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 00:00:06,570 --> 00:00:14,140 Speaker 1: the judgment. Matthew 5.22 Heavenly Father, as we confront the 4 00:00:14,160 --> 00:00:18,619 Speaker 1: weighty words of Matthew 5.22, where Jesus teaches us about 5 00:00:18,660 --> 00:00:22,770 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 --> 00:00:33,360 Speaker 1: know the conflicts that stir within us, the quick tempers 8 00:00:33,880 --> 00:00:36,740 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 00:00:43,240 --> 00:00:47,420 Speaker 1: root of our anger. Guide us as we address our anger. 11 00:00:49,060 --> 00:00:52,120 Speaker 1: Help us to see our fellow human beings as you 12 00:00:52,159 --> 00:00:58,310 Speaker 1: see them, created in your image, deserving of love and compassion. 13 00:00:59,790 --> 00:01:03,330 Speaker 1: and instill in us a spirit of patience and the 14 00:01:03,390 --> 00:01:08,650 Speaker 1: strength to forgive, as you have forgiven us our many transgressions. 15 00:01:11,430 --> 00:01:15,240 Speaker 1: We ask for your help in transforming our hearts, that 16 00:01:15,319 --> 00:01:21,679 Speaker 1: we might be peacemakers rather than troublemakers, healers rather than herders. 17 00:01:23,520 --> 00:01:28,759 Speaker 1: Let our words bring life and not death, encouragement and 18 00:01:28,819 --> 00:01:35,130 Speaker 1: not despair. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and 19 00:01:35,190 --> 00:01:40,630 Speaker 1: renew a steadfast spirit within us, that we may reflect 20 00:01:40,670 --> 00:01:46,290 Speaker 1: your love and grace in all our interactions. And forgive 21 00:01:46,350 --> 00:01:50,500 Speaker 1: us for the times we've let anger control us, and 22 00:01:50,560 --> 00:01:53,680 Speaker 1: guide us toward living lives that are marked by your 23 00:01:53,760 --> 00:02:00,309 Speaker 1: peace and kindness. In the name of Jesus. who taught 24 00:02:00,390 --> 00:02:08,309 Speaker 1: us the way of love, we pray. Amen. Thank you 25 00:02:08,370 --> 00:02:12,390 Speaker 1: for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. 26 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:18,500 Speaker 1: Remain here for a story of revenge, murder, and hatred 27 00:02:18,639 --> 00:02:23,660 Speaker 1: toward God. If this podcast has inspired you, share it 28 00:02:23,700 --> 00:02:27,359 Speaker 1: with a few friends, spread hope today, and be a 29 00:02:27,540 --> 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 00:02:33,240 --> 00:02:36,560 Speaker 2: to abolish the law and prophets. You cannot be further 32 00:02:36,600 --> 00:02:37,300 Speaker 2: from the truth. 33 00:02:38,180 --> 00:02:41,200 Speaker 1: Jesus saw the Pharisees stir and look at one another. 34 00:02:41,720 --> 00:02:42,579 Speaker 3: Hear me. 35 00:02:43,280 --> 00:02:46,169 Speaker 2: I have not come to abolish the law of Moses, 36 00:02:46,730 --> 00:02:50,530 Speaker 2: but to fulfill it. The word of God is unchangeable 37 00:02:50,669 --> 00:02:56,910 Speaker 2: as creation itself. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least 38 00:02:56,950 --> 00:03:00,720 Speaker 2: of these commandments and teaches others to do the same... 39 00:03:00,800 --> 00:03:04,200 Speaker 2: will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But 40 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:08,260 Speaker 2: whoever does them and teaches them will be called great 41 00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:12,310 Speaker 2: in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless 42 00:03:12,330 --> 00:03:16,209 Speaker 2: your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you 43 00:03:16,250 --> 00:03:18,670 Speaker 2: will never enter the. 44 00:03:18,630 --> 00:03:22,790 Speaker 1: Kingdom of heaven. As Jesus said these things, the religious 45 00:03:22,870 --> 00:03:27,060 Speaker 1: leaders began to boil with frustration. What they could not 46 00:03:27,139 --> 00:03:30,899 Speaker 1: see is that the entirety of God's story from Adam 47 00:03:31,160 --> 00:03:37,340 Speaker 1: until now, was leading up to this moment. Jesus was 48 00:03:37,380 --> 00:03:41,890 Speaker 1: the crescendo of human history and the embodiment of God's will. 49 00:03:44,090 --> 00:03:48,470 Speaker 1: Jesus lifted his arms and pretended he was a balancing scale. 50 00:03:49,550 --> 00:03:51,190 Speaker 1: He lifted one arm up and said. 51 00:03:51,650 --> 00:03:54,030 Speaker 2: You have heard it said to those of old, You 52 00:03:54,050 --> 00:03:58,490 Speaker 2: shall not murder, and whoever murders will be liable to judgment. 53 00:03:59,230 --> 00:04:02,330 Speaker 2: But I tell you, Everyone who is angry with his 54 00:04:02,390 --> 00:04:06,900 Speaker 2: brother will be liable to judgment. Whoever insults his brother 55 00:04:07,280 --> 00:04:11,140 Speaker 2: will be liable to the council. And whoever says, you fool, 56 00:04:11,660 --> 00:04:13,980 Speaker 2: will be liable to the hellfire. 57 00:04:14,640 --> 00:04:18,460 Speaker 1: Jesus raised the standard, piercing straight to the heart. 