Truth and Consequences: Retelling the Great Bible Stories for Children

Have you ever wondered what possessed Eve to take the forbidden fruit after experiencing the incredible close and unhindered relationship with God? I can’t say what was going through her mind, but sometimes I know what is going through mine when I disobey God. It basically boils down to thinking I’m better than God. Logically, I know this is a lie. However, due to my sinful nature, the truth can be very difficult to understand. But God demands that we live by the truth of him. If we don’t, there will always be consequences. Adam and Eve came to understand this and various consequences were imposed on them 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 something wrong when they chose to eat the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. God told them that 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 to hide from God among the trees in the garden. It was very foolish for Adam and Eve to think that 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 them.

– Adam, where are you?

Adam said, “God, I hear your voice, but I am afraid and I hide.”

God asked him, “Why are you afraid to be with me? Have you eaten the fruit that 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 about what Adam said. God knew his rules had been broken. God would have to make some changes for them to learn how important it is to obey and love God.

First, God made changes to the serpent. He told the snake that because he tricked the couple into disobeying God, the snake would never walk on legs again. Now the snake would crawl over 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 in Eve. He said that she would have many problems and pain in her life.

Third, God made changes in Adam. He told her that because he listened to his wife and disobeyed God’s rules, he too would have problems in his life. He would have to work very, very hard for all the food from him. And finally, one day, his body would die and he would return to the dust that God made him from.

The fourth and last change was probably the most difficult. God’s first people could no longer live in the beautiful garden. They were sent to the harsh world. God placed angels at the entrance to the garden so that no one could enter there again.

The changes that God made were sad changes. But even though Adam and Eve had to leave the garden, God did not let them. And He will never leave you, either.

Questions:

1. How did Adam and Eve disobey God? (Answer: They ate the fruit of the tree that God told them not to eat.)

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 her belly and hate Eve and all her children forever.)

4. What kind of change did God make in Eve? (Answer: Eve would have a lot of trouble and pain in her life.)

5. What kind of change did God make in Adam? (Answer: He would have problems in life and would have to work very, very hard to eat.)

6. Could Adam and Eve stay in the garden? (Answer: No.)

7. Did God leave Adam and Eve? (Answer: No.)