Pastor Jared Richard discusses the importance of honoring parents as outlined in Exodus 20:12, emphasizing the deeper meaning of honor beyond obedience.
On Graduate Sunday, Pastor Jared Richard opened Exodus 20:12 to walk the entire congregation — not just the seniors — through the fifth commandment: "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you." He was careful to note that "honor" carries far more weight than simple obedience. Drawing from the Hebrew word meaning heavy or weighty — the same word used to describe the glory of God — Pastor Jared showed that to honor our parents is to take seriously the God-given authority and position they hold in our lives. Following John Calvin's framework, he identified three Marks of true honor: reverence, obedience, and gratitude. He also traced how this honor looks different at each stage of life, from the young child obeying in the home, to the teenager seeking counsel, to the adult caring for aging parents — pointing to Matthew 15 where Jesus himself condemned those who neglected their parents in old age. Pastor Jared pressed the congregation toward the gospel as the only real answer to our failure to keep this commandment. He reminded the church that Adam was a rebellious son, Israel was a rebellious son, and we are…
Host: Pastor Jared Richard
Books & works: Exodus 20:12
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