58 00:04:19,020 --> 00:04:20,940 Speaker 2: If you are worshiping in the house of the Lord, 59 00:04:21,440 --> 00:04:24,340 Speaker 2: and remember there that your brother has something against you, 60 00:04:24,900 --> 00:04:28,990 Speaker 2: leave the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother. 61 00:04:29,690 --> 00:04:29,880 Speaker 4: Then. 62 00:04:30,480 --> 00:04:31,599 Speaker 2: Come and worship. 63 00:04:36,260 --> 00:04:42,520 Speaker 5: Forgiveness and reconciliation were of paramount importance to Jesus. So important, 64 00:04:42,580 --> 00:04:45,830 Speaker 5: in fact, that he said you should even stop worshiping 65 00:04:45,910 --> 00:04:51,510 Speaker 5: to settle disputes. Lingering conflict leads to contempt, and contempt 66 00:04:51,870 --> 00:04:55,539 Speaker 5: is the gateway to all kinds of sins. This is 67 00:04:55,570 --> 00:05:00,510 Speaker 5: the Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Join us as 68 00:05:00,589 --> 00:05:03,570 Speaker 5: we continue our mini-series through the Sermon on the Mount. 69 00:05:04,610 --> 00:05:07,920 Speaker 5: We've been connecting biblical stories to the gospel message of 70 00:05:07,980 --> 00:05:12,060 Speaker 5: Jesus spoken on the Sermon on the Mount. Today, we 71 00:05:12,100 --> 00:05:15,919 Speaker 5: turn our attention to a profound teaching from Jesus' Sermon 72 00:05:15,960 --> 00:05:21,760 Speaker 5: on the Mount found in Matthew 5, verses 21-26. This 73 00:05:21,820 --> 00:05:26,760 Speaker 5: passage addresses the deep issues of anger and reconciliation. and 74 00:05:26,850 --> 00:05:29,670 Speaker 5: we will connect it to the tragic story of Cain 75 00:05:29,730 --> 00:05:35,130 Speaker 5: and Abel in Genesis 4, verses 1-16. We will emphasize 76 00:05:35,190 --> 00:05:39,870 Speaker 5: how hatred is erosive to the soul, personal relationships, and 77 00:05:39,970 --> 00:05:43,600 Speaker 5: the fabric of society. Together, we'll explore how we can 78 00:05:43,950 --> 00:05:48,460 Speaker 5: live out these teachings in our daily lives, fostering reconciliation 79 00:05:48,860 --> 00:05:49,260 Speaker 5: and love. 80 00:05:51,640 --> 00:05:55,940 Speaker 1: The cave was dark, only slightly lit by the nearby firelight. 81 00:05:57,380 --> 00:06:02,250 Speaker 1: Eve's quiet and determined breaths echoed through the night. Beads 82 00:06:02,310 --> 00:06:08,410 Speaker 1: of sweat, like pearls, descended her brow. Adam knelt beside 83 00:06:08,529 --> 00:06:11,880 Speaker 1: Eve as her hands and knees pressed against the floor. 84 00:06:17,420 --> 00:06:18,060 Speaker 6: Is this death? 85 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:21,040 Speaker 4: Is this what God spoke of in the garden? 86 00:06:21,060 --> 00:06:26,230 Speaker 2: No, Eve, I think this is life. 87 00:06:27,029 --> 00:06:31,130 Speaker 1: With that final encouragement, Eve let out a final groan, 88 00:06:32,190 --> 00:06:36,800 Speaker 1: giving birth to a son. Adam wrapped him in his 89 00:06:36,950 --> 00:06:39,559 Speaker 1: arms and wiped him with woven wool. 90 00:06:40,380 --> 00:06:43,160 Speaker 2: We must name him as God named me. 91 00:06:43,740 --> 00:06:47,560 Speaker 1: The boy glowed with promise. He was the first child 92 00:06:47,820 --> 00:06:52,219 Speaker 1: born into the earth. Eve rolled over on her back 93 00:06:52,320 --> 00:06:55,720 Speaker 1: and reached for her son. She cradled him in her arms. 94 00:06:56,320 --> 00:06:57,220 Speaker 1: and stroked his face. 95 00:07:00,800 --> 00:07:06,400 Speaker 4: Oh, his name shall be Cain, for through him I 96 00:07:06,920 --> 00:07:09,000 Speaker 4: have received help from the Lord. 97 00:07:09,020 --> 00:07:14,320 Speaker 1: Eve pressed Cain against her chest and cried tears of joy. 98 00:07:16,260 --> 00:07:20,430 Speaker 1: God promised Eve that through her offspring the work done 99 00:07:20,470 --> 00:07:24,850 Speaker 1: by the serpent would be undone. He promised that a 100 00:07:24,890 --> 00:07:26,630 Speaker 1: hero would come from her line. 101 00:07:27,370 --> 00:07:32,650 Speaker 4: This is God's promised deliverer. He's the one who will 102 00:07:32,690 --> 00:07:33,210 Speaker 4: save us. 103 00:07:34,170 --> 00:07:39,050 Speaker 1: Thus began Cain's ascension as the hope of humanity. His 104 00:07:39,110 --> 00:07:43,059 Speaker 1: younger years were spent saturated in the belief that he 105 00:07:43,180 --> 00:07:48,660 Speaker 1: was the favored hero of God, destined to reclaim Eden. 106 00:07:51,100 --> 00:07:56,520 Speaker 1: Days rolled into months, which passed into years. Adam taught 107 00:07:56,580 --> 00:08:00,060 Speaker 1: Cain how to work the land. He taught him about 108 00:08:00,100 --> 00:08:06,550 Speaker 1: the struggle, the anguish, the pain. Adam would often point 109 00:08:06,630 --> 00:08:07,890 Speaker 1: toward the hills in the west. 110 00:08:08,710 --> 00:08:12,230 Speaker 2: We didn't always sweat and bleed, Cain. We were once 111 00:08:12,470 --> 00:08:16,950 Speaker 2: on that holy hill, surrounded by plants that bloomed without labor. 112 00:08:17,770 --> 00:08:23,040 Speaker 2: We were one with God, blessed. I wish you could 113 00:08:23,070 --> 00:08:23,590 Speaker 2: have seen it. 114 00:08:24,320 --> 00:08:25,990 Speaker 1: Adam brought his son in close. 