When a Child’s Obedience Magnifies Christ

We often think of childhood as preparation for adulthood. Children must learn, grow, become responsible, and eventually make their own way in the world. But Colossians 3:20–21 gives us a much bigger vision. Even the ordinary obedience of a child can magnify the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ.

Paul writes, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” Notice those final words: “this pleases the Lord.” Christian obedience is ultimately about Christ.

This command is addressed to children in the Christian household—to those who belong to Christ. Paul has already reminded the Colossians that they have died with Christ and been raised with him. Their old life has been put off, and they are to live their new life in Christ. Their obedience, therefore, is not a way of earning salvation. A child’s obedience cannot make him or her acceptable before God. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by being well-behaved children.

Rather, for a believing child, obedience becomes an expression of a new life in Christ. Because the child belongs to Jesus, obedience to parents becomes an act of worship: “This pleases the Lord.”

And what a remarkable example Jesus gives us. Luke 2:51 tells us that Jesus, at twelve years old, “was submissive to them.” The eternal Son of God—the Creator and Lord of all things—willingly lived under the authority of earthly parents. His submission was not weakness. It was perfect obedience to the Father.

Christian children are therefore not simply being taught good manners or preparing for responsible adulthood. They are learning what it means to follow Christ.

The same gospel transforms parenting. Children are gifts from God and entrusted to parents as stewards. The goal is not merely that our children become successful, independent adults. Our deepest desire should be that they come to know, love, and glorify Christ.

That means parents must also live the gospel in the home. We discipline, instruct, correct, encourage, and shepherd—but we also repent when we sin. “I was wrong. I spoke harshly. Will you forgive me?” Such words teach our children that authority does not mean perfection, sin is serious, forgiveness is real, and our hope is in Christ.

So whether you are a child learning obedience or a parent trying faithfully to shepherd your children, the answer is the same: Christ is enough.

The obedient child needs Christ. The rebellious child needs Christ. The faithful parent needs Christ. The failing parent needs Christ.

Our homes do not need perfect children or perfect parents. They need to see the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ.