abolish the law and prophets. You cannot be further 32 00:02:36,580 --> 00:02:37,280 Speaker 2: from the truth. 33 00:02:38,160 --> 00:02:41,179 Speaker 1: Jesus saw the Pharisees stir and look at one another. 34 00:02:41,700 --> 00:02:42,560 Speaker 3: Hear me. 35 00:02:43,260 --> 00:02:46,160 Speaker 2: I have not come to abolish the law of Moses, 36 00:02:46,710 --> 00:02:50,510 Speaker 2: but to fulfill it. The word of God is unchangeable 37 00:02:50,650 --> 00:02:56,890 Speaker 2: as creation itself. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least 38 00:02:56,930 --> 00:03:00,389 Speaker 2: of these commandments and teaches others to do the same 39 00:03:00,790 --> 00:03:04,210 Speaker 2: will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But 40 00:03:04,230 --> 00:03:08,250 Speaker 2: whoever does them and teaches them will be called great 41 00:03:08,669 --> 00:03:12,300 Speaker 2: in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless 42 00:03:12,320 --> 00:03:16,200 Speaker 2: your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you 43 00:03:16,240 --> 00:03:18,660 Speaker 2: will never enter the. 44 00:03:18,620 --> 00:03:22,770 Speaker 1: Kingdom of heaven. As Jesus said these things, the religious 45 00:03:22,830 --> 00:03:27,030 Speaker 1: leaders began to boil with frustration. What they could not 46 00:03:27,110 --> 00:03:30,889 Speaker 1: see is that the entirety of God's story, from Adam 47 00:03:31,150 --> 00:03:37,339 Speaker 1: until now, was leading up to this moment. Jesus was 48 00:03:37,380 --> 00:03:41,880 Speaker 1: the crescendo of human history and the embodiment of God's will. 49 00:03:44,080 --> 00:03:48,470 Speaker 1: Jesus lifted his arms and pretended he was a balancing scale. 50 00:03:49,550 --> 00:03:51,170 Speaker 1: He lifted one arm up and said. 51 00:03:51,630 --> 00:03:54,010 Speaker 2: You have heard it said to those of old, You 52 00:03:54,030 --> 00:03:58,460 Speaker 2: shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 53 00:03:59,220 --> 00:04:02,320 Speaker 2: But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his 54 00:04:02,380 --> 00:04:06,900 Speaker 2: brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother 55 00:04:07,260 --> 00:04:11,140 Speaker 2: will be liable to the council, and whoever says, You fool, 56 00:04:11,640 --> 00:04:13,970 Speaker 2: will be liable to the hellfire. 57 00:04:14,620 --> 00:04:18,430 Speaker 1: Jesus raised the standard, piercing straight to the heart. 58 00:04:19,000 --> 00:04:20,920 Speaker 2: If you are worshipping in the house of the Lord, 59 00:04:21,420 --> 00:04:24,320 Speaker 2: and remember there that your brother has something against you, 60 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:28,960 Speaker 2: leave the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, 61 00:04:29,660 --> 00:04:31,600 Speaker 2: then come and worship. 62 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:42,510 Speaker 4: Forgiveness and reconciliation were of paramount importance to Jesus. So important, 63 00:04:42,570 --> 00:04:45,810 Speaker 4: in fact, that he said you should even stop worshipping 64 00:04:45,910 --> 00:04:51,490 Speaker 4: to settle disputes. Lingering conflict leads to contempt, and contempt 65 00:04:51,850 --> 00:04:55,510 Speaker 4: is the gateway to all kinds of sins. This is 66 00:04:55,550 --> 00:05:00,520 Speaker 4: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Join us as 67 00:05:00,580 --> 00:05:03,580 Speaker 4: we continue our mini-series through the Sermon on the Mount. 68 00:05:04,600 --> 00:05:07,900 Speaker 4: We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of 69 00:05:07,980 --> 00:05:12,040 Speaker 4: Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. Today, we 70 00:05:12,100 --> 00:05:15,929 Speaker 4: turn our attention to a profound teaching from Jesus' Sermon 71 00:05:15,950 --> 00:05:21,739 Speaker 4: on the Mount, found in Matthew 5, verses 21-26. This 72 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:26,740 Speaker 4: passage addresses the deep issues of anger and reconciliation, and 73 00:05:26,839 --> 00:05:29,659 Speaker 4: we will connect it to the tragic story of Cain 74 00:05:29,700 --> 00:05:35,100 Speaker 4: and Abel in Genesis 4, verses 1-16. We will emphasize 75 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:39,870 Speaker 4: how hatred is erosive to the soul, personal relationships, and 76 00:05:39,940 --> 00:05:43,570 Speaker 4: the fabric of society. Together, we'll explore how we can 77 00:05:43,950 --> 00:05:48,430 Speaker 4: live out these teachings in our daily lives. fostering reconciliation 78 00:05:48,830 --> 00:05:49,250 Speaker 4: and love. 79 00:05:51,610 --> 00:05:56,000 Speaker 1: The cave was dark, only slightly lit by the nearby firelight. 