Topical Encyclopedia
The biblical principle of children taking care of their parents is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, reflecting a divine order and moral obligation that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. This duty is not merely a social expectation but a commandment that carries spiritual significance and promises of blessing.
Biblical FoundationThe command to honor one's parents is enshrined in the Ten Commandments, which serve as the foundation of moral law.
Exodus 20:12 states, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment is unique as it comes with a promise of longevity and prosperity, indicating the high value God places on this duty.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this commandment in
Ephesians 6:1-3 : "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Here, Paul emphasizes obedience as an expression of honor, linking it to well-being and divine favor.
Caring for Parents in Their Old AgeThe responsibility of caring for parents extends beyond mere respect and obedience; it encompasses providing for their needs, especially in their old age. Jesus Himself criticized the Pharisees for neglecting this duty under the guise of religious devotion. In
Mark 7:9-13 , He rebukes them, saying, "You have a fine way of setting aside the commandment of God in order to maintain your own tradition. For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' But you say that if a man says to his father or mother, 'Whatever you would have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), he is no longer permitted to do anything for his father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down."
This passage underscores the importance of prioritizing familial responsibilities over external religious practices. The care of parents is a direct application of honoring them, and it is a tangible expression of love and gratitude.
The Example of JesusJesus Himself set an example of caring for one's parents. Even while on the cross, He ensured the well-being of His mother, Mary. In
John 19:26-27 , we read, "When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He 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 Mary to the care of John highlights the importance Jesus placed on familial responsibility, even in His final moments.
The Role of the ChurchThe early church recognized the importance of caring for widows and the elderly, as seen in
1 Timothy 5:3-4 : "Honor the widows who are truly widows. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and to repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." The apostle Paul instructs that the primary responsibility lies with the family, and this care is an expression of godliness.
ConclusionThe biblical mandate for children to care for their parents is a profound expression of love, respect, and obedience to God's commandments. It is a duty that reflects the heart of God and His design for family relationships. Through honoring and providing for their parents, children not only fulfill a divine command but also participate in the blessings that come with obedience to God's Word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 45:9,11Haste you, and go up to my father, and say to him, Thus said your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt: come down to me, tarry not:
Torrey's Topical TextbookGenesis 47:12
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brothers, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... the Lord, and so bring up your children that they ... ancestors will be wise to pause
a good deal before ... which those ornaments attain; and they take care to wear ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm
The Children's Patrimony.
... 2. A good occupation is another patrimony which should ... parents, hoping to secure
for their children a large ... for no purpose, and unfit even to take care of what ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiv the childrens patrimony.htm
How Samuel when He was So Infirm with Old Age that He could not ...
... evident example and demonstration how some children are not ... men turning aside from
their father's good courses, and ... the first place, they will take your sons ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how samuel when.htm
"Good-For-Nothing"
... "Take care, the stool will overturn ... I know that a good honest handicraftsman, Erik,
the glove-maker ... has been your suitor; he is a widower without children, he is ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/good-for-nothing.htm
The Christian Home
... if employers and employees would only take these principles ... their husbands, to love
their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study x the christian home.htm
Brought up Thus Modestly and Soberly, and Made Subject Rather by ...
... had govemed her house piously, was well reported of for good works, had brought
up children, so often ... the grace of Thy baptism, did she so take care of, as ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ix brought up thus.htm
He Spake to them of the Father
... Too often we take upon our own shoulders the father's part, and try to take care
of and provide ... But no good earthy father would want his children to take ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 5 he spake to.htm
Whether the Duties of Piety Towards One's Parents Should be ...
... I know you not; and their own children they have ... De oppos.), "good is not opposed
to good." Therefore it is ... bound by the duties of kindred, to take care of him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the duties of piety.htm
The Voice of the Lord God
... till they had learned somewhat how to take care of themselves ... this new science to
contradict the good old creed ... Lord God of old appeared to his human children. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon iii the voice of.htm
Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... like the prayers and aims of good Cornelius for a ... Parents have a fondness for their
children, and with ... who believe them made for eternity, take care only for ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm
Resources
What does it mean that Jesus loves the little children? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disobedient children? | GotQuestions.orgChildren: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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