Scripture Text: Matthew 20:20–22 (KJV)
There was a time when the mother of James and John came to Jesus with a request concerning her sons. She desired places of honor for them in His kingdom. But Jesus turned the conversation toward a question of readiness and sacrifice: “Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of?” (Matthew 20:22, KJV).
She desired a glorious future for her children, but Jesus drew attention to the price associated with that future. This raises an important question for every parent who desires to see their children fulfil God’s purpose: Are ye able?
Are we willing to pay the price required to raise our children according to God’s Word? Are we prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to nurture their faith, shape their character, and guide them in the way of the Lord?
Godly Parenting Is a Divine Assignment
Parenting is more than giving birth, providing food, paying school fees, or securing a comfortable future for our children. It is a divine responsibility entrusted to us by God.
Consider what God said about Abraham:
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment…”
Genesis 18:19 (KJV)
God had confidence that Abraham would take responsibility for directing his household in His ways. Abraham was not merely expected to desire that his children follow God; he was expected to lead them.
Likewise, godly parenting requires more than wishing our children would grow up to love God. It requires intentional teaching, godly example, prayer, correction, and consistent guidance.
In Judges 13:8, Manoah prayed to God for instruction on how to raise the son who would be born to him. His prayer reminds us that parents do not have to depend on their own understanding. We can ask God to teach us how to fulfil the responsibility He has entrusted to us.
The Greatest Challenge May Not Be the Child, but the Parent
In reaching out to children and teaching them the Word of God, one of the challenges that can emerge is the influence of the home environment. A child may hear the truth in a lesson, learn a Bible verse, and understand the importance of godly character, only to return home to an environment that contradicts what was taught.
When children hear us teach patience but regularly see us act in anger, or learn about prayer while never seeing us make room for God, our example may weaken the message our words are meant to communicate.
This is why parents must examine themselves. We cannot consistently give what we have refused to receive, learn, or practise. If we want our children to love the Word of God, we must be willing to grow in it ourselves.
This does not mean parents must be perfect before they can teach their children. It means we must be honest enough to keep learning, humble enough to correct our own mistakes, and willing to practise the truth we teach.
We may desire children who become leaders, pathfinders, solution-builders, and shining lights in their generation. But what are we doing today to prepare them for that future? Their upbringing cannot be left to chance while we assume that good intentions alone will produce godly results.
The Price of Godly Parenting Is Dying to Self
Jesus said:
“If any man serve me, let him follow me…”
John 12:26 (KJV)
And in John 12:24, Jesus uses the picture of a grain of wheat that must fall into the ground and die before it brings forth much fruit. This principle helps us understand an important part of parenting: fruitful parenting often requires us to surrender some of our personal comfort and convenience.
Dying to self does not mean neglecting our well-being or losing our identity. It means refusing to let selfishness rule our decisions when God has entrusted us with the care and spiritual development of our children.
Sometimes, the price may mean waking up earlier to pray with our children instead of sleeping a little longer. It may mean putting down our phones to listen to their questions, studying Scripture so we can teach them, or patiently correcting them when we would rather avoid the inconvenience.
It may also mean changing habits, apologizing when we are wrong, and choosing a godly response when our emotions urge us in another direction.
Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). Love for God must find expression in obedience. If we love God and desire to raise our children in His ways, we must be willing to follow His instructions, even when obedience costs us something.
Children are a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). They are not interruptions to the life we want to live; they are a sacred responsibility within the life God has entrusted to us. We must therefore be careful not to protect our leisure at the expense of the attention, guidance, and spiritual care they need.
God Has Given the Assignment, and He Will Help Us Fulfil It
The question “Are ye able?” is not meant to leave parents discouraged or afraid. It is an invitation to examine our willingness and turn to God for the grace to fulfil our responsibility.
God does not expect us to rely entirely on our own strength. He invites us to seek His wisdom, follow His Word, and depend on His help. As Manoah prayed for guidance concerning his son, we too can ask God to show us what our children need at each stage of their lives.
Proverbs 22:6 instructs us to train up a child in the way he should go. Training requires intention and consistency. It means teaching, modelling, correcting, encouraging, and creating opportunities for our children to know and follow God.
If you did not grow up with a strong foundation in the Word of God, do not conclude that it is too late to begin. You can start learning now. You can grow alongside your children, establish new family habits, and allow God’s Word to reshape your home. God is able to equip those who sincerely answer His call.
We may not always know what to do next, but we can seek God daily and obey the light He gives us. We do not need to have every answer before we begin; we need a willing heart that is ready to learn and act.
Conclusion: Are Ye Able?
Every parent may desire to see their children excel, fulfil their purpose, and become a blessing to their generation. But godly parenting calls us beyond desire into responsibility.
Are we willing to make time for prayer, the Word, meaningful conversations, loving correction, and godly example? Are we willing to examine our own lives and allow God to change us as we guide our children?
We do not have to be flawless parents, but we must be willing parents: willing to learn, willing to obey, willing to sacrifice, and willing to depend on God.
So, as we dream of what our children may become, let us also consider what God is asking us to become for their sake.
Are ye able?
A Prayer of Salvation
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today by turning to Him in faith. The greatest gift we can share with our children is a life that belongs to the Lord.
Pray sincerely:
Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ. I confess that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I repent of my sins and receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, give me a new heart, and help me to live according to Your Word. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
A Prayer for Parents
Heavenly Father, thank You for the precious gift of our children. Grant us the grace and strength to fulfil our responsibility of raising them in Your ways. Help us to become the parents You want us to be and to lead our children by both our words and our examples.
In the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.
Keep building godly homes, one Scripture at a time.
Jesus Is Lord.
