Fatherhood Lessons from Jesus
David Faust reflects on Father’s Day by looking to Jesus’ teaching about the heavenly Father. Though Jesus did not provide a step-by-step parenting manual, his words reveal practical wisdom for fathers who want to be present, protective, forgiving, and faithful.
- Jesus made God’s fatherhood a prominent theme of his ministry.
- Good fathers are present, attentive, protective, and focused on restoration.
- Earthly dads can point the next generation toward the perfect Father in heaven.
By David Faust
Father’s Day brings to mind the ancient admonition to “walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous” (Proverbs 2:20, New American Standard Bible). If you want to “walk in the way of good men,” it makes sense to follow the best man of all—Jesus Christ.
The concept of God’s fatherhood is surprisingly rare in the Hebrew Scriptures, mentioned only about 15 times in the Old Testament. One example is Psalm 103:3: “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (New International Version). Jesus, however, made the fatherhood of God a prominent theme of his ministry. He referred to God as Father about 165 times in the four Gospels (over 100 times in the Gospel of John alone).
Although Jesus didn’t give us a step by step parenting manual, his teachings contain key insights about fatherhood.
Present and Approachable
“Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that our heavenly Father is present, approachable, and available. Good dads aren’t absent and indifferent. They spend focused time with their children, really listening, not multitasking—doing regular check ins at bedtime, while completing chores around the house, during car rides or walks.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” (Matthew 7:9). Faithful fathers provide what truly benefits our children. The goal isn’t just making them happy today but helping them flourish long term by caring for their spiritual, material, and emotional needs.
Attentive and Protective
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care” (Matthew 10:29). Wise fathers pay attention to details.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus took time for children, emphasized their worth, and solemnly warned against harming them (Matthew 18:5–6). Fathers should be alert to spiritual, social, and physical danger, protecting the precious lives entrusted to our care.
“And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9). There is far more to a father’s role than merely wearing the title “Dad.” Jesus reiterated the importance of honoring father and mother (Mark 10:19), but he denounced the Pharisees’ preoccupation with status and impressive titles. True spiritual leaders don’t throw their weight around and demand recognition. Fatherhood is a responsibility, not a power trip.
Forgiving and Consistent
“This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:22). In Jesus’ story about the prodigal son, the father waits patiently, runs to meet his returning son, forgives freely, and celebrates when reconciliation occurs. When sons and daughters rebel and stray, the goal is restoration, not humiliation or rejection. Dads should offer kids a way forward after they fail, praying for them to repent and return.
“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Jesus demonstrated the heavenly Father’s character and purpose through his actions, not through words alone. Likewise, dads must set an example of consistency, lived out daily. Kids are keen observers. Do we keep our promises, treat others with respect, and handle stress without lashing out? Often, “Watch what I do” is more effective than “Do what I say.”
God’s example of fatherhood has a lot to teach us. Despite our imperfections, we flawed dads can help the next generation know and love our perfect Father in heaven.
Author: David Faust
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Not Too Old: Turning Your Later Years into Greater Years.