80 00:05:57,339 --> 00:06:02,239 Speaker 1: Eve's quiet and determined breaths echoed through the night. Beads 81 00:06:02,300 --> 00:06:08,400 Speaker 1: of sweat, like pearls, descended her brow. Adam knelt beside 82 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:11,870 Speaker 1: Eve as her hands and knees pressed against the floor. 83 00:06:15,070 --> 00:06:15,150 Speaker 2: Adam! 84 00:06:17,380 --> 00:06:18,039 Speaker 5: Is this death? 85 00:06:19,279 --> 00:06:21,000 Speaker 6: Is this what God spoke of in the garden? 86 00:06:24,000 --> 00:06:26,219 Speaker 2: No, Eve, I think this is life. 87 00:06:27,020 --> 00:06:31,120 Speaker 1: With that final encouragement, Eve let out a final groan, 88 00:06:32,190 --> 00:06:36,790 Speaker 1: giving birth to a son. Adam wrapped him in his 89 00:06:36,950 --> 00:06:39,530 Speaker 1: arms and wiped him with woven wool. 90 00:06:40,390 --> 00:06:43,130 Speaker 2: We must name him as God named me. 91 00:06:43,730 --> 00:06:47,570 Speaker 1: The boy glowed with promise. He was the first child 92 00:06:47,790 --> 00:06:52,190 Speaker 1: born into the earth. Eve rolled over on her back 93 00:06:52,290 --> 00:06:55,390 Speaker 1: and reached for her son. She cradled him in her 94 00:06:55,510 --> 00:06:57,210 Speaker 1: arms and stroked his face. 95 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:06,400 Speaker 6: Oh, his name shall be Cain, for through him I 96 00:07:06,920 --> 00:07:09,020 Speaker 6: have received help from the Lord. 97 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:14,270 Speaker 1: Eve pressed Cain against her chest and cried tears of joy. 98 00:07:16,250 --> 00:07:20,410 Speaker 1: God promised Eve that through her offspring, the work done 99 00:07:20,450 --> 00:07:24,840 Speaker 1: by the serpent would be undone. He promised that a 100 00:07:24,880 --> 00:07:26,600 Speaker 1: hero would come from her line. 101 00:07:27,360 --> 00:07:32,640 Speaker 6: This is God's promised deliverer. He's the one who will 102 00:07:32,700 --> 00:07:33,220 Speaker 6: save us. 103 00:07:34,160 --> 00:07:39,040 Speaker 1: Thus began Cain's ascension as the hope of humanity. His 104 00:07:39,100 --> 00:07:43,050 Speaker 1: younger years were spent saturated in the belief that he 105 00:07:43,170 --> 00:07:48,630 Speaker 1: was the favored hero of God. destined to reclaim Eden. 106 00:07:51,070 --> 00:07:56,510 Speaker 1: Days rolled into months, which passed into years. Adam taught 107 00:07:56,570 --> 00:08:00,060 Speaker 1: Cain how to work the land. He taught him about 108 00:08:00,100 --> 00:08:06,540 Speaker 1: the struggle, the anguish, the pain. Adam would often point 109 00:08:06,600 --> 00:08:07,880 Speaker 1: toward the hills in the west. 110 00:08:08,700 --> 00:08:12,200 Speaker 2: We didn't always sweat and bleed, Cain. We were once 111 00:08:12,460 --> 00:08:16,920 Speaker 2: on that holy hill, Surrounded by plants that bloomed without labor. 112 00:08:17,740 --> 00:08:19,160 Speaker 2: We were one with God. 113 00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:20,640 Speaker 5: Blessed. 114 00:08:22,400 --> 00:08:23,190 Speaker 1: I wish you could. 115 00:08:23,050 --> 00:08:23,590 Speaker 2: Have seen it. 116 00:08:24,330 --> 00:08:25,990 Speaker 1: Adam brought his son in close. 117 00:08:26,690 --> 00:08:29,010 Speaker 2: Perhaps you'll know one day what it means to be 118 00:08:29,090 --> 00:08:30,130 Speaker 2: blessed by God. 119 00:08:30,830 --> 00:08:34,429 Speaker 1: Cain looked up at the mountain. A sense of destiny 120 00:08:34,770 --> 00:08:40,750 Speaker 1: came over him. He felt chosen. Handpicked to receive something 121 00:08:40,910 --> 00:08:46,390 Speaker 1: great from God. Cain held that belief close in his heart. 122 00:08:47,850 --> 00:08:53,340 Speaker 1: He was entitled to God's blessing. The months rolled along 123 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:57,420 Speaker 1: as the moon and stars shifted in the skies. The 124 00:08:57,460 --> 00:09:02,280 Speaker 1: heavens were untouched by tragedy, untainted by the sins of man. 125 00:09:04,080 --> 00:09:07,760 Speaker 1: Adam and Eve often looked up at them, dreaming about 126 00:09:07,840 --> 00:09:11,000 Speaker 1: what life would have been like if they had never 127 00:09:11,170 --> 00:09:16,500 Speaker 1: eaten of the tree. Eve touched her pregnant belly and 128 00:09:16,580 --> 00:09:20,720 Speaker 1: leaned her head against Adam's shoulder. They were days away 129 00:09:21,260 --> 00:09:22,620 Speaker 1: from having their second child. 