The love of children for their parents is a theme that resonates deeply within the teachings of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament. Jesus emphasized the importance of familial relationships and the respect and love that children should have for their parents. This love is not merely an emotional affection but is deeply rooted in obedience, honor, and respect, as prescribed by the commandments.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for the love of children for their parents is established in the Ten Commandments, which Jesus affirmed in His teachings. In Matthew 19:19 , Jesus reiterates the commandment, "Honor your father and mother," highlighting the importance of this principle in the life of a believer. This commandment is not only a directive but also a promise of blessing, as seen in Ephesians 6:2-3 : "Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."

Jesus' Example and Teachings

Jesus Himself exemplified the love and respect for parents through His actions and teachings. In Luke 2:51 , it is noted that Jesus, as a child, was obedient to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph: "Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was subject to them." This passage underscores the importance of obedience as an expression of love and respect.

Moreover, Jesus' care for His mother, Mary, even during His crucifixion, is a profound demonstration of His love and concern for her well-being. In John 19:26-27 , Jesus, seeing His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, said to His mother, "Woman, here is your son." Then He said to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. This act of entrusting His mother to the care of John illustrates the deep love and responsibility Jesus felt towards His parent.

Teaching Love and Respect

Jesus' teachings encourage children to love their parents not only through words but through actions that reflect honor and respect. In Mark 7:10-13 , Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for allowing traditions that nullify the commandment to honor one's parents, emphasizing that true love for parents is demonstrated through genuine care and support.

The love of children for their parents is also a reflection of their love for God. In Matthew 22:37-39 , Jesus states, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." Parents, being the closest "neighbors" in a child's life, are to be loved and honored as an expression of one's love for God.

Practical Implications

In practical terms, the love of children for their parents involves listening to their guidance, valuing their wisdom, and caring for them in their times of need. Proverbs 1:8 advises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching." This verse highlights the importance of heeding parental guidance as an expression of love and respect.

In summary, the love of children for their parents, as taught by Jesus, is a multifaceted expression of honor, obedience, and care. It is a reflection of the divine order established by God and a testament to the love that binds families together in faith and unity.John 19:26,27
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, Woman, behold your son!
Nave's Topical Index

G. The Boy Jesus at Jerusalem. Ch. 2:41-52
... Is it not possible for parents to-day to awaken in the hearts of their children
a love for the house and the Word and the will of God? ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/g the boy jesus at.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... to the Lord, and so bring up your children that they ... man, or young woman, do not
kill the parents who gave ... be for thy present and eternal good, love this Book ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Blessing the Children
... They are the claim of His love. ... Many parents do not understand how much
they are responsible for these traits in their children. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 56 blessing the children.htm

Children and Childlike Men
... It was natural that the parents should have wanted Christ's blessing, so ... from its
effects to its meaning, it reveals Christ's love for children:"in its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/children and childlike men.htm

The Children's Bible
The Children's Bible. <. The Children's Bible Henry A. Sherman. ... DANIEL IN THE
LIONS' DEN. QUEEN ESTHER'S LOVE FOR HER PEOPLE. ... HOW TO HONOR YOUR PARENTS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest"
... great felicity to spring of godly parents: before we ... us the first swaddling bands
of love, and watched ... those poor children of the back streets"children who ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/jesusall blessing and all blest.htm

"Jesus Says So. "
... to the outward observer like most other children; but "the ... love Jesus, but, O mother,
pray do love him more ... such energy, as if to impress her parents with her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/jesus says so/jesus says so.htm

Jesus and his Mother.
... Parents should remember this always in dealing with their children,"their children
are more ... Other mothers in their love for their children have made the ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter ii jesus and his.htm

Christ and Little Children
... God would give His Spirit as earthly parents give good ... bounties irksome which are
prompted by a Father's love. ... Since children receive the kingdom, and are a ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 13-16 christ and little.htm

Sins of Parents visited
... about yourselves, and hopeful about your children after you ... been so much against
me"my parents were the ... will, and therefore perfect justice and perfect love. ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxvi sins of parents.htm

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