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    Cain and Abel: Sunday School Lesson

    Genesis 4

    Ages 7–12 ~40 min Memory: Genesis 4:7

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    God looks at the heart behind the gift, and anger that is not confessed will grow teeth.

    Story Summary

    Adam's two sons both brought an offering to the LORD. Abel brought the firstlings of his flock and God accepted it; Cain brought the fruit of the ground and God did not. Instead of repenting, Cain grew angry and killed his brother — the first murder, and a warning that anger left alone becomes something far worse.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.”

    Genesis 4:7

    Discussion Questions

    1. What did each brother bring to God?

      Teacher hint: Abel brought the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof; Cain brought of the fruit of the ground (Gen 4:3–4).

    2. God warned Cain before he sinned. What did He say sin was doing?

      Teacher hint: Sin lieth at the door — crouching like an animal waiting to pounce.

    3. What should Cain have done with his anger instead?
    4. Who is someone you find it hard to be glad for? How can you pray for them this week?

    Craft Idea: Door Hanger Warning Sign

    Supplies

    • Card stock door hangers
    • Markers
    • Stickers
    • Hole punch

    Steps

    1. Cut a simple door hanger shape for each child.
    2. Write Genesis 4:7 on one side.
    3. Decorate the other side with the words 'Rule over it'.
    4. Hang it on a bedroom door as a reminder when anger comes.

    Printable Worksheet

    Use the discussion questions as the written worksheet; children write one sentence answers at home.

    This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Genesis 4.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the door hanger warning sign.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching Cain and Abel? Here is what to grab next for your class.