130 00:09:23,500 --> 00:09:26,750 Speaker 6: What will the future hold for our children? What will 131 00:09:26,790 --> 00:09:27,449 Speaker 6: happen to them? 132 00:09:28,190 --> 00:09:34,270 Speaker 1: Worry overcame Eve. It was part of the curse. Cultivating 133 00:09:34,309 --> 00:09:40,320 Speaker 1: a family would be her greatest blessing and burden. Marked 134 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:42,580 Speaker 1: with joyful highs and. 135 00:09:42,620 --> 00:09:45,770 Speaker 6: Anxious lows, Will they survive this world, Adam? 136 00:09:46,530 --> 00:09:49,320 Speaker 1: Adam looked forward at the plains dimly lit by the 137 00:09:49,380 --> 00:09:55,160 Speaker 1: stars above. He wrapped his arms around Eve. He wished 138 00:09:55,210 --> 00:09:58,550 Speaker 1: he had words to comfort her. He wished they would 139 00:09:58,590 --> 00:10:02,120 Speaker 1: ascend the hills of Eden. and reclaim unity with God. 140 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:05,360 Speaker 1: But there were no such guarantees. 141 00:10:06,040 --> 00:10:08,860 Speaker 2: We will teach them to sacrifice to God. We will 142 00:10:08,900 --> 00:10:12,110 Speaker 2: teach them to work the land. We'll teach them our history. 143 00:10:13,130 --> 00:10:14,830 Speaker 2: The future isn't in our hands. 144 00:10:15,470 --> 00:10:19,830 Speaker 1: Days later, Eve felt the pangs of childbirth again. to 145 00:10:19,870 --> 00:10:25,540 Speaker 1: bring forth her second-born son. Adam held him in the 146 00:10:25,660 --> 00:10:27,340 Speaker 1: air and whispered. 147 00:10:26,980 --> 00:10:30,980 Speaker 2: To God, We are multiplying, Lord, just as you asked. 148 00:10:31,700 --> 00:10:37,700 Speaker 1: Adam beamed with delight, feeling a sense of purpose. Although 149 00:10:37,780 --> 00:10:43,520 Speaker 1: life had its struggles, it also had beauty. Just because 150 00:10:43,559 --> 00:10:47,589 Speaker 1: the land was harsh and sin was present didn't mean 151 00:10:47,730 --> 00:10:52,740 Speaker 1: there weren't pockets of paradises slivers of Eden in moments 152 00:10:52,860 --> 00:11:00,100 Speaker 1: like these. They named him Abel, breath, fleeting but filled 153 00:11:00,160 --> 00:11:06,500 Speaker 1: with life, just like their existence. The two boys grew 154 00:11:06,580 --> 00:11:11,150 Speaker 1: strong under their parents' care. Adam taught Cain how to 155 00:11:11,210 --> 00:11:15,670 Speaker 1: till the land and the reason for his struggle. He 156 00:11:15,710 --> 00:11:20,350 Speaker 1: taught Abel how to tend to the livestock, Abel learned 157 00:11:20,390 --> 00:11:23,230 Speaker 1: to care for the sheep with dignity as a fellow 158 00:11:23,290 --> 00:11:29,809 Speaker 1: creature and heir of the land. Most importantly, Adam taught 159 00:11:29,870 --> 00:11:34,510 Speaker 1: his sons how to sacrifice to the Lord. He would 160 00:11:34,550 --> 00:11:39,090 Speaker 1: take them up the mountain, bringing sacrifices to the Lord together. 161 00:11:39,550 --> 00:11:43,530 Speaker 2: One day, my sons, you will make offerings to the Lord. 162 00:11:44,210 --> 00:11:46,910 Speaker 2: He will join us in our mission to reclaim our 163 00:11:47,460 --> 00:11:48,750 Speaker 2: relationship with God. 164 00:11:49,480 --> 00:11:52,800 Speaker 1: When the boys were of age and became men, it 165 00:11:52,820 --> 00:11:55,920 Speaker 1: was time to march up the mountain and make offerings 166 00:11:56,000 --> 00:12:01,339 Speaker 1: to the Lord. Both prepared in their own way, making 167 00:12:01,460 --> 00:12:04,460 Speaker 1: offerings with the skills they had acquired from their mother 168 00:12:04,520 --> 00:12:09,580 Speaker 1: and father. Cain scanned the crops he had grown. He 169 00:12:09,620 --> 00:12:11,939 Speaker 1: had done his best to master the land in a 170 00:12:11,980 --> 00:12:17,110 Speaker 1: way that it flourished. The earth was against him, in 171 00:12:17,190 --> 00:12:21,430 Speaker 1: competition with him. Yet there was beauty in the struggle. 172 00:12:22,470 --> 00:12:27,030 Speaker 1: Not that Cain recognized it. Cain tied up some grain 173 00:12:27,110 --> 00:12:30,810 Speaker 1: and leafy vegetables he'd grown at the mountain's base. He 174 00:12:30,870 --> 00:12:33,979 Speaker 1: plucked berries from the trestles he'd built near their camp. 175 00:12:35,880 --> 00:12:40,100 Speaker 1: As Cain knelt in the dirt, a shadow approached from behind. 176 00:12:41,620 --> 00:12:47,220 Speaker 1: It approached slowly, ready to pounce. Cain turned, but it 177 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:49,910 Speaker 1: was too late. He was tackled to the ground. 178 00:12:50,550 --> 00:12:50,770 Speaker 4: Ha! 179 00:12:51,130 --> 00:12:51,750 Speaker 2: I gotcha! 180 00:12:52,450 --> 00:12:55,830 Speaker 1: Abel playfully wrapped his arms around his big brother's shoulders. 181 00:12:56,590 --> 00:13:00,319 Speaker 1: Cain laughed and tossed Abel into the dirt. They wrestled 182 00:13:00,410 --> 00:13:02,860 Speaker 1: playfully until Cain pinned him down. 183 00:13:03,600 --> 00:13:06,160 Speaker 3: How are you going to protect the sheep from wolves 184 00:13:06,220 --> 00:13:08,100 Speaker 3: if you can't even pin me from behind? 185 00:13:09,160 --> 00:13:10,560 Speaker 1: Cain helped Abel to his feet. 186 00:13:11,179 --> 00:13:13,699 Speaker 2: I'll just shout for you to help. You'll be lounging 187 00:13:13,740 --> 00:13:14,560 Speaker 2: around anyways. 