Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (Genesis 4:8)
I suppose just about everyone has heard about these two brothers, and the first murder to ever take place in the history of the world. But did you ever think about how these events might relate to Christ?
Abel brought an acceptable sacrifice which honored God. However, Cain’s sacrifice was actually about earthly worship (“I did it my way”). Therefore, Cain’s offering did not honor God, and was not accepted.
When Jesus walked the earth, there were Pharisees and other religious folk who were much like Cain, in that they did things their way, instead of the way God wanted them to. This is why Jesus directed them to consider this verse from the prophet Hosea:
"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)
Jesus saw the self-righteousness of these religious leaders, and would have none of it. In the same way, Cain was self-righteous, and brought the offering he desired to give, instead of the offering God wanted.
Cain killed Abel because of his own self-righteousness. Cain’s selfish sacrifice was not acceptable to the Father, while Abel’s good sacrifice was accepted.
The Pharisees killed Christ because of their own self-righteousness. The religious leaders and their selfish sacrifices were not acceptable to the Father, while Christ’s perfect sacrifice was accepted.
Of course, the HUGE difference here is that Abel’s sacrifice was for Abel alone, whereas Christ’s perfect sacrifice was for all mankind!
#LoveMatters