One of the intriguing puzzles of the Biblical narrative is the amount of detail that is afforded some elements of the story, and the shocking lack of detail given to others that feel like they deserve more. Part of that, I believe, is intentional. There is no better way to draw your readers in than to push their minds to fill in the gaps. Much like an impressionist painting, the story of the Bible has many moments that virtually demand our participation.

One such section is what we’ll be reading this Sunday as we continue our study of the first four chapters of Genesis. We’ll be reading ch 4:1-16, which describes the start of life outside of the Garden.

The structure of chapter 4 is pretty important. It fairly mirrors certain aspects of chapter 3. Re-read chapter 3 after reading chapter 4 – what similarities jump out at you? What does God ask the humans in ch 3, what does he ask Cain? How do the humans respond in ch 3 and how does Cain respond in ch 4? Are you picking up the similarities.

The consequence for Cain’s sin mirrors the consequence of his parents: exile. Something to ponder: the humans are already outside of the Garden, where do you think is Cain being exiled to? What might be the point of this consequence and what could it be describing about humans and their Creator?

Who do you think the “they” could be that Cain is afraid of? We aren’t told what the sign is (there’s that lack of detail) that God gives to Cain – but what is the purpose of it? What does this reveal about God’s character in the face of abject human failure?

I hope you can join us this Sunday as we continue examining at the roots of the Biblical narrative in Genesis.

Click here for a pdf of the teaching slideshow.