188 00:13:15,260 --> 00:13:19,100 Speaker 1: Cain ruffled his brother's hair and pushed him away. Get 189 00:13:19,179 --> 00:13:21,000 Speaker 1: out of here so I can finish my offering. 190 00:13:21,460 --> 00:13:22,760 Speaker 2: What are you bringing to the mountain? 191 00:13:23,240 --> 00:13:28,210 Speaker 1: Grains, berries, and other crops. Cain said, binding some of 192 00:13:28,230 --> 00:13:31,489 Speaker 1: the grain together with string and adding some flowers he'd 193 00:13:31,510 --> 00:13:32,230 Speaker 1: grown nearby. 194 00:13:33,190 --> 00:13:34,890 Speaker 2: I hope he accepts our offering. 195 00:13:35,590 --> 00:13:37,189 Speaker 1: Abel sighed and looked to the west. 196 00:13:37,950 --> 00:13:41,850 Speaker 2: I want him to know my heart. God deserves our best. 197 00:13:42,550 --> 00:13:45,569 Speaker 3: Sacrificing is a lot like farming, dear brother. 198 00:13:46,130 --> 00:13:48,910 Speaker 1: Cain lifted his offering onto his shoulders and winked. 199 00:13:49,630 --> 00:13:52,470 Speaker 3: If you till the land and plant the seed, you'll 200 00:13:52,510 --> 00:13:55,880 Speaker 3: yield a good crop. I give the offering to God, 201 00:13:56,380 --> 00:13:59,660 Speaker 3: then he'll bless me. I give to him, he gives 202 00:13:59,740 --> 00:14:00,940 Speaker 3: me something in return. 203 00:14:01,580 --> 00:14:03,100 Speaker 2: I'm not sure that's how it works. 204 00:14:03,860 --> 00:14:06,660 Speaker 4: That's because you're young and have never farmed. 205 00:14:07,179 --> 00:14:10,220 Speaker 1: Cain ruffled his brother's hair and left for the mountain. 206 00:14:12,480 --> 00:14:16,280 Speaker 1: Cain was less concerned about the art of cultivation and 207 00:14:16,320 --> 00:14:21,780 Speaker 1: more concerned with the input-output relationship of farming. He put 208 00:14:21,820 --> 00:14:26,200 Speaker 1: in the work, and the land gave him crops. He 209 00:14:26,260 --> 00:14:29,650 Speaker 1: saw his sacrifice to God in a similar manner. I 210 00:14:29,670 --> 00:14:32,730 Speaker 1: will give an offering, and God will give me a blessing, 211 00:14:33,310 --> 00:14:38,870 Speaker 1: he thought to himself. Cain summited the hill. There was 212 00:14:38,910 --> 00:14:42,770 Speaker 1: an altar made of stone at the peak. The wind 213 00:14:42,910 --> 00:14:49,190 Speaker 1: whistled above. Cain pulled his hair back and smiled. He 214 00:14:49,230 --> 00:14:53,770 Speaker 1: was prepared to receive God's blessing. He was prepared to 215 00:14:53,880 --> 00:15:00,320 Speaker 1: step into his destiny as God's chosen hero. He removed 216 00:15:00,360 --> 00:15:03,500 Speaker 1: the offering from his shoulders and placed it on the altar. 217 00:15:04,720 --> 00:15:08,920 Speaker 1: He stepped back and knelt on the ground. He waited. 218 00:15:10,380 --> 00:15:16,370 Speaker 1: He waited a sign of God's blessing. Nothing Just silence, 219 00:15:17,530 --> 00:15:21,170 Speaker 1: along with the high-pitched whistle of the wind. Where are you? 220 00:15:21,670 --> 00:15:25,290 Speaker 1: Cain was unsure what he was looking for, but knew 221 00:15:25,450 --> 00:15:29,310 Speaker 1: he would know when he saw it. There was only silence. 222 00:15:30,890 --> 00:15:34,190 Speaker 1: Cain stood to his feet, frustrated, confused. 223 00:15:34,730 --> 00:15:35,350 Speaker 7: What's wrong? 224 00:15:36,290 --> 00:15:37,250 Speaker 3: Why are you silent? 225 00:15:37,700 --> 00:15:43,140 Speaker 1: Cain waited even longer, wondering what had gone wrong. Why 226 00:15:43,180 --> 00:15:49,850 Speaker 1: wasn't God speaking? Why hadn't he accepted his sacrifice? Cain 227 00:15:49,870 --> 00:15:53,010 Speaker 1: had put in the work, so why wasn't he getting 228 00:15:53,090 --> 00:15:58,570 Speaker 1: his return? Cain scoffed, dragging his feet down a small 229 00:15:58,630 --> 00:16:03,130 Speaker 1: path and sat on a stone, waiting for God to 230 00:16:03,170 --> 00:16:08,610 Speaker 1: bless him. As he waited, Cain heard the faint bleeding 231 00:16:08,670 --> 00:16:13,160 Speaker 1: of a lamb in the distance. Abel scaled up the hill, 232 00:16:14,250 --> 00:16:17,470 Speaker 1: carrying the firstborn lamb of the season on his shoulders. 233 00:16:18,750 --> 00:16:23,130 Speaker 1: A dagger was strapped to his side. Cain observed the 234 00:16:23,190 --> 00:16:28,170 Speaker 1: sorrow on Abel's face. His eyes were foggy with tears 235 00:16:29,080 --> 00:16:32,140 Speaker 1: as he petted the lamb in his arms. It's okay, 236 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:37,200 Speaker 1: little one, Abel whispered to it. Cain scoffed at his brother. 