Abel Was a Keeper of Sheep
The sermon highlights the significance of Abel as a type of Christ, emphasizing the importance of his sacrifice and the peace that it brings.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of Abel as a shepherd who sanctified his work to glorify God through his sacrificial offering, which foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Abel's role as both shepherd and priest illustrates the deep connection between his sacrifice and Christ's, highlighting the hatred he faced from his brother Cain, akin to the enmity Jesus experienced from mankind. The sermon reflects on the power of Abel's blood, which speaks of mercy rather than vengeance, and the peace that the blood of Jesus brings to believers. Spurgeon calls the congregation to recognize Jesus as the ultimate Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, encouraging them to bless Him for His sacrifice. Ultimately, Abel serves as a type of Christ, reminding us of the profound love and grace found in the blood of the Lamb.
Text
As a shepherd Abel sanctified his work to the glory of God, and offered a sacrifice of blood upon his altar, and the Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering. This early type of our Lord is exceedingly clear and distinct. Like the first streak of light which tinges the east at sunrise, it does not reveal everything, but it clearly manifests the great fact that the sun is coming. As we see Abel, a shepherd and yet a priest, offering a sacrifice of sweet smell unto God, we discern our Lord, who brings before His Father a sacrifice to which Jehovah ever hath respect.
Abel was hated by his brother--hated without a cause; and even so was the Saviour: the natural and carnal man hated the accepted man in whom the Spirit of grace was found, and rested not until his blood had been shed. Abel fell, and sprinkled his altar and sacrifice with his own blood, and therein sets forth the Lord Jesus slain by the enmity of man while serving as a priest before the Lord. "The good Shepherd layeth down His life for the sheep." Let us weep over Him as we view Him slain by the hatred of mankind, staining the horns of His altar with His own blood.
Abel's blood speaketh. "The Lord said unto Cain, 'The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground.'" The blood of Jesus hath a mighty tongue, and the import of its prevailing cry is not vengeance but mercy. It is precious beyond all preciousness to stand at the altar of our good Shepherd! to see Him bleeding there as the slaughtered priest, and then to hear His blood speaking peace to all His flock, peace in our conscience, peace between Jew and Gentile, peace between man and his offended Maker, peace all down the ages of eternity for blood-washed men.
Abel is the first shepherd in order of time, but our hearts shall ever place Jesus first in order of excellence. Thou great Keeper of the sheep, we the people of Thy pasture bless Thee with our whole hearts when we see Thee slain for us.
Sermon Outline
- I. Abel as a Type of Christ
- A. Sanctified his work to the glory of God
- B. Offered a sacrifice of blood upon his altar
- C. The Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering
- II. The Significance of Abel's Sacrifice
- A. Reveals the great fact that the sun is coming
- B. Manifests the great fact that the sun is coming
- C. Sets forth the Lord Jesus slain by the enmity of man
- III. The Blood of Abel Speaks
- A. 'The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground.'
- B. The blood of Jesus hath a mighty tongue, and the import of its prevailing cry is not vengeance but mercy
Key Quotes
“'The good Shepherd layeth down His life for the sheep.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
“'The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
“'The blood of Jesus hath a mighty tongue, and the import of its prevailing cry is not vengeance but mercy.'” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should sanctify our work to the glory of God, just as Abel did.
- The blood of Jesus speaks peace to all His flock, and we should seek to experience this peace in our lives.
- We should place Jesus first in order of excellence, just as Abel is the first shepherd in order of time but our hearts shall ever place Jesus first.