115 00:08:26,710 --> 00:08:29,030 Speaker 2: Perhaps you'll know one day what it means to be 116 00:08:29,090 --> 00:08:30,130 Speaker 2: blessed by God. 117 00:08:30,850 --> 00:08:34,450 Speaker 1: Cain looked up at the mountain. A sense of destiny 118 00:08:34,770 --> 00:08:40,150 Speaker 1: came over him. He felt chosen and picked to receive 119 00:08:40,290 --> 00:08:45,980 Speaker 1: something great from God. Cain held that belief close in 120 00:08:46,020 --> 00:08:52,420 Speaker 1: his heart. He was entitled to God's blessing. The months 121 00:08:52,520 --> 00:08:55,880 Speaker 1: rolled along as the moon and stars shifted in the skies. 122 00:08:57,320 --> 00:09:01,820 Speaker 1: The heavens were untouched by tragedy, untainted by the sins 123 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:06,160 Speaker 1: of man. Adam and Eve often looked up at them, 124 00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:10,460 Speaker 1: dreaming about what life would have been like if they 125 00:09:10,500 --> 00:09:15,329 Speaker 1: had never eaten of the tree. Eve touched her pregnant 126 00:09:15,370 --> 00:09:19,990 Speaker 1: belly and leaned her head against Adam's shoulder. They were 127 00:09:20,030 --> 00:09:22,630 Speaker 1: days away, from having their second child. 128 00:09:23,510 --> 00:09:26,750 Speaker 4: What will the future hold for our children? What will 129 00:09:26,790 --> 00:09:27,469 Speaker 4: happen to them? 130 00:09:28,210 --> 00:09:34,260 Speaker 1: Worry overcame Eve. It was part of the curse. Cultivating 131 00:09:34,340 --> 00:09:40,340 Speaker 1: a family would be her greatest blessing and burden. Marked 132 00:09:40,400 --> 00:09:43,319 Speaker 1: with joyful highs and anxious lows. 133 00:09:43,970 --> 00:09:45,810 Speaker 4: Will they survive this world, Adam? 134 00:09:46,570 --> 00:09:49,350 Speaker 1: Adam looked forward at the plains dimly lit by the 135 00:09:49,410 --> 00:09:55,160 Speaker 1: stars above. He wrapped his arms around Eve. He wished 136 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:58,550 Speaker 1: he had words to comfort her. He wished they would 137 00:09:58,610 --> 00:10:02,140 Speaker 1: ascend the hills of Eden. and reclaim unity with God. 138 00:10:03,780 --> 00:10:05,380 Speaker 1: But there were no such guarantees. 139 00:10:06,040 --> 00:10:08,880 Speaker 2: We will teach them to sacrifice to God. We will 140 00:10:08,920 --> 00:10:12,100 Speaker 2: teach them to work the land. We'll teach them our history. 141 00:10:13,120 --> 00:10:14,850 Speaker 2: The future isn't in our hands. 142 00:10:15,490 --> 00:10:19,850 Speaker 1: Days later, Eve felt the pangs of childbirth again. to 143 00:10:19,890 --> 00:10:25,530 Speaker 1: bring forth her second-born son. Adam held him in the 144 00:10:25,670 --> 00:10:27,320 Speaker 1: air and whispered. 145 00:10:26,980 --> 00:10:31,000 Speaker 2: To God, We are multiplying, Lord, just as you asked. 146 00:10:31,720 --> 00:10:37,720 Speaker 1: Adam beamed with delight, feeling a sense of purpose. Although 147 00:10:37,780 --> 00:10:43,540 Speaker 1: life had its struggles, it also had beauty. Just because 148 00:10:43,580 --> 00:10:47,609 Speaker 1: the land was harsh and sin was present didn't mean 149 00:10:47,750 --> 00:10:52,750 Speaker 1: there weren't pockets of paradises slivers of Eden in moments 150 00:10:52,870 --> 00:11:00,120 Speaker 1: like these. They named him Abel, breath, fleeting but filled 151 00:11:00,179 --> 00:11:06,520 Speaker 1: with life, just like their existence. The two boys grew 152 00:11:06,600 --> 00:11:11,160 Speaker 1: strong under their parents' care. Adam taught Cain how to 153 00:11:11,230 --> 00:11:15,690 Speaker 1: till the land and the reason for his struggle. He 154 00:11:15,730 --> 00:11:20,359 Speaker 1: taught Abel how to tend to the livestock, Abel learned 155 00:11:20,400 --> 00:11:23,240 Speaker 1: to care for the sheep with dignity as a fellow 156 00:11:23,300 --> 00:11:29,829 Speaker 1: creature and heir of the land. Most importantly, Adam taught 157 00:11:29,890 --> 00:11:34,510 Speaker 1: his sons how to sacrifice to the Lord. He would 158 00:11:34,550 --> 00:11:39,110 Speaker 1: take them up the mountain, bringing sacrifices to the Lord together. 159 00:11:39,550 --> 00:11:43,550 Speaker 2: One day, my sons, you will make offerings to the Lord. 160 00:11:44,230 --> 00:11:46,929 Speaker 2: He will join us in our mission to reclaim our 161 00:11:47,470 --> 00:11:48,770 Speaker 2: relationship with God. 162 00:11:49,490 --> 00:11:52,790 Speaker 1: When the boys were of age and became men, it 163 00:11:52,830 --> 00:11:55,929 Speaker 1: was time to march up the mountain and make offerings 164 00:11:56,010 --> 00:12:01,359 Speaker 1: to the Lord. Both prepared in their own way, making 165 00:12:01,480 --> 00:12:04,480 Speaker 1: offerings with the skills they had acquired from their mother 166 00:12:04,540 --> 00:12:09,600 Speaker 1: and father. Cain scanned the crops he had grown. He 167 00:12:09,640 --> 00:12:11,959 Speaker 1: had done his best to master the land in a 168 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:17,120 Speaker 1: way that it flourished. The earth was against him, in 169 00:12:17,179 --> 00:12:21,450 Speaker 1: competition with him. Yet there was beauty in the struggle. 