The Ten Commandments
Q8. What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not look down on our parents or make them angry. Instead, we should honor them, help them, obey them, and love them.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Ephesians 6:1–3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Proverbs 23:22
“Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.”
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What are the four things Luther says we should do for our parents?
- 2
What does it look like to "look down on" your parents, and why is that so serious?
- 3
When are you most tempted to disobey or talk back to your parents?
Illustration
If you had a gift someone gave you and you threw it on the ground and stepped on it, that would be an insult to the person who gave it. God gave you your parents. When you mock them, roll your eyes at them, or ignore them, you are stepping on God's gift. When you help them, obey them, and love them, you honor both your parents and the God who gave them to you.
Application
Find one way to help your mom or dad this week that they did not ask you to do. Because God placed you in your family, serving your parents is one of the first callings he gave you.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)