As believers, we claim that the Scriptures hold the key to everything we face in life. But when it comes to being a dad, looking to the fathers in the Bible for guidance might seem a little intimidating. Honestly, though, these were guys just like us. They