By Dr Hank Lindstrom

Abel was a shepherd. (Genesis 4:2)

It was as a shepherd that he presented his offering unto God. (Genesis 4:4)

Though giving no cause for it, Abel was hated by his brother. (Genesis 4:8)

Cain was jealous of his brother Abel and it was out of envy the Cain slew Abel. (Genesis 4:7)

Abel did not die a natural death. (Genesis 4:8)

Abel met a violent end at the hand of his brother. (Genesis 4:8)

Punishment was meted out upon his murderer. (Genesis 4:11,12)

The offering Abel presented was an offering ‘unto God.’ (Hebrews 11:4)

The offering which Abel presented was ‘the firstlings of his flock’, a ‘lamb.’ (Genesis 4:4)

In bringing his offering ‘by faith’ he demonstrated that he believed the Word of God. (Hebrews 11:4)
The offering which Abel presented is described as an ‘excellent’ one. (Hebrews 11:4)

God had ‘respect unto Abel and to his offering’. God accepted the offering of Abel. (Hebrews 11:4)
In the presentation of his offering, Abel ‘obtained witness that he was righteous.’ (Hebrews 11:4) Abel was already saved and made righteous.

After Abel’s presentation of his offering, God publicly ‘testified’ of His acceptance of it. (Hebrews 11:4)

Abel’s offering still ‘speaks’ to God. By it Abel ‘being dead yet speaketh.’ (Hebrews 11:4)

Christ was pictured by the life of Abel

Our Lord is a Shepherd: ‘the Good Shepherd.’ (John 10:11)

It was as a Shepherd that Jesus Christ presented His offering to God. (John 10:11)

Jesus, though giving no cause for it, Jesus was hated by His brethren according to the flesh the Jews. (John 15:25)

It was through ‘envy’ that Jesus was delivered up to be crucified. (Matthew 27:18)

Our Lord did not die a natural death. He was slain by ‘wicked hands.’ (Acts 2:23)

Jesus was crucified by ‘the house of Israel’, His brethren according to the flesh. (Romans 9:5)

After His death, our Lord’s murderers were punished by God. (Mark 12:9)

The Lord Jesus was presented an offering ‘to God.’ (Ephesians 5:2)

The offering He presented was Himself; a ‘lamb.’ (II Peter 1:19)

In presenting Himself as an offering He was obedient to ‘the Word of God.’ (Hebrews 10:7-9)

The offering Christ offered was an ‘excellent’ one. It was ‘a sweet smelling savor.’ (Ephesians 5:2)

God accepted His offering: the proof being that He is now ‘seated at the right hand of God.’ (Hebrews 10:12)

While presenting Himself on the Cross as an offering to God, ‘He obtained witness that He was righteous’ The centurion saying, ’This is a righteous man.’ (Luke 23:47)

God publicly testified His acceptance of the offering by raising Him from the dead. (Acts 2:36)

Christ’s offering now ‘speaks’ to God. (Hebrews 12:24)