How Would Jesus Be As A Parent?

We have all heard the phrase or question What Would Jesus Do (WWJD). It is a very catchy phrase that got thrown around a lot by a lot of people. But what got lost in all the “catchiness” of it is the fact that it is a very good question to stop and ask ourselves. Not only when confronted with difficult situations but also doing some of the simplest things. Things we do every day without a second thought like driving or dealing with co workers and customers.

A conversation my teenage daughter had with my wife over this past weekend though was how would Jesus be as a parent? We played around with a bunch of acronyms but couldn’t find any as catchy as WWJD. Seriously though, knowing the parables and the teaching of Jesus and knowing how often he showed his love for children, what types of parenting techniques would Jesus use? Do you think He would tell his children to do something with just a simple, “Because I told you so!”, or would He reason and explain why it was necessary or a good idea to do what He was asking.

I know this thought might upset some of the more ultra conservatives about the thought that Jesus would be a parent since the bible never mentions Him being married or having children and that He was without sin. But join me in this ride and think about it. Do you think Jesus would have demanded a child fit into a box and behave as society always expected? He never did. Jesus constantly went against society and the normal accepted behavior of His time. That in part is what led Him to the cross.

Jesus the teacher used stories or parables to teach us how to be loving and giving to each other and to God the Father. Jesus taught that children should mind their parents just as He taught that citizens should obey the laws. I think Jesus would have been consistent with that is His parenting as well. I do not suspect that Jesus would have been concerned that His children behaved or played differently than the Jones’ kids down the street. No, I think Jesus would have permitted His children to be individuals with independent thoughts.

Jesus the person was consistent with everyone He encountered friend or stranger, so there is no reason to think He would have been any different with His children. Too many parents in today’s society are concerned how their children compare against others. How many times have you heard that the children are a reflection on you the parent? Whether its report cards, the baseball team, school plays or just the perceived behavior of a child, parents are too caught up in being sure kids behave exactly how they want them to.

The conversation my wife and daughter had and the conversations that have ensued have given us the idea to study the parables differently. The three of us intend to use them as a model for parenting and to continue the conversation into what parenting techniques Jesus would use. I will be sharing these thoughts and ideas in future articles from a parent and my daughter’s and two son’s view.