170 00:12:22,490 --> 00:12:27,050 Speaker 1: Not that Cain recognized it. Cain tied up some grain 171 00:12:27,130 --> 00:12:30,810 Speaker 1: and leafy vegetables he'd grown at the mountain's base. He 172 00:12:30,870 --> 00:12:34,010 Speaker 1: plucked berries from the trestles he'd built near their camp. 173 00:12:35,890 --> 00:12:40,110 Speaker 1: As Cain knelt in the dirt, a shadow approached from behind. 174 00:12:41,610 --> 00:12:47,210 Speaker 1: It approached slowly, ready to pounce. Cain turned, but it 175 00:12:47,270 --> 00:12:50,790 Speaker 1: was too late. He was tackled to the ground. Ha! 176 00:12:51,130 --> 00:12:51,770 Speaker 2: I gotcha! 177 00:12:52,450 --> 00:12:55,850 Speaker 1: Abel playfully wrapped his arms around his big brother's shoulders. 178 00:12:56,590 --> 00:13:00,330 Speaker 1: Cain laughed and tossed Abel into the dirt. They wrestled 179 00:13:00,410 --> 00:13:02,870 Speaker 1: playfully until Cain pinned him down. 180 00:13:03,590 --> 00:13:06,160 Speaker 3: How are you going to protect the sheep from wolves 181 00:13:06,240 --> 00:13:08,120 Speaker 3: if you can't even pin me from behind? 182 00:13:09,179 --> 00:13:10,580 Speaker 1: Cain helped Abel to his feet. 183 00:13:11,200 --> 00:13:13,720 Speaker 2: I'll just shout for you to help. You'll be lounging 184 00:13:13,760 --> 00:13:14,580 Speaker 2: around anyways. 185 00:13:15,260 --> 00:13:19,120 Speaker 1: Cain ruffled his brother's hair and pushed him away. Get 186 00:13:19,200 --> 00:13:21,020 Speaker 1: out of here so I can finish my offering. 187 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:22,780 Speaker 2: What are you bringing to the mountain? 188 00:13:23,240 --> 00:13:28,199 Speaker 1: Grains, berries, and other crops. Cain said, winding some of 189 00:13:28,240 --> 00:13:31,490 Speaker 1: the grain together with string and adding some flowers he'd 190 00:13:31,520 --> 00:13:32,250 Speaker 1: grown nearby. 191 00:13:33,210 --> 00:13:34,890 Speaker 2: I hope he accepts our offering. 192 00:13:35,590 --> 00:13:37,209 Speaker 1: Abel sighed and looked to the west. 193 00:13:37,970 --> 00:13:41,870 Speaker 2: I want him to know my heart. God deserves our best. 194 00:13:42,570 --> 00:13:45,569 Speaker 3: Sacrificing is a lot like farming, dear brother. 195 00:13:46,150 --> 00:13:48,929 Speaker 1: Cain lifted his offering onto his shoulders and winked. 196 00:13:49,650 --> 00:13:52,490 Speaker 3: If you till the land and plant the seed, you'll 197 00:13:52,530 --> 00:13:55,890 Speaker 3: yield a good crop. I give the offering to God, 198 00:13:56,390 --> 00:13:59,670 Speaker 3: then he'll bless me. I give to him, he gives 199 00:13:59,750 --> 00:14:00,950 Speaker 3: me something in return. 200 00:14:01,590 --> 00:14:03,110 Speaker 2: I'm not sure that's how it works. 201 00:14:03,870 --> 00:14:07,819 Speaker 1: That's because you're young and have never farmed. Cain ruffled 202 00:14:07,860 --> 00:14:12,939 Speaker 1: his brother's hair and left for the mountain. Cain was 203 00:14:13,000 --> 00:14:17,600 Speaker 1: less concerned about the art of cultivation more concerned with 204 00:14:17,640 --> 00:14:22,380 Speaker 1: the input-output relationship of farming. He put in the work, 205 00:14:23,040 --> 00:14:27,340 Speaker 1: and the land gave him crops. He saw his sacrifice 206 00:14:27,380 --> 00:14:30,540 Speaker 1: to God in a similar manner. I will give an offering, 207 00:14:31,240 --> 00:14:34,180 Speaker 1: and God will give me a blessing, he thought to himself. 208 00:14:36,210 --> 00:14:39,869 Speaker 1: Cain summited the hill. There was an altar made of 209 00:14:39,950 --> 00:14:46,210 Speaker 1: stone at the peak. The wind whistled above. Cain pulled 210 00:14:46,250 --> 00:14:50,530 Speaker 1: his hair back and smiled. He was prepared to receive 211 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:55,700 Speaker 1: God's blessing. He was prepared to step into his destiny 212 00:14:56,220 --> 00:15:01,240 Speaker 1: as God's chosen hero. He removed the offering from his 213 00:15:01,280 --> 00:15:05,420 Speaker 1: shoulders and placed it on the altar. He stepped back 214 00:15:06,100 --> 00:15:10,990 Speaker 1: and knelt on the ground. He waited. He waited a 215 00:15:11,070 --> 00:15:18,070 Speaker 1: sign of God's blessing. Nothing. Just silence. Along with the 216 00:15:18,110 --> 00:15:22,150 Speaker 1: high-pitched whistle of the wind. Where are you? Cain was 217 00:15:22,250 --> 00:15:25,770 Speaker 1: unsure what he was looking for, but knew he would 218 00:15:25,830 --> 00:15:31,310 Speaker 1: know when he saw it. There was only silence. Cain 219 00:15:31,350 --> 00:15:34,190 Speaker 1: stood to his feet, frustrated, confused. 220 00:15:34,730 --> 00:15:35,350 Speaker 7: What's wrong? 221 00:15:36,310 --> 00:15:37,270 Speaker 3: Why are you silent? 222 00:15:37,710 --> 00:15:43,130 Speaker 1: Cain waited even longer, wondering what had gone wrong. Why 223 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:49,860 Speaker 1: wasn't God speaking Why hadn't he accepted his sacrifice? Cain 224 00:15:49,880 --> 00:15:53,020 Speaker 1: had put in the work, so why wasn't he getting 225 00:15:53,110 --> 00:15:58,590 Speaker 1: his return? Cain scoffed, dragging his feet down a small 226 00:15:58,650 --> 00:16:03,150 Speaker 1: path and sat on a stone, waiting for God to 227 00:16:03,190 --> 00:16:08,630 Speaker 1: bless him. As he waited, Cain heard the faint bleeding 228 00:16:08,690 --> 00:16:13,230 Speaker 1: of a lamb in the distance. Abel scaled up the hill, 229 00:16:14,260 --> 00:16:17,490 Speaker 1: carrying the firstborn lamb of the season on his shoulders. 230 00:16:18,770 --> 00:16:23,150 Speaker 1: A dagger was strapped to his side. Cain observed the 231 00:16:23,210 --> 00:16:28,190 Speaker 1: sorrow on Abel's face. His eyes were foggy with tears 232 00:16:29,090 --> 00:16:32,150 Speaker 1: as he petted the lamb in his arms. It's okay, 233 00:16:32,170 --> 00:16:37,220 Speaker 1: little one, Abel whispered to it. Cain scoffed at his brother. 234 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:41,820 Speaker 1: He had always thought Abel was too sensitive, too soft 235 00:16:41,920 --> 00:16:47,670 Speaker 1: for this harsh world. Tears rolled down Abel's face as 236 00:16:47,710 --> 00:16:51,870 Speaker 1: he placed the newborn lamb on the altar. He stroked 237 00:16:51,950 --> 00:16:56,940 Speaker 1: its head and sang it a lullaby, his singing mixed 238 00:16:57,000 --> 00:17:01,500 Speaker 1: with a gentle hiss of the wind. Abel loved every 239 00:17:01,740 --> 00:17:06,240 Speaker 1: one of his sheep. He had a tender heart and 240 00:17:06,320 --> 00:17:11,510 Speaker 1: understood the value of life. Abel brought the firstborn of 241 00:17:11,570 --> 00:17:16,159 Speaker 1: his flock the very best of what he had. It 242 00:17:16,200 --> 00:17:20,680 Speaker 1: was an act of pure faith. Faith in the future. 243 00:17:21,920 --> 00:17:25,580 Speaker 1: Faith in God as a provider and worthy of the 244 00:17:25,680 --> 00:17:32,629 Speaker 1: immense value of the firstborn. With a shaking hand, Abel 245 00:17:32,770 --> 00:17:38,010 Speaker 1: raised his blade. The lullaby leaked out of his quivering 246 00:17:38,090 --> 00:17:42,389 Speaker 1: lips as he drove the blade down into the lamb's throat. 247 00:17:43,970 --> 00:17:48,310 Speaker 1: He let it bleed onto the altars He offered the 248 00:17:48,390 --> 00:17:51,850 Speaker 1: best parts of the lamb to God and sang a 249 00:17:51,910 --> 00:18:00,420 Speaker 1: song silently to him. Abel's faith was pure. Cain watched 250 00:18:00,460 --> 00:18:05,040 Speaker 1: from a distance and waited for something to happen. He 251 00:18:05,100 --> 00:18:10,919 Speaker 1: waited for God to move. That's when something changed in 252 00:18:10,940 --> 00:18:16,199 Speaker 1: the air. Something's happening. an indescribable shift occurred in the 253 00:18:16,320 --> 00:18:21,340 Speaker 1: atmosphere around Abel. The favor of God was upon him. 254 00:18:22,920 --> 00:18:27,119 Speaker 1: On that hill, it seemed like a sliver of Eden 255 00:18:27,700 --> 00:18:35,670 Speaker 1: was reclaimed for humanity through Abel, not Cain. Abel descended 256 00:18:35,710 --> 00:18:39,990 Speaker 1: the mountain, surrounded by a holy glow of God's love 257 00:18:40,430 --> 00:18:46,619 Speaker 1: and affirmation. He was like a trickling stream, joyfully falling 258 00:18:46,680 --> 00:18:52,060 Speaker 1: from the hills. Cain emerged from his hiding place with 259 00:18:52,100 --> 00:18:59,750 Speaker 1: his mouth agape. His jaw tightened in annoyance. Undoubtedly, God 260 00:18:59,790 --> 00:19:08,030 Speaker 1: had just accepted Abel's sacrifice above Cain's. Weeks passed, and 261 00:19:08,070 --> 00:19:12,420 Speaker 1: it became clear that God's hand was on Abel. His 262 00:19:12,500 --> 00:19:16,979 Speaker 1: flocks multiplied, his strength increased, and the work of his 263 00:19:17,060 --> 00:19:23,640 Speaker 1: hands was blessed. With each passing day, Abel's success made 264 00:19:23,760 --> 00:19:30,040 Speaker 1: Cain more and more indignant. Rage welled up within him. 265 00:19:31,180 --> 00:19:38,380 Speaker 1: His bitterness was a poison, slowly eroding his heart. Whenever 266 00:19:38,440 --> 00:19:41,270 Speaker 1: a crop didn't yield or a thorn cut his hand, 267 00:19:42,280 --> 00:19:47,169 Speaker 1: Cain thought about how God had blessed Abel Cain began 268 00:19:47,210 --> 00:19:54,020 Speaker 1: to compare every inconvenience and struggle with Abel's successes. Cain 269 00:19:54,080 --> 00:19:57,920 Speaker 1: perceived each ounce of favor given to Abel as a 270 00:19:57,980 --> 00:20:05,869 Speaker 1: slight against him. Yet Cain's hatred wasn't against Abel. It 271 00:20:05,910 --> 00:20:11,190 Speaker 1: was against God. Cain was supposed to be chosen, not Abel. 272 00:20:12,310 --> 00:20:15,730 Speaker 1: He was supposed to be the blessed. He was the 273 00:20:15,869 --> 00:20:22,429 Speaker 1: chosen child of promise, the favored son. Cain's entire body 274 00:20:23,220 --> 00:20:28,340 Speaker 1: shook with jealous rage. Cain sat by the fire with 275 00:20:28,380 --> 00:20:32,139 Speaker 1: his parents and brother. They were celebrating a record month 276 00:20:32,320 --> 00:20:36,510 Speaker 1: for Abel's flock. They laughed and sang by the fire. 277 00:20:37,700 --> 00:20:43,810 Speaker 1: joy rising from the smoke into the skies. Cain wasn't 278 00:20:43,869 --> 00:20:47,430 Speaker 1: amused by any of it. He stormed off to a 279 00:20:47,510 --> 00:20:53,899 Speaker 1: solitary place. He slammed his fist against a stone and 280 00:20:54,100 --> 00:21:01,040 Speaker 1: shouted into the night. Then, interrupting the tense fit, God spoke. 281 00:21:01,820 --> 00:21:07,840 Speaker 6: Why are you so angry, Cain? Why has your face fallen? 282 00:21:07,859 --> 00:21:13,399 Speaker 1: Oh, now you show yourself. Cain's mind raced with hatred 283 00:21:13,420 --> 00:21:17,450 Speaker 1: and contempt. He didn't understand why God had blessed Abel 284 00:21:17,790 --> 00:21:21,730 Speaker 1: instead of him. He was the oldest. He was the 285 00:21:21,869 --> 00:21:28,450 Speaker 1: one whose name held a promise. God's voice resonated within Cain, warning, 286 00:21:29,070 --> 00:21:29,570 Speaker 1: If you. 287 00:21:29,470 --> 00:21:33,030 Speaker 6: Do well, will you not be accepted? 288 00:21:33,710 --> 00:21:34,570 Speaker 1: If I do well? 289 00:21:35,910 --> 00:21:36,429 Speaker 3: If I. 290 00:21:37,109 --> 00:21:39,190 Speaker 1: Cain stopped and clenched his fists. 291 00:21:40,010 --> 00:21:43,189 Speaker 7: I did what was asked. I made my offering, and 292 00:21:43,270 --> 00:21:46,910 Speaker 7: you didn't hold up your end of the bargain. Instead, 293 00:21:46,950 --> 00:21:50,189 Speaker 7: you chose to bless that whimpering and soft fool. 294 00:21:50,810 --> 00:21:55,820 Speaker 6: Be warned, Cain. Sin crouches at the door of your heart. 295 00:21:56,560 --> 00:22:01,160 Speaker 6: It desires to destroy you, but you must overcome it. 296 00:22:01,920 --> 00:22:04,700 Speaker 7: Why should I listen to you? What good has that 297 00:22:04,760 --> 00:22:05,140 Speaker 7: done me? 298 00:22:05,700 --> 00:22:09,360 Speaker 1: Cain stormed down the hill, determined to leave a distance 299 00:22:09,460 --> 00:22:13,960 Speaker 1: between him and the Lord. God's word wasn't a comfort 300 00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:19,619 Speaker 1: to Cain, but salt to his wounded pride. The further 301 00:22:19,680 --> 00:22:25,750 Speaker 1: he walked, the darker his heart became. Rage against God 302 00:22:25,830 --> 00:22:30,770 Speaker 1: was boiling over in his heart. You accepted Abel's blood, Alfred. 303 00:22:30,790 --> 00:22:33,050 Speaker 1: If it's blood you want. 304 00:22:34,650 --> 00:22:38,570 Speaker 1: And its blood you'll get. The following day was shrouded 305 00:22:38,630 --> 00:22:43,590 Speaker 1: in darkness. Clouds rolled in from the east, covering the 306 00:22:43,650 --> 00:22:49,369 Speaker 1: sun's warmth. Cain's breath rose like a specter in the 307 00:22:49,430 --> 00:22:54,310 Speaker 1: chilly air. He paced at the pasture's edge, where Abel 308 00:22:54,530 --> 00:23:00,970 Speaker 1: tended to the sheep. He was like a wolf, stalking, waiting. 309 00:23:02,609 --> 00:23:07,730 Speaker 1: He remained there all day in the shadows, warring with himself. 310 00:23:09,310 --> 00:23:13,330 Speaker 1: Hatred coiled around his heart like the serpent around the 311 00:23:13,490 --> 00:23:19,429 Speaker 1: ancient tree. It squeezed, choking the humanity out of him. 312 00:23:21,050 --> 00:23:25,320 Speaker 1: The sun began to set, and a crimson hue covered 313 00:23:25,359 --> 00:23:31,300 Speaker 1: the horizon. Sin was stalking at the borders of Cain's heart. 314 00:23:32,490 --> 00:23:37,149 Speaker 1: It was hungry for his soul. The warnings of God 315 00:23:37,410 --> 00:23:38,389 Speaker 1: echoed in his mind. 316 00:23:39,170 --> 00:23:43,560 Speaker 6: Sin crouches at the door of your heart. It desires 317 00:23:43,619 --> 00:23:47,459 Speaker 6: to destroy you, but you must overcome it. 318 00:23:48,460 --> 00:23:54,260 Speaker 1: Cain wouldn't listen. He refused. Cain knelt into the cold 319 00:23:54,359 --> 00:24:00,120 Speaker 1: dirt and picked up a stone. A shadow approached from behind. 320 00:24:01,080 --> 00:24:05,520 Speaker 1: as Abel knelt beside one of his sheep. It came slowly, 321 00:24:06,440 --> 00:24:11,440 Speaker 1: ready to pounce. Abel turned, but it was too late. 322 00:24:12,359 --> 00:24:16,570 Speaker 1: He was tackled to the ground. Abel struggled in the 323 00:24:16,609 --> 00:24:20,850 Speaker 1: dirt and kicked Cain off him. Cain bounced back up 324 00:24:21,530 --> 00:24:25,629 Speaker 1: and struck his brother on the temple, sending him flying 325 00:24:25,730 --> 00:24:30,189 Speaker 1: to the floor. Abel scurried backwards with his arms up 326 00:24:30,230 --> 00:24:30,530 Speaker 1: to Cain. 327 00:24:31,180 --> 00:24:37,060 Speaker 2: Cain, stop! What are you doing? Getting my revenge. Revenge? 328 00:24:37,540 --> 00:24:38,780 Speaker 7: What did I do to you? 329 00:24:39,420 --> 00:24:43,710 Speaker 1: Not you. Cain lunged forward at Abel and struck him 330 00:24:43,790 --> 00:24:48,150 Speaker 1: again with the stone. Abel's face fell into the dirt. 331 00:24:49,190 --> 00:24:52,369 Speaker 1: Cain turned him around and continued to attack. 