When I recently held a newborn, I got to experience new life and the wonder of it all! The memories of my own newborns came flooding back when the baby’s mother shared about the birth, the gift of life, and the overwhelming emotions of loving and caring for this little one. She had so many thoughts and questions about life now. What a gift for us to process some of that together! I saw my younger self looking back at me because, just like this new mom, I knew very little about being a mom when my newborn was handed to me. We chatted a bit more, and then she was able to shower and take care of a few things while I held that precious sleeping child. The father called just as we started to share some more, and I witnessed a sweet exchange of immense love and compassion for their baby and each other. Their love for God and each other gives them a headstart in raising this newborn!  

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Parents search for support, but there are very few Bible passages about Jesus as a child. In Matthew 2:13-23, we read that Joseph and Mary took a very young Jesus to Egypt to escape King Herod’s decree to kill all male babies under the age of two. And then there is this short passage in Luke 2:39-52, which records an event at the Temple during Passover when Jesus was twelve. After Joseph and Mary left for home, they realized that Jesus was not with them. Yes, even Joseph and Mary had challenges! I have often wondered why the Bible does not include more details about Jesus’ childhood.  As a young mother, I would have consumed any information pertaining to how Jesus was taught and disciplined as a child. Surely, that information would have helped me and millions of others. Maybe God would have had fewer – countless fewer – prayers to hear! Of course, God does know best, and there is parenting wisdom in the Bible.

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Let’s take a moment to think about Jesus growing in wisdom and stature. Joseph and Mary must have said many prayers as they supported His mental, spiritual, and physical growth. In Biblical times, preparing food for the family was most likely Mary’s responsibility, so Mary helped Jesus grow in stature. In Mark 3:6, Jesus is referred to as a carpenter. This suggests that Joseph, who was a carpenter, taught these skills to Jesus. Luke 2:46-47 records that Jesus amazed the Temple teachers with His understanding of Scripture; we can infer that Joseph, Mary, and others in His community taught Him Scripture. The end of today’s verse tells us that Jesus grew in favor with God and man. To build relationships took daily commitment from Jesus’ earthly family and the community in which He lived.  

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We find some words of encouragement and hope for parents in these few verses. Just like Jesus had, we need men and women willing to teach Scripture to children, so it is written on their hearts (Ps. 119:11) to form stronger adults. Just like Joseph taught Jesus carpentry skills, we need men and women to teach life and work skills to form contributing adults. What a blessing that ACF has fathers who are excellent chefs, carpenters, mechanics, etc.

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Having had both a father and a mother involved in Jesus’ life was ideal; however, just like in Jesus’ time, a variety of family makeups exist today. What a blessing that there are Christian men and women at ACF who have experience with and can mentor a variety of different family situations.  We need to support all families regardless of their makeup. Recently, Pastor Josh said that there are certain people at ACF who have his permission to discipline his children. Men and women need to build relationships rooted in trust that allow them to speak truth into other’s children. We need men and women committed in every stage of a child’s life to help form them into adults who are full of faith.

There is no owner’s manual given to any father or mother at birth! Each child is unique, so one manual is impossible, but we do have the Bible. While I was holding that precious newborn, I felt the Spirit’s ping impressing upon my heart that He does provide a type of owner’s manual for parents – He provides Christian community to surround children! Christian men and women can be real-time support in the growth and development of children. At ACF, we have weekly teaching and preaching with worship in services. We have small groups, ACF Kids, Youth Culture, Forged Men, and Bible studies. God gave us Christian community to act like an owner’s manual full of support for new families and people at all stages. Our children need Christian men and women involved in community! Will you be involved?

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Abba, we are thankful that You are our Father! We pray that men and women will make strong commitments in building community to help form children into God-loving adults. We love You!