Slideshow image

The Power of a Father's Affirmation: Lessons from Jesus's Baptism

In Matthew 3, we witness a powerful moment when God affirms Jesus's identity before anyone else does. "This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased," God declares. This affirmation comes before Jesus performs any public ministry - before anyone else recognizes who He truly is.

Why is a father's affirmation so important?

A good father recognizes their child's potential and tells them who they are before anyone else does. This affirmation becomes crucial because in Matthew 4, immediately after God affirms Jesus, the enemy tests Him. The devil repeatedly challenges, "If you are the Son of God..." trying to make Jesus doubt His identity.

But Jesus stood firm. Why? Because His Father had already told Him who He was. The affirmation gave Him strength against temptation.

How does affirmation protect our children?

When you affirm your daughter by telling her she's beautiful, she won't be easily swayed by the first boy who compliments her. She can say, "My daddy already told me that." When you tell your son that hard work pays off, he can resist shortcuts and quick money schemes because he knows the truth from his father.

The affirmation is what gives strength for the temptation. This is exactly what we see with Jesus - when tempted, He responded with "It is written." He used His Father's words to fight off the enemy's attacks.

Life Application

This week, I challenge you to:

 

  • Examine the words you speak: If you're a parent, carefully consider what you're saying to your children. Are your words building them up or tearing them down? Remember that your affirmations give them strength against temptation.

 

  • Seek healing for father wounds: If you've been hurt by your father's absence or negative words, bring those wounds to your heavenly Father. Allow Him to affirm your true identity and worth.

 

  • Be an affirming voice: Look for opportunities to speak life-giving affirmation to others, especially those who might be missing a father's voice in their lives.

 

 

Ask yourself:

 

  • What words from my father (positive or negative) still affect me today?
  • How am I speaking to the children in my life? What am I affirming in them?
  • In what ways can I better reflect God's fatherly affirmation to others who need to hear it?

 

Remember, just as Jesus used His Father's affirmation to stand strong against temptation, the words we speak have power that extends far beyond the moment they're uttered.