Parents
Summary
Parents are those who bear and nurture children, with Scripture detailing both the duties parents owe their children and the honor children owe their parents.
☩Parental Duties
Parents have duties relating to their children's health, maintenance, education, and morals. Christian parents are responsible for bringing their children up 'in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.' They must provide for physical needs, give good example, administer discipline, and instruct in Scripture. Parents who neglect these duties or set evil examples bear responsibility for the consequences.
☩Parental Love
Scripture presents many examples of deep parental affection: Jacob's love for Joseph and Benjamin, David's grief over Absalom, the Shunammite's devotion to her son, and Mary's care for Jesus. Such love, while natural, must be balanced with wisdom—not indulging children excessively as Eli did with his sons, which led to disaster.
☩The Home at Nazareth
Joseph and Mary exemplified godly parenthood. They observed religious duties faithfully, taking Jesus to the temple for presentation and to Jerusalem for the Passover. Mary's care nurtured His growing wisdom. Joseph taught Him a trade. Jesus was subject to them, rendering the respect and obedience that godly parents deserve.
☩Christ's Teaching
Jesus upheld parental honor, condemning the Pharisees' tradition of Corban that allowed children to avoid supporting parents under pretense of religious devotion. He recognized parents as natural guardians and the strength of family ties. Yet He taught that discipleship may require placing Him above even parents—not from hatred but from recognition that His claims are supreme.
Related Verses116 mentions
References
- 1.Charles Buck, "Parents," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Parents," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).