332 00:24:54,230 --> 00:24:56,320 Speaker 5: How blessed are you now, Abel? 333 00:24:56,780 --> 00:25:00,160 Speaker 1: Cain's strike smashed Abel's nose in with the rock. 334 00:25:00,900 --> 00:25:03,100 Speaker 3: Please, no, stop! 335 00:25:04,440 --> 00:25:08,000 Speaker 7: Where's God now? Where's God now? 336 00:25:08,880 --> 00:25:13,520 Speaker 1: His anger wasn't directed toward Abel. No, it was directed 337 00:25:13,560 --> 00:25:18,879 Speaker 1: at the Lord. Blow after blow, Cain threw spite at 338 00:25:18,980 --> 00:25:24,640 Speaker 1: God by striking his innocent brother. When Abel was too 339 00:25:24,720 --> 00:25:29,120 Speaker 1: weak to struggle, Cain pressed his thumbs against his throat. 340 00:25:30,270 --> 00:25:35,929 Speaker 1: and finished what he had started. Abel's life left him. 341 00:25:37,510 --> 00:25:42,390 Speaker 1: Cain removed his hands, rolled his neck back, and exhaled quietly. 342 00:25:44,020 --> 00:25:47,359 Speaker 1: He dared not look up at heaven, but he dared 343 00:25:47,420 --> 00:25:52,960 Speaker 1: not look down at his slain brother. Cain found himself 344 00:25:53,060 --> 00:25:59,709 Speaker 1: suspended in a place between guilt and indignation. He buried 345 00:25:59,750 --> 00:26:03,030 Speaker 1: his brother in that field and stormed back to his 346 00:26:03,090 --> 00:26:09,550 Speaker 1: home to rest. Abel had been buried. Abel had been buried, 347 00:26:10,190 --> 00:26:15,610 Speaker 1: but his blood cried out from the ground. God had 348 00:26:15,730 --> 00:26:21,280 Speaker 1: seen it all, and he would not let Cain go unpunished. 349 00:26:22,900 --> 00:26:26,439 Speaker 1: One day, he would end the hatred that consumed Cain. 350 00:26:28,060 --> 00:26:31,820 Speaker 1: He would send his Redeemer to rid the world of 351 00:26:31,940 --> 00:26:35,300 Speaker 1: sin once and for all. 352 00:26:44,540 --> 00:26:46,060 Speaker 5: You have heard that it was said to the people 353 00:26:46,140 --> 00:26:49,479 Speaker 5: long ago, You shall not murder, and anyone who murders 354 00:26:49,530 --> 00:26:52,889 Speaker 5: will be subject to judgment. But I tell you that 355 00:26:53,050 --> 00:26:55,930 Speaker 5: anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will 356 00:26:55,950 --> 00:26:59,460 Speaker 5: be subject to judgment. Again, Anyone who says to a 357 00:26:59,520 --> 00:27:03,859 Speaker 5: brother or sister, Raka, is answerable to the court. And 358 00:27:03,900 --> 00:27:06,740 Speaker 5: anyone who says, You fool, will be in danger of 359 00:27:06,780 --> 00:27:10,370 Speaker 5: the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your 360 00:27:10,410 --> 00:27:13,070 Speaker 5: gift at the altar and there remember that your brother 361 00:27:13,130 --> 00:27:16,270 Speaker 5: or sister has something against you, leave your gift there 362 00:27:16,350 --> 00:27:19,869 Speaker 5: in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled 363 00:27:19,910 --> 00:27:24,480 Speaker 5: to them. Then come and offer your gift. Jesus expands 364 00:27:24,540 --> 00:27:27,580 Speaker 5: on the commandment against murder by addressing the root of 365 00:27:27,640 --> 00:27:33,409 Speaker 5: such actions, anger and contempt. He emphasizes the seriousness of 366 00:27:33,670 --> 00:27:38,970 Speaker 5: harboring anger and the importance of reconciliation. Jesus teaches that 367 00:27:39,109 --> 00:27:43,890 Speaker 5: unresolved anger and broken relationships are detrimental to our spiritual 368 00:27:43,930 --> 00:27:47,780 Speaker 5: health and must be addressed promptly. The story of Cain 369 00:27:47,800 --> 00:27:51,420 Speaker 5: and Abel is a powerful illustration of the erosive nature 370 00:27:51,460 --> 00:27:56,800 Speaker 5: of hatred and its devastating consequences. Cain and Abel were 371 00:27:56,820 --> 00:28:01,040 Speaker 5: the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain, a farmer, 372 00:28:01,359 --> 00:28:04,960 Speaker 5: and Abel, a shepherd, both brought offerings to the Lord. 373 00:28:06,080 --> 00:28:09,159 Speaker 5: God accepted Abel's offering but did not look with favor 374 00:28:09,220 --> 00:28:13,330 Speaker 5: on Cain's. This led to intense anger and jealousy in 375 00:28:13,390 --> 00:28:17,629 Speaker 5: Cain's heart. Cain's unchecked anger and jealousy led to the 376 00:28:17,730 --> 00:28:22,290 Speaker 5: first murder. His hatred not only resulted in Abel's death 377 00:28:22,670 --> 00:28:26,850 Speaker 5: but also brought severe consequences to himself and his relationship 378 00:28:26,869 --> 00:28:30,990 Speaker 5: with God. Peaceful resolution to conflict must be at the 379 00:28:31,070 --> 00:28:37,080 Speaker 5: top of our priority lists. Burned bridges, revenge, and passive-aggressive 380 00:28:37,119 --> 00:28:41,480 Speaker 5: gossip shake the foundation of a peaceful society. If we, 381 00:28:41,740 --> 00:28:45,380 Speaker 5: as followers of Christ, can find ways to settle disputes 382 00:28:45,440 --> 00:28:50,240 Speaker 5: with love and patience, we will watch that expand outward 383 00:28:50,280 --> 00:28:54,520 Speaker 5: from our souls to our relationships and society as a whole. 384 00:28:55,560 --> 00:28:59,740 Speaker 5: There are layers to unchecked anger and contempt's corrosive and 385 00:28:59,780 --> 00:29:05,310 Speaker 5: sinister nature. First, hatred and unresolved anger corrode the soul. 386 00:29:06,370 --> 00:29:12,490 Speaker 5: Cain's internal struggle and jealousy consumed him, leading to sin. Similarly, 387 00:29:12,930 --> 00:29:18,600 Speaker 5: harboring anger and resentment damages our inner peace and spiritual well-being. Second, 388 00:29:19,120 --> 00:29:25,380 Speaker 5: hatred and unresolved conflict damage personal relationships. Cain's hatred destroyed 389 00:29:25,440 --> 00:29:30,000 Speaker 5: his relationship with Abel, his own brother. Hatred creates divisions 390 00:29:30,060 --> 00:29:35,230 Speaker 5: and destroys trust and love in relationships. Jesus' call to 391 00:29:35,330 --> 00:29:40,600 Speaker 5: reconcile emphasizes the importance of healing and restoring our relationships. 392 00:29:41,880 --> 00:29:44,720 Speaker 5: If we don't deal with our conflict and allow it 393 00:29:44,760 --> 00:29:48,280 Speaker 5: to fester inside, it will always leak out by us 394 00:29:48,440 --> 00:29:53,840 Speaker 5: lashing out. Third, hatred and violence undermine the fabric of society. 395 00:29:54,720 --> 00:29:58,110 Speaker 5: Cain's act of violence set a precedent for further discord 396 00:29:58,160 --> 00:30:01,870 Speaker 5: and strife. As followers of Christ, we are called to 397 00:30:01,930 --> 00:30:06,890 Speaker 5: be agents of peace and reconciliation, countering the destructive power 398 00:30:06,970 --> 00:30:10,530 Speaker 5: of hatred. How do we live out these teachings in 399 00:30:10,890 --> 00:30:15,380 Speaker 5: our daily lives? How can we, when faced with jealousy, anger, 400 00:30:15,820 --> 00:30:21,320 Speaker 5: and unresolved conflict, rise up to be peacemakers? First, we 401 00:30:21,420 --> 00:30:25,720 Speaker 5: must address anger promptly. Jesus teaches us to address anger 402 00:30:25,760 --> 00:30:29,920 Speaker 5: before it festers into something more harmful. We should seek 403 00:30:29,960 --> 00:30:33,580 Speaker 5: to resolve conflicts quickly and not let anger take root 404 00:30:33,740 --> 00:30:38,760 Speaker 5: in our hearts. This can be awkward and uncomfortable, but 405 00:30:38,800 --> 00:30:42,420 Speaker 5: it's better to pursue peace awkwardly than give anger time 406 00:30:42,460 --> 00:30:47,220 Speaker 5: to dig a deeper burrow in our hearts. Second, seek reconciliation. 407 00:30:47,980 --> 00:30:51,840 Speaker 5: Reconciliation isn't arguing until the other person admits you're right. 408 00:30:52,680 --> 00:30:56,320 Speaker 5: It's understanding that the relationship with the person is more 409 00:30:56,380 --> 00:31:00,620 Speaker 5: important than being right about something. Instead of fighting with 410 00:31:00,640 --> 00:31:04,030 Speaker 5: the person face to face, you should see conflict as 411 00:31:04,090 --> 00:31:08,790 Speaker 5: the two of you fighting side by side for the relationship. Third, 412 00:31:09,390 --> 00:31:15,110 Speaker 5: you must practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is a powerful antidote to hatred. 413 00:31:15,820 --> 00:31:19,560 Speaker 5: By forgiving others, we release the burden of anger and resentment, 414 00:31:20,160 --> 00:31:24,760 Speaker 5: allowing healing and reconciliation to take place. This doesn't mean 415 00:31:24,820 --> 00:31:28,390 Speaker 5: we forget what's been done to us. Healing may still 416 00:31:28,450 --> 00:31:33,250 Speaker 5: need to take place. However, forgiveness is posturing your heart 417 00:31:33,310 --> 00:31:36,150 Speaker 5: in such a way where you want God's best for 418 00:31:36,190 --> 00:31:42,620 Speaker 5: that person. Lastly, we must promote peace. As followers of Jesus, 419 00:31:43,060 --> 00:31:47,160 Speaker 5: we are called to promote peace and understanding in our communities. 420 00:31:48,040 --> 00:31:53,100 Speaker 5: This involves being peacemakers, standing against injustice, and fostering an 421 00:31:53,140 --> 00:31:58,470 Speaker 5: environment of love, dialogue, and respect. As we reflect on Jesus' 422 00:31:58,530 --> 00:32:03,100 Speaker 5: words in Matthew 5, 21-26, and the story of Cain 423 00:32:03,140 --> 00:32:07,140 Speaker 5: and Abel, let us be mindful of the erosive nature 424 00:32:07,320 --> 00:32:11,160 Speaker 5: of hatred. May we strive to address our anger, to 425 00:32:11,220 --> 00:32:16,510 Speaker 5: seek reconciliation, to practice forgiveness, and to promote peace in 426 00:32:16,570 --> 00:32:19,890 Speaker 5: our lives. Let us pray for the strength and the 427 00:32:19,970 --> 00:32:23,930 Speaker 5: grace to be true citizens of heaven. living out the 428 00:32:24,010 --> 00:32:28,630 Speaker 5: love and reconciliation that Jesus calls us to. In our 429 00:32:28,670 --> 00:32:32,050 Speaker 5: next episode, we'll find ourselves wrapped up in a scandalous 430 00:32:32,130 --> 00:32:36,680 Speaker 5: and devastating story, one of lust, lies, and murder.