237 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:41,820 Speaker 1: He had always thought Abel was too sensitive, too soft 238 00:16:41,900 --> 00:16:47,650 Speaker 1: for this harsh world. Tears rolled down Abel's face as 239 00:16:47,690 --> 00:16:51,860 Speaker 1: he placed the newborn lamb on the altar. He stroked 240 00:16:51,940 --> 00:16:56,920 Speaker 1: its head and sang it a lullaby, his singing mixed 241 00:16:56,980 --> 00:17:01,500 Speaker 1: with a gentle hiss of the wind. Abel loved every 242 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:06,230 Speaker 1: one of his sheep. He had a tender heart and 243 00:17:06,310 --> 00:17:11,490 Speaker 1: understood the value of life. Abel brought the firstborn of 244 00:17:11,550 --> 00:17:16,139 Speaker 1: his flock the very best of what he had. It 245 00:17:16,200 --> 00:17:20,660 Speaker 1: was an act of pure faith, faith in the future, 246 00:17:21,900 --> 00:17:25,560 Speaker 1: faith in God as a provider and worthy of the 247 00:17:25,660 --> 00:17:32,609 Speaker 1: immense value of the firstborn. With a shaking hand, Abel 248 00:17:32,750 --> 00:17:37,990 Speaker 1: raised his blade. The lullaby leaked out of his quivering 249 00:17:38,090 --> 00:17:42,369 Speaker 1: lips as he drove the blade down into the lamb's throat. 250 00:17:43,970 --> 00:17:48,290 Speaker 1: He let it bleed onto the altar He offered the 251 00:17:48,390 --> 00:17:51,850 Speaker 1: best parts of the lamb to God and sang a 252 00:17:51,890 --> 00:18:00,400 Speaker 1: song silently to him. Abel's faith was pure. Cain watched 253 00:18:00,440 --> 00:18:05,020 Speaker 1: from a distance and waited for something to happen. He 254 00:18:05,100 --> 00:18:10,909 Speaker 1: waited for God to move. That's when something changed in 255 00:18:10,930 --> 00:18:16,199 Speaker 1: the air. Something's happening. an indescribable shift occurred in the 256 00:18:16,300 --> 00:18:21,320 Speaker 1: atmosphere around Abel. The favor of God was upon him. 257 00:18:22,900 --> 00:18:27,129 Speaker 1: On that hill, it seemed like a sliver of Eden 258 00:18:27,710 --> 00:18:35,650 Speaker 1: was reclaimed for humanity through Abel, not Cain. Abel descended 259 00:18:35,710 --> 00:18:39,970 Speaker 1: the mountain, surrounded by a holy glow of God's love 260 00:18:40,410 --> 00:18:46,600 Speaker 1: and affirmation. He was like a trickling stream, joyfully falling 261 00:18:46,660 --> 00:18:52,050 Speaker 1: from the hills. Cain emerged from his hiding place with 262 00:18:52,090 --> 00:18:59,750 Speaker 1: his mouth agape, his jaw tightened in annoyance. Undoubtedly, God 263 00:18:59,770 --> 00:19:08,010 Speaker 1: had just accepted Abel's sacrifice above Cain's. Weeks passed, and 264 00:19:08,050 --> 00:19:12,400 Speaker 1: it became clear that God's hand was on Abel. His 265 00:19:12,500 --> 00:19:16,959 Speaker 1: flocks multiplied, his strength increased, and the work of his 266 00:19:17,040 --> 00:19:23,640 Speaker 1: hands was blessed. With each passing day, Abel's success made 267 00:19:23,760 --> 00:19:30,030 Speaker 1: Cain more and more indignant. Rage welled up within him. 268 00:19:31,170 --> 00:19:38,370 Speaker 1: His bitterness was a poison, slowly eroding his heart. Whenever 269 00:19:38,430 --> 00:19:41,250 Speaker 1: a crop didn't yield or a thorn cut his hand, 270 00:19:42,260 --> 00:19:47,149 Speaker 1: Cain thought about how God had blessed Abel Cain began 271 00:19:47,190 --> 00:19:54,000 Speaker 1: to compare every inconvenience and struggle with Abel's successes. Cain 272 00:19:54,060 --> 00:19:57,899 Speaker 1: perceived each ounce of favor given to Abel as a 273 00:19:57,980 --> 00:20:05,850 Speaker 1: slight against him. Yet Cain's hatred wasn't against Abel. It 274 00:20:05,910 --> 00:20:11,170 Speaker 1: was against God. Cain was supposed to be chosen, not Abel. 275 00:20:12,310 --> 00:20:15,709 Speaker 1: He was supposed to be the blessed. He was the 276 00:20:15,850 --> 00:20:22,419 Speaker 1: chosen child of promise, the favored son. Cain's entire body 277 00:20:23,200 --> 00:20:28,320 Speaker 1: shook with jealous rage. Cain sat by the fire with 278 00:20:28,359 --> 00:20:32,119 Speaker 1: his parents and brother. They were celebrating a record month 279 00:20:32,310 --> 00:20:36,490 Speaker 1: for Abel's flock. They laughed and sang by the fire. 280 00:20:37,680 --> 00:20:43,790 Speaker 1: joy rising from the smoke into the skies. Cain wasn't 281 00:20:43,850 --> 00:20:47,409 Speaker 1: amused by any of it. He stormed off to a 282 00:20:47,490 --> 00:20:53,889 Speaker 1: solitary place. He slammed his fist against a stone and 283 00:20:54,080 --> 00:21:01,020 Speaker 1: shouted into the night. Then, interrupting the tense fit, God spoke. 284 00:21:01,800 --> 00:21:07,840 Speaker 5: Why are you so angry, Cain? Why has your face fallen? 285 00:21:07,859 --> 00:21:10,920 Speaker 4: Oh, now you show yourself. 286 00:21:11,570 --> 00:21:15,930 Speaker 1: Cain's mind raced with hatred and contempt. He didn't understand 287 00:21:16,010 --> 00:21:19,850 Speaker 1: why God had blessed Abel instead of him. He was 288 00:21:19,890 --> 00:21:23,510 Speaker 1: the oldest. He was the one whose name held a promise. 