Jesus, His Family and Obedience to Parents for JSS 1

Jesus and His Family

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain Jesus’ stand on the family;
2. discuss Jesus obedience to His earthly parents;
3. explain how to show obedience to parents.

Memory Verse

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (Ephesians 6:1)

Bible Reading

The principal Bible passages for this lesson are:

1. Matthew 12:46-50
2. Luke 2:51-52
3. Ephesians 6:1-3

Jesus’ Understanding of Family

The Bible teaches that Jesus had an earthly family, including His mother Mary, and His stepfather Joseph. He also had brothers and sisters. However, Jesus taught that there is a deeper, spiritual meaning to family that goes beyond blood relationships.

In Matthew 12:46-50, while Jesus was teaching, His mother and brothers came to speak with Him. When someone told Jesus that His family was outside waiting, Jesus asked a question: “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?”

Jesus then pointed to His disciples and said, “Whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” This teaching shows that for Jesus, the most important family bond is with those who obey God’s will. It means that spiritual connection through obedience to God is more significant than just being related by blood.

This does not mean that earthly families are not important. Instead, it highlights that our relationship with God and our obedience to Him should be our highest priority. When people follow God’s will, they become part of God’s spiritual family, which is a bond that lasts forever.

Jesus’ Obedience to His Earthly Parents

Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He set a perfect example of obedience to His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. The Bible records an important event in Luke 2:51-52.

When Jesus was twelve years old, He went with His parents to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. After the feast, Mary and Joseph started their journey home, thinking Jesus was with other relatives. They later found Him in the temple, listening to and asking questions of the teachers.

After this event, Jesus returned to Nazareth with Mary and Joseph. The Bible states clearly that He “was subject unto them.” This means that Jesus obeyed His parents and respected their authority. He lived under their care and followed their instructions as a child growing up in their home.

Jesus’ obedience to Mary and Joseph is a powerful example for all children. It shows that even the Son of God honoured and submitted to His parents. This act of obedience aligns with God’s commandment found in Ephesians 6:1-3, which says: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”

This scripture teaches that obeying and honouring parents is not only the right thing to do but also brings blessings. God promises that those who obey their parents will experience well-being and a long life on earth. Jesus perfectly fulfilled this commandment, demonstrating the importance of obedience within the family.

Demonstrating Obedience to Parents

Obedience to parents is a key Christian value and a way to honour God. There are many practical ways for children to show obedience to their parents in daily life. These actions help to build a peaceful and loving home environment.

Ways to demonstrate obedience to parents include:

1. Listening Carefully: Pay attention when parents speak, giving them full attention without distractions.
2. Following Instructions Promptly: Do what parents ask immediately and without arguing or complaining.
3. Helping with Chores: Participate in household tasks and responsibilities, such as sweeping, washing dishes, or running errands, without being told repeatedly.
4. Respecting Decisions: Accept parents’ decisions, even if there is disagreement. Discuss feelings calmly rather than rebelling.
5. Avoiding Bad Company: Stay away from friends or activities that parents disapprove of, as they often have the child’s best interest at heart.
6. Studying Hard: Focus on schoolwork, complete assignments, and strive for good grades, knowing that education is important for the future.
7. Being Truthful: Always tell the truth to parents, even when it is difficult, as honesty builds trust.
8. Caring for Siblings: Help to look after younger brothers and sisters and treat all family members with kindness and respect.
9. Praying for Parents: Regularly pray for parents’ well-being, wisdom, and guidance.

By practicing these actions, children not only honour their parents but also develop good character traits that will benefit them throughout their lives. Obedience to parents is a foundation for a blessed life, as promised in God’s Word.