Readers Theater: Cain

Narrator 1: Let’s go back about 6000 years to the first murder. We find two brothers working on the front porch of their parents' cabin. It looks like one is obviously a farmer because he’s wearing overalls. The other chap must be some type of rancher or shepherd.

Abel: Hey Cain! What’s up? I’m really excited about meeting with God this afternoon. God’s really been good to me. You know, God has really gone to bat for me these past few years. I’ve really gotten the hang of running a sheep ranch.

Cain: Yeah, I’m going to meet with God too. I’m not really sure how much He’s really helped me though. Pretty much, I just do what needs to be done to take care of myself.

Abel: Well, remember that God made dad out of dirt and then made mom from one of dad’s ribs. We really are just DIRT! Without God’s help, we wouldn’t be worth much.

Cain: I know that God made dad and mom from dirt. But, whatever! I’ve got a feeling that I’m kind of a big deal.

Narrator 2: As you can see, Cain and Abel, even though they are brothers, have very different ways of looking at life. Cain secretly probably feels like he doesn’t really need God. And, Abel, well Abel doesn’t really have any problems giving God the credit for his success.

Narrator 1: The two brothers go their separate ways to get their gifts ready .

Abel: Hmmm. Come here Lamby! You are my favorite little lamb! I’ll give you to God.

Narrator 2: Meanwhile over at the farm, Cain is getting ready also.

Cain: Hmmm. I wonder where that broccoli is that I had too much of? I don’t want any of this stuff to go bad, so I’ll put together a little something for God.

Narrator 1: Two brothers – Two very different attitudes towards God.

Narrator 2: A little later, Abel brings his best lamb and sacrifices it to God. God likes Abel’s offering and accepts it. God can tell that Abel trusts in Him for everything. Abel knows God is good.

Narrator 1: I wish I could say the same about Cain. Cain doesn’t have the same trust in God. Cain doesn’t see God as loving, kind, and forgiving.

Narrator 2: Look – Abel is leaving and he seems to smiling about something!

Narrator 1: That’s not how Cain looks. He just looks mad.

Abel: Well – I sure am glad that God accepted my sacrifice. I know that someday God will provide someone to take away my sins. God really is good.

Cain: I don’t deserve this kind of treatment! God and Abel can both take a hike. I don’t know why I brought a gift to God anyway. I can do this thing on my own.

God: Cain – watch out! Do what you know is right or else sin will take control of your life.

Cain: Hey Abel – do you want to take a little walk out into the fields with me?
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Narrator 1: What do you think the right thing would have been for Cain to do?

Narrator 2: Why was Cain so mad at Abel?

Narrator 1: Abel didn’t deserve to die. Can you think of someone else who would someday die at the hands of an angry mob? Someone else who didn’t deserve to die?