289 00:21:25,109 --> 00:21:29,550 Speaker 1: God's voice resonated within Cain, warning, If you. 290 00:21:29,450 --> 00:21:33,020 Speaker 5: Do well, will you not be accepted? 291 00:21:33,720 --> 00:21:36,409 Speaker 4: If I do well, If I. 292 00:21:37,090 --> 00:21:39,190 Speaker 1: Cain stopped and clenched his fists. 293 00:21:39,990 --> 00:21:43,169 Speaker 7: I did what was asked. I made my offering, and 294 00:21:43,250 --> 00:21:46,890 Speaker 7: you didn't hold up your end of the bargain. Instead, 295 00:21:46,930 --> 00:21:50,169 Speaker 7: you chose to bless that whimpering and soft fool. 296 00:21:50,800 --> 00:21:55,800 Speaker 5: Be warned, Cain. Sin crouches at the door of your heart. 297 00:21:56,540 --> 00:22:01,140 Speaker 5: It desires to destroy you, but you must overcome it. 298 00:22:01,900 --> 00:22:03,100 Speaker 7: Why should I listen to you? 299 00:22:03,900 --> 00:22:05,119 Speaker 4: What good has that done me? 300 00:22:05,680 --> 00:22:09,340 Speaker 1: Cain stormed down the hill, determined to leave a distance 301 00:22:09,440 --> 00:22:13,940 Speaker 1: between him and the Lord. God's word wasn't a comfort 302 00:22:13,980 --> 00:22:19,609 Speaker 1: to Cain, but salt to his wounded pride. The further 303 00:22:19,660 --> 00:22:25,729 Speaker 1: he walked, the darker his heart became. Rage against God 304 00:22:25,810 --> 00:22:30,750 Speaker 1: was boiling over in his heart. You accepted Abel's blood offering. 305 00:22:30,770 --> 00:22:33,050 Speaker 1: If it's blood you want. 306 00:22:34,630 --> 00:22:38,550 Speaker 1: And it's blood you'll get. The following day was shrouded 307 00:22:38,609 --> 00:22:43,590 Speaker 1: in darkness. Clouds rolled in from the east, covering the 308 00:22:43,630 --> 00:22:49,350 Speaker 1: sun's warmth. Cain's breath rose like a specter in the 309 00:22:49,410 --> 00:22:54,300 Speaker 1: chilly air. He paced at the pasture's edge, where Abel 310 00:22:54,520 --> 00:23:00,959 Speaker 1: tended to the sheep. He was like a wolf, stalking, waiting. 311 00:23:02,590 --> 00:23:07,710 Speaker 1: He remained there all day in the shadows, warring with himself. 312 00:23:09,290 --> 00:23:13,330 Speaker 1: Hatred coiled around his heart like the serpent around the 313 00:23:13,490 --> 00:23:19,430 Speaker 1: ancient tree. It squeezed, choking the humanity out of him. 314 00:23:21,040 --> 00:23:25,300 Speaker 1: The sun began to set, and a crimson hue covered 315 00:23:25,340 --> 00:23:31,330 Speaker 1: the horizons. Sin was stalking at the borders of Cain's heart. 316 00:23:32,490 --> 00:23:37,149 Speaker 1: It was hungry for his soul. The warnings of God 317 00:23:37,410 --> 00:23:38,389 Speaker 1: echoed in his mind. 318 00:23:39,170 --> 00:23:43,550 Speaker 5: Sin crouches at the door of your heart. It desires 319 00:23:43,609 --> 00:23:47,450 Speaker 5: to destroy you, but you must overcome it. 320 00:23:48,450 --> 00:23:54,250 Speaker 1: Cain wouldn't listen. He refused. Cain knelt into the cold 321 00:23:54,350 --> 00:23:59,630 Speaker 1: dirt and picked up a stone. A shadow approached from 322 00:23:59,670 --> 00:24:04,580 Speaker 1: behind as Abel knelt beside one of his sheep. It 323 00:24:04,630 --> 00:24:10,959 Speaker 1: came slowly, ready to pounce. Abel turned, but it was 324 00:24:11,020 --> 00:24:16,360 Speaker 1: too late. He was tackled to the ground. Abel struggled 325 00:24:16,400 --> 00:24:20,340 Speaker 1: in the dirt and kicked Cain off him. Cain bounced 326 00:24:20,400 --> 00:24:24,790 Speaker 1: back up and struck his brother on the temple, sending 327 00:24:24,830 --> 00:24:29,600 Speaker 1: him flying to the floor. Abel scurried backwards with his 328 00:24:29,730 --> 00:24:30,619 Speaker 1: arms up to Cain. 329 00:24:31,160 --> 00:24:37,040 Speaker 2: Cain, stop! What are you doing? Getting my revenge. Revenge? 330 00:24:37,520 --> 00:24:38,780 Speaker 2: What did I do to you? 331 00:24:39,400 --> 00:24:43,700 Speaker 1: Not you. Cain lunged forward at Abel and struck him 332 00:24:43,780 --> 00:24:48,119 Speaker 1: again with the stone. Abel's face fell into the dirt. 333 00:24:49,160 --> 00:24:52,350 Speaker 1: Cain turned him around and continued to attack. 334 00:24:54,230 --> 00:24:56,290 Speaker 4: How blessed are you now, Abel? 335 00:24:56,750 --> 00:25:00,170 Speaker 1: Cain's strike smashed Abel's nose in with the rock. 336 00:25:00,869 --> 00:25:03,050 Speaker 2: Please, no, stop! 337 00:25:04,430 --> 00:25:07,990 Speaker 7: Where's God now? Where's God now? 338 00:25:08,869 --> 00:25:13,510 Speaker 1: His anger wasn't directed toward Abel. No, it was directed 339 00:25:13,550 --> 00:25:18,850 Speaker 1: at the Lord. Blow after blow came through spite at 340 00:25:18,970 --> 00:25:24,630 Speaker 1: God by striking his innocent brother. When Abel was too 341 00:25:24,710 --> 00:25:29,199 Speaker 1: weak to struggle, Cain pressed his thumbs against his throat 342 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:35,929 Speaker 1: and finished what he had started. Abel's life left him. 343 00:25:37,510 --> 00:25:42,390 Speaker 1: Cain removed his hands, rolled his neck back, and exhaled quietly. 