Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain saying, “I have gotten a man with the help f the Lord.” And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keep of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground. In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of fruit of the ground, and Abel brought some of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering. 

Genesis 4:1-4

Genesis tells us that Adam knew Eve and they produced two sons: Cain and Abel. As in this case the word “know” in Scripture often means something way beyond just an intellectual knowledge but implies a much deeper intimacy.  

Cain is the first-born son, while Abel is second. Another theme that emerges in Genesis that is played throughout Scripture is the failure of first-born sons. Over and over again first-borns fail to live up to the responsibility they have to lead their younger siblings. This is why the Gospel of Luke tells us that Mary gave birth to her “first born son.” Jesus takes responsibility for loving his younger siblings while others did not. 

Thank Jesus today that he is a good older brother. When you were lost, he died for you.