Week 5 - Day 1

May 29, 2023 • Brandi Nelson

Day 1: “Sprouts” – by Brandi Nelson (Worship Team Vocalist)

Read: 1 John 3:11-12

Review: Seeds are planted, and then they grow…

Cain was the firstborn of the serpent’s offspring (“seed” in Hebrew); and Jesus was the firstborn of the Father: the promised offspring/seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15). These firstborns treated their siblings differently, sowing two kinds of descendants into the world.

Cain and his brother, Abel, made offerings to God. Abel was approved as righteous because his offering was made by faith (unlike Cain’s). Out of jealousy and hate, Cain murdered him.

Jesus WAS an offering to the Father. Out of love, He sacrificially laid down his life for his brothers/sisters.

Evil seeds sprout evil weeds that do evil deeds; however, Jesus sowed “good seed” into the world (Matthew 13:37-38)! Through faith in him we become God’s offspring; and his “seed” remains in us. Like Jesus and Cain, how we treat God’s children reveals which “seed” we are from.

Reflect: Jesus commanded, “Love one another” (John 13:34). As firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15), he laid down the love law for God’s family. So which seed is growing within me? Am I cultivating love? Hate? How do I lay my life down for brothers/sisters?