344 00:25:44,010 --> 00:25:47,359 Speaker 1: He dared not look up at heaven, but he dared 345 00:25:47,410 --> 00:25:52,960 Speaker 1: not look down at his slain brother. Cain found himself 346 00:25:53,060 --> 00:25:59,710 Speaker 1: suspended in a place between guilt and indignation. He buried 347 00:25:59,750 --> 00:26:03,010 Speaker 1: his brother in that field and stormed back to his 348 00:26:03,070 --> 00:26:09,560 Speaker 1: home to rest. Abel had been buried. Abel had been buried, 349 00:26:10,170 --> 00:26:15,620 Speaker 1: but his blood cried out from the ground. God had 350 00:26:15,720 --> 00:26:21,280 Speaker 1: seen it all, and he would not let Cain go unpunished. 351 00:26:22,900 --> 00:26:26,770 Speaker 1: One day, he would end the hatred. that consumed Gain. 352 00:26:28,030 --> 00:26:31,810 Speaker 1: He would send his Redeemer to rid the world of 353 00:26:31,930 --> 00:26:35,270 Speaker 1: sin once and for all. 354 00:26:44,540 --> 00:26:46,060 Speaker 4: You have heard that it was said to the people 355 00:26:46,140 --> 00:26:49,480 Speaker 4: long ago, You shall not murder, and anyone who murders 356 00:26:49,520 --> 00:26:52,879 Speaker 4: will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that 357 00:26:53,020 --> 00:26:55,900 Speaker 4: anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will 358 00:26:55,920 --> 00:26:59,440 Speaker 4: be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a 359 00:26:59,510 --> 00:27:03,850 Speaker 4: brother or sister, Raka, is answerable to the court. And 360 00:27:03,890 --> 00:27:06,730 Speaker 4: anyone who says, You fool, will be in danger of 361 00:27:06,770 --> 00:27:10,350 Speaker 4: the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your 362 00:27:10,390 --> 00:27:13,050 Speaker 4: gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother 363 00:27:13,090 --> 00:27:16,250 Speaker 4: or sister has something against you, leave your gift there 364 00:27:16,330 --> 00:27:19,859 Speaker 4: in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled 365 00:27:19,900 --> 00:27:24,440 Speaker 4: to them. Then come and offer your gift. Jesus expands 366 00:27:24,520 --> 00:27:27,580 Speaker 4: on the commandment against murder by addressing the root of 367 00:27:27,619 --> 00:27:33,379 Speaker 4: such actions, anger and contempt. He emphasizes the seriousness of 368 00:27:33,640 --> 00:27:38,950 Speaker 4: harboring anger and the importance of reconciliation. Jesus teaches that 369 00:27:39,109 --> 00:27:43,870 Speaker 4: unresolved anger and broken relationships are detrimental to our spiritual 370 00:27:43,930 --> 00:27:47,750 Speaker 4: health and must be addressed promptly. The story of Cain 371 00:27:47,790 --> 00:27:51,390 Speaker 4: and Abel is a powerful illustration of the erosive nature 372 00:27:51,430 --> 00:27:56,620 Speaker 4: of hatred and and its devastating consequences. Cain and Abel 373 00:27:56,660 --> 00:28:00,370 Speaker 4: were the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain, 374 00:28:00,570 --> 00:28:04,550 Speaker 4: a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd, both brought offerings to 375 00:28:04,590 --> 00:28:08,590 Speaker 4: the Lord. God accepted Abel's offering but did not look 376 00:28:08,609 --> 00:28:12,520 Speaker 4: with favor on Cain's. This led to intense anger and 377 00:28:12,600 --> 00:28:17,400 Speaker 4: jealousy in Cain's heart. Cain's unchecked anger and jealousy led 378 00:28:17,420 --> 00:28:21,419 Speaker 4: to the first murder. His hatred not only resulted in 379 00:28:21,660 --> 00:28:25,910 Speaker 4: Abel's death but also brought severe consequences to himself and 380 00:28:25,990 --> 00:28:30,690 Speaker 4: his relationship with God. Peaceful resolution to conflict must be 381 00:28:30,800 --> 00:28:35,679 Speaker 4: at the top of our priority lists. Burned bridges, revenge, 382 00:28:35,780 --> 00:28:40,340 Speaker 4: and passive-aggressive gossip shake the foundation of a peaceful society. 383 00:28:41,000 --> 00:28:44,360 Speaker 4: If we, as followers of Christ, can find ways to 384 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:48,860 Speaker 4: settle disputes with love and patience and we will watch 385 00:28:48,920 --> 00:28:53,210 Speaker 4: that expand outward from our souls to our relationships and 386 00:28:53,310 --> 00:28:58,090 Speaker 4: society as a whole. There are layers to unchecked anger 387 00:28:58,170 --> 00:29:03,790 Speaker 4: and contempt's corrosive and sinister nature. First, hatred and unresolved 388 00:29:03,910 --> 00:29:09,700 Speaker 4: anger corrode the soul. Cain's internal struggle and jealousy consumed him, 389 00:29:10,140 --> 00:29:15,380 Speaker 4: leading to sin. Similarly, harboring anger and resentment damages our 390 00:29:15,480 --> 00:29:20,750 Speaker 4: inner peace and spiritual well-being. Second, hatred and unresolved conflict 391 00:29:21,010 --> 00:29:26,750 Speaker 4: damage personal relationships. Cain's hatred destroyed his relationship with Abel, 392 00:29:27,010 --> 00:29:31,770 Speaker 4: his own brother. Hatred creates divisions and destroys trust and 393 00:29:31,870 --> 00:29:38,110 Speaker 4: love in relationships. Jesus' call to reconcile emphasizes the importance 394 00:29:38,150 --> 00:29:42,840 Speaker 4: of healing and restoring our relationships. If we don't deal 395 00:29:42,880 --> 00:29:46,340 Speaker 4: with our conflict and allow it to fester inside, it 396 00:29:46,360 --> 00:29:51,160 Speaker 4: will always leak out by us lashing out. Third, hatred 397 00:29:51,200 --> 00:29:55,470 Speaker 4: and violence undermine the fabric of society. Cain's act of 398 00:29:55,530 --> 00:29:59,870 Speaker 4: violence set a precedent for further discord and strife. As 399 00:29:59,930 --> 00:30:02,650 Speaker 4: followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of 400 00:30:02,750 --> 00:30:08,860 Speaker 4: peace and reconciliation, countering the destructive power of hatred. How 401 00:30:08,890 --> 00:30:11,820 Speaker 4: do we live out these teachings in our daily lives? 402 00:30:12,500 --> 00:30:17,280 Speaker 4: How can we, when faced with jealousy, anger, and unresolved conflict, 403 00:30:17,920 --> 00:30:23,200 Speaker 4: rise up to be peacemakers? First, we must address anger promptly. 404 00:30:23,910 --> 00:30:26,970 Speaker 4: Jesus teaches us to address anger before it festers into 405 00:30:27,310 --> 00:30:31,700 Speaker 4: something more harmful. We should seek to resolve conflicts quickly 406 00:30:31,980 --> 00:30:35,240 Speaker 4: and not let anger take root in our hearts. This 407 00:30:35,420 --> 00:30:39,780 Speaker 4: can be awkward and uncomfortable, but it's better to pursue 408 00:30:39,860 --> 00:30:44,360 Speaker 4: peace awkwardly than give anger time to dig a deeper burrow. 409 00:30:44,020 --> 00:30:44,580 Speaker 1: In our hearts. 410 00:30:45,320 --> 00:30:50,940 Speaker 4: Second, seek reconciliation. Reconciliation isn't arguing until the other person 411 00:30:50,980 --> 00:30:55,000 Speaker 4: admits you're right. It's understanding that the relationship with the 412 00:30:55,040 --> 00:30:59,610 Speaker 4: person is more important than being right about something. Instead 413 00:30:59,630 --> 00:31:02,830 Speaker 4: of fighting with the person face to face, you should 414 00:31:02,870 --> 00:31:05,770 Speaker 4: see conflict as the two of you fighting side by 415 00:31:05,890 --> 00:31:12,920 Speaker 4: side for the relationship. Third, you must practice forgiveness. Forgiveness 416 00:31:12,980 --> 00:31:17,300 Speaker 4: is a powerful antidote to hatred. By forgiving others, we 417 00:31:17,340 --> 00:31:21,260 Speaker 4: release the burden of anger and resentment, allowing healing and 418 00:31:21,400 --> 00:31:25,610 Speaker 4: reconciliation to take place. This doesn't mean we forget what's 419 00:31:25,650 --> 00:31:30,400 Speaker 4: been done to us. Healing may still need to take place. However, 420 00:31:30,920 --> 00:31:34,480 Speaker 4: forgiveness is posturing your heart in such a way where 421 00:31:34,520 --> 00:31:39,020 Speaker 4: you want God's best for that person. Lastly, we must 422 00:31:39,160 --> 00:31:43,800 Speaker 4: promote peace. As followers of Jesus, we are called to 423 00:31:43,860 --> 00:31:49,820 Speaker 4: promote peace and understanding in our communities. This involves being peacemakers, 424 00:31:50,240 --> 00:31:55,260 Speaker 4: standing against injustice, and fostering an environment of love, dialogue, 425 00:31:55,700 --> 00:32:00,690 Speaker 4: and respect. As we reflect on Jesus' words in Matthew 5, 21-26, 426 00:32:01,970 --> 00:32:04,890 Speaker 4: and the story of Cain and Abel, let us be 427 00:32:04,970 --> 00:32:09,430 Speaker 4: mindful of the erosive nature of hatred. May we strive 428 00:32:09,470 --> 00:32:14,430 Speaker 4: to address our anger, to seek reconciliation, to practice forgiveness, 429 00:32:14,980 --> 00:32:18,800 Speaker 4: and to promote peace in our lives. Let us pray 430 00:32:18,860 --> 00:32:21,880 Speaker 4: for the strength and the grace to be true citizens 431 00:32:21,920 --> 00:32:26,270 Speaker 4: of heaven. living out the love and reconciliation that Jesus 432 00:32:26,350 --> 00:32:30,560 Speaker 4: calls us to. In our next episode, we'll find ourselves 433 00:32:30,660 --> 00:32:35,680 Speaker 4: wrapped up in a scandalous and devastating story, one of lust, lies, 434 00:32:36,240 --> 00:32:36,660 Speaker 4: and murder.