Main Thought
The Bible’s command to “honor your father and mother” is for everyone. Yet the way we relate to our parents (or other people who helped raise us) changes over time. The honor that we give them might change too. We need to navigate this dynamic through different ages and stages. We might not know how to do that sometimes. We might even feel that they don’t deserve honor from us. Still, Christians are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Jesus honored the Father - even when it was difficult - when He chose to give His life on the Cross.
Jesus chose honor. We can choose honor too. This begins with a base level of honor, because we wouldn’t be here without our parents. We can then do something that’s implied by the words for “honor” in the original Greek and Hebrew: value and weight, respectively. We can carefully evaluate, or weigh out, how to honor our parents practically in the context of our unique relationships. Honor can look different in different situations. Finally, we should extend honor with grace (undeserved, unearned kindness). As Christians, we’ve experienced the grace of God. We should extend grace to our parents and guardians too. God’s Word promises that He will bless us when we bless our parents. Let’s choose honor, and look for God to fulfill His promise.
Main Passages
'Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”'
- Matthew 26:36-39, ESV
'Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.'
- Ephesians 5:1-2
'Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”'
- Ephesians 6:1-3
Discussion Questions
Think about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. What can we learn from Him in those difficult moments, leading up to His crucifixion?
Why do you think God commanded everyone to honor their parents?
Honor can look different in different seasons and situations. We might choose to give honor through our time, words, gifts, or service; through respectful, clear expectations or boundaries; by honoring someone’s memory, and passing on the lessons you learned from them; or, perhaps even with prayer, forgiveness, and blessing from a distance.
What might honoring your parents look like practically for you? (Be sure to evaluate this with God, and weigh it out with Christian community.)