Finding Christ in the Old Testament - Genesis 4:4

Finding Christ in the Old Testament

Genesis 4:4

"And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering."

Abel’s offering of the firstborn of his flock prefigures Christ, the true Lamb of God. Unlike Cain’s offering, which was the fruit of his own labor, Abel’s sacrifice was one of blood, pointing to the necessity of atonement. The Lord regarded Abel’s offering not because of the material itself but because it was given in faith (Hebrews 11:4). This foreshadows Christ, whose sacrifice is wholly acceptable to the Father, not as a mere work but as the perfect offering for sin. Just as Abel was slain by his brother out of jealousy, so too was Christ, the Righteous One, murdered by those who could not bear the light of His righteousness. Yet Abel’s blood cried out for justice, while Christ’s blood speaks a better word—one of mercy, redemption, and reconciliation (Hebrews 12:24). In Him, we are accepted before God, not by our works, but by His perfect offering.

Devotion

True worship is not about what we bring, but the heart with which we bring it. Abel’s sacrifice pointed forward to Christ, the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Like Abel, we come to God by faith, trusting not in our own righteousness but in the blood of Christ. His sacrifice was accepted so that we might be reconciled to the Father. We do not rely on our works but on His finished work.

New Testament Verse:
Hebrews 12:24 (ESV) “And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”

Collect
O Lord, who accepted the sacrifice of Abel and foreshadowed in him the perfect offering of Christ, grant that we may come before You in faith, not trusting in our own works, but in the blood of the Lamb, who takes away the sin of the world; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse:
"Not all the blood of beasts
On Jewish altars slain
Could give the guilty conscience peace
Or wash away the stain."

LSB 431:1, "Not All the Blood of Beasts"