Help them make connections between what they read and the way they are living their lives today. Now that the students have a thorough understanding of what happened in the story, invite them into a brief process of Lectio Divina. Practice: Cain and Abel Meditation Worksheet Give them a few minutes to brainstorm questions and let them lead the discussion. This will push them to reread the story in order to create good questions. Why did God not approve of Cain’s offering? (Cain was worried about giving away too much.)Īlternative Activity: Another fun tactic is to invite the students to make up and ask the questions about what happened in the story.Why was Abel’s gift met with approval from God? (Abel gave generously from the first and best that he had.).

Now ask a few questions that get at the deeper meaning of the story: Does God completely abandon Cain? (No, he bans anyone from taking revenge on him.).How does God punish Cain? (He cannot be a farmer he has to be a wanderer.).What does Cain do despite God’s warning? (He kills his brother Abel.).What warning and advice does God give to Cain about being angry? (“If you act rightly, you will be accepted but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it.”).What does Genesis say about Abel’s offering? (It was the fatty portion, the firstling of his flock).What did Cain and Abel offer to God? (Cain: fruit of the ground, Abel: animal).Here are a few Cain and Abel discussion questions: Practice: Cain and Abel Discussion QuestionsĪfter you finish reading the story with the students, ask a few questions to make sure they understand what they read. Read Genesis 4:2-16 and have the students use one of the reading guide graphic organizers found here as they read. Presentation: Read the Story of Cain and Abel During the sharing time, did any of the students indicate that their gifts were more meaningful than others? Did any of the students try to be especially generous? Help make connections between this act of bringing in a gift for a teacher and the story of Cain and Abel you are about to read next in the lesson. Have the students each talk about what they brought in and why. Invite the students to bring in a gift for another teacher (or catechist). Students will be able to ( SWBAT) reflect on the ways they have been jealous like Cain or generous like Abel.

Images of cain and abel