How often do you have family conversations that bring biblical views into the dialogue? In the book, Revolutionary Parenting, George Barna writes that, “This practice is certainly an aberration, even among families in which one or both parents are born-again Christians.”

The Lenten season, the 40 days leading up to the most important day in our Christian faith, Easter, provides a great opportunity to change that. Lent commemorates the 40 days that Jesus the Christ fasted and prayed immediately following His baptism, and prior to being tested by the devil. These next several blogs are going to focus on helping dads talk to kids about Jesus, His parables, His miracles and His obedience. While I encourage the spiritual discipline of fasting, I challenge every dad to add something to his plate this Lent – a family discussion around what is presented in this ‘Dad Talk’.

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. – Luke 1:31, … And when Jesus was baptized .. a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. – Matthew 3:16-17, … Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ... Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.’” – Matthew 4:1&10 … Jesus prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” – Matthew 26:39. Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. He was baptized by John the Baptist and was blessed by His Father. He was tempted physically, emotionally and spiritually by the devil but He rebuked the devil’s scheme to take Him out. The 40 days of fasting and praying in the wilderness, talking to His Dad, gave Him the strength to launch His ministry on this earth in the face of evil. And He obeyed His Father every step of the way, all the way to the point of death, even death on a cross. The charge to dads is to talk to the kids about Jesus over this Lenten season. Help each child get to know Jesus and develop their own personal, passionate relationship with Him as Savior and Lord.

George Barna goes on to write in Revolutionary Parenting, “Nationwide, fewer than one out of every ten born-again families read the Bible together during a typical week or pray together during a typical week, excluding mealtimes. Discussing faith principles as a normal part of decision making is highly unusual, even in ‘Christian’ America.” Dads are called to be the spiritual leaders in the home, the Heavenly Father’s representative in family. As such, this Lent is a good time to start righting the faithful fathering ship.

Prayer guide: Father, thank You for Your word and for Your Son. I confess I have not initiated spiritual discussion in the home between Sundays. I have been more tuned-in to the kids’ performance than to their understanding of You. Forgive me. Help me step up as the spiritual leader in the home this Lenten season. I want to initiate family discussion around the scriptures referenced above and help my kids get to know You. That is the dad You call me to be and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.

A faithful father talks to his kids about knowing Jesus.