Have you ever wondered what possessed Eve to take the forbidden fruit after experiencing the amazing close and unhindered relationship with God? I can’t say what was running through her mind, but I sometimes know what runs through mine when I disobey God. It basically comes down to me thinking I am better than God. Logically, I know this is a lie. However, because of my sin nature, the truth can be very difficult to grasp. But God demands we live by His truth. If we don’t, there will always be consequences. Adam and Eve came to understand this and were issued several consequences for their act of disobedience. Here is a retelling of this great Bible story found in Genesis chapter 3 to help your children become familiar with this part of God’s amazing Word…
Adam and Eve knew they had done the wrong thing when they chose to eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. God told them they were not allowed to eat this fruit, but they disobeyed and ate it anyway. Now they were afraid to see God – their best friend. Their fear made them try and hide from God among the trees in the garden. It was very silly for Adam and Eve to think they could hide from God. God knows where all His children are at all times. God knew where Adam and Eve were and He called out to them.
“Adam, where are you?”
Adam said, “God, I hear Your voice, but I am afraid and I am hiding.”
God asked him, “Why are you afraid to be with me? Have you eaten the fruit I told you not to eat?”
Adam said, “Eve gave me some of the fruit and I ate it.”
God must have been very sad at what Adam said. God knew his rules had been broken. God would have to make some changes so that they would learn how important it is to obey and love God.
First, God made changes to the serpent. He told the serpent that because he tricked the couple to disobey God, the serpent would never walk on legs again. Now the serpent would crawl on his belly like a snake. God also said that the serpent would hate Eve and all her children forever and ever.
Second, God made changes to Eve. He said that she would have a lot of trouble and pain in her life.
Third, God made changes to Adam. He told him that because He listened to his wife and disobeyed God’s rules, he would have trouble in his life too. He would have to work very, very hard for all his food. And finally, one day, his body would die and return back to the dust from which God made it.
The fourth and final change was probably the hardest. God’s first people could no longer live in the beautiful garden. They were sent away into the hard world. God placed angels at the entrance of the garden so that no one could ever go there again.
The changes God made were sad changes. But even though Adam and Eve had to leave the garden, God did not leave them. And He will never leave you, either.
Questions:
1. How did Adam and Eve disobey God? (Answer: They ate the fruit from the tree God told them not to eat from.)
2. Why did Adam and Eve try to hide from God? (Answer: They were afraid and felt ashamed/sad about what they did.)
3. What kind of change did God make to the serpent? (Answer: He would crawl on his belly and he would hate Eve and all her children forever.)
4. What kind of change did God make to Eve? (Answer: Eve would have a lot of trouble and pain in her life.)
5. What kind of change did God make to Adam? (Answer: He would have troubles in life and have to work very, very hard for his food.)
6. Could Adam and Eve stay in the garden? (Answer: No.)
7. Did God leave Adam and Eve? (Answer: No.)
