Educating with the Father’s Eyes: How to Raise Our Children in a Disoriented Culture

Inspired by John 5:17–30

In today’s world, raising children in faith is no longer something we can take for granted. The culture around us moves fast, screams louder, and pulls in every direction — except toward heaven. And yet, in the Gospel of John, chapter 5, verses 17 to 30, we are offered a radiant blueprint straight from the mouth of Christ Himself: educate by looking at the Father.

Jesus is under attack in this passage — not just questioned, but persecuted. Why? Because He healed on the Sabbath, yes — but more deeply because He dared to say:

“My Father is at work until now, and I am at work.”
(John 5:17)

In calling God His Father, Jesus is not simply being spiritual — He is revealing His divine identity. The Gospel says the leaders wanted to kill Him because He made Himself “equal to God.” And instead of backing down, Jesus steps forward. With clarity and calm authority, He speaks truth that stuns the soul.

🔍 What Does Jesus Reveal?

1. “The Son can do nothing on His own.”
   Jesus is not a lone hero. He watches, listens, imitates, and obeys the Father. He acts in relationship, not in isolation.
2. “The Father loves the Son and shows Him everything.”
   There’s no rivalry here — just pure love, deep intimacy, and divine transparency.
3. “The Son gives life to whomever He wishes.”
   He has divine power, divine freedom, divine compassion.
4. “Whoever hears my word and believes… has passed from death to life.”
   Jesus offers more than moral guidance — He offers resurrection.

👁️ Educating with the Father’s Eyes

When we look at how Jesus relates to the Father, we begin to see a model for how we must relate to our children, and how we can teach them to relate to God in turn.

Jesus listens. He watches. He imitates. He lives in deep communion.

Parents: your children will learn how to live by watching how you live.

• If you’re always rushed and distracted, they will absorb that.
• If you pray and forgive, they will remember that.
• If you honor God’s will even when it’s hard, that becomes part of their inner voice.

⚠️ Ten Enemies of Faith in the Family Today

Before talking about practical responses, we must name what we’re up against. In today’s disoriented culture, our families are bombarded by:

1. 📱 Smartphone obsession — children lashing out when limits are set.
2. 🌐 Easy access to pornography — affecting both men and women, even teens.
3. ⚖️ Abortion marketed as empowerment — normalizing death.
4. 💊 Legalization of synthetic marijuana and harmful substances.
5. 🎭 Ideologies of gender confusion in schools and media.
6. 📺 TV shows and cartoons glorifying darkness, witchcraft, or relativism.
7. 💬 Influencers who mock faith and virtue.
8. 🏃 Busy parents who don’t prioritize spiritual formation.
9. ⛔ Cold or bitter attitudes toward the Church.
10. 🧊 Homes without dialogue, affection, or shared prayer.

If we’re not vigilant, these influences can shape our children more than we do.

🛡️ How Did Jesus Respond to Opposition?

He didn’t remain silent. He didn’t water down the truth. He stood firm.
But He also didn’t act from pride or emotion.

“I do not seek my own will,” He says, “but the will of the One who sent me.” (John 5:30)

In this, Jesus teaches us how to engage the spiritual battle with love, clarity, and obedience.

🌿 Practical Ways to Educate in the Faith

Let’s now draw from this Gospel and outline practical steps every family can take to raise children with their eyes on God:

1. Daily Family Prayer

Even just a few minutes. A sincere Our Father. A word of gratitude. A request for peace.

“Jesus told them they ought to pray always, and never lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)

2. Read the Gospel Every Day

One verse. One question: “What is this saying to me today?” Make Scripture a friend in your home.

“Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

3. Sunday Mass as Non-Negotiable

Get ready the night before. Arrive on time. Sit together. Participate with reverence.

“Do not neglect to meet together, as some are in the habit of doing.” (Hebrews 10:25)

4. Talk Honestly About Difficult Topics

Don’t let the culture speak first. Teach with truth and tenderness.

“Preach the word… correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2)

5. Call on the Holy Spirit Every Night

Invite Him into your home. Into your parenting. Into your children’s hearts.

“The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said.” (John 14:26)

🧭 Final Word

Jesus says,

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” (John 5:25)

This is that hour. The culture is loud, but His voice still speaks.
Let’s raise children who recognize it.
Let’s be families who reflect the Father’s eyes.
Let’s live, act, and educate — not with fear, but with divine confidence.

Before we teach our children how to succeed in the world,
let’s teach them to look toward heaven.

“Before you teach your children the world… teach them to look at the Father.”