Note: I have spent many years encouraging parents to raise their children in the ways of the Lord! This is an attempt to see if parents will listen to their children with the same request.
Opening Illustration: Imagine a child standing before their parents with tearful eyes, holding a Bible in their little hands. Their voice quivers, "Mom, Dad, can you show me how to know Him? I don't want to grow up lost or confused. I need you to teach me about Jesus." This heart-cry of a child is echoed throughout Scripture, where God calls parents to nurture their children in His ways.
Main Scripture
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it." – Proverbs 22:6
1. A Child's Cry: "Lead Me to Jesus"
Scripture: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." – Ephesians 6:4
Perspective: A child says, "Mom and Dad, I'm watching you. I see how you live, how you speak, and how you treat others. Please show me how to love Jesus. I need more than toys, vacations, or success—I need Him."
Illustration: Imagine Samuel as a boy lying awake in the temple, hearing God's voice. He recognized God because Eli, his guardian, had taught him how to listen. Every child has the potential to hear God's voice, but they need a guide to point them to His Word and truth.
Challenge to Parents: Your actions teach louder than your words. Do your children see you pray, read Scripture, and worship? Are you showing them what it means to follow Jesus daily?
2. A Child's Plea: "Discipline Me in Love"
Scripture: "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." – Proverbs 13:24
Perspective: A child says, "Mom and Dad, I know I will make mistakes. I need you to correct me—not in anger but in love. Help me see that discipline isn't punishment but protection. Teach me that God disciplines those He loves."
Illustration: Picture a shepherd with a staff gently nudging the sheep away from the cliff's edge. Godly discipline is like that staff—it redirects and saves.
Challenge to Parents: Discipline without love leads to rebellion, while love without discipline creates entitlement. Balance both, as Jesus does with us.
3. A Child's Request: "Teach Me the Word of God"
Scripture: "These commandments I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up." –
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Perspective: A child says, "Mom and Dad, I can't know the Bible unless you teach it. Tell me the stories of David's courage, Esther's bravery, and Jesus' love. Make it come alive, and I'll carry it forever."
Illustration: Think of Timothy, who learned the Scriptures from his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois. Their teaching prepared him to become a spiritual leader.
Challenge to Parents: Create a routine where God's Word is central—during meals, bedtime, or family devotionals. Your investment in teaching God's Word will bear eternal fruit.
4. A Child's Hope: "Show Me How to Pray"
Scripture: "Pray without ceasing." – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Perspective: A child says, "Mom and Dad, I see you pray before meals, but I need to learn how to talk to Jesus every moment. Teach me to trust Him with my fears and dreams. Show me that prayer is more than words—it's a relationship."
Illustration: Jesus taught His disciples to pray by giving them the Lord's Prayer. Parents are like Jesus to their children, modeling what a prayer life looks like.
Challenge to Parents: Pray with your children, not just for them. Show them how to pour their hearts into God, trusting Him in everything.
5. A Child's Final Plea: "Be Real With Me"
Scripture: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." – Philippians 2:3
Perspective: A child says, "Mom and Dad, I don't need perfect parents—I need real ones. When you mess up, tell me. When I mess up, forgive me. Show me that God's grace is bigger than our failures."
Illustration: Peter denied Jesus three times but was restored by His grace. Let your home reflect this same grace—a place of restoration, not perfection.
Challenge to Parents: Be vulnerable, apologize when you're wrong, and teach your children that failure's okay because Jesus redeems.
Closing Illustration:
Imagine a child, now grown, standing at your funeral and saying, "My parents weren't perfect, but they showed me Jesus every day. Because of them, I love Him and will teach my children to love Him too."
Call to Action:
Parents, your children are watching. They're listening to your words and, more importantly, observing your life. Will you answer their heart's cry to be raised as Jesus commands?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of children. Help us to raise them in Your ways. Forgive us for the times we fall short, and empower us to be the parents You've called us to be. May our homes be filled with Your Word, love, and grace. In Jesus' name, amen.
This sermon hopefully inspires parents to step into their God-given role with grace and determination, answering their children's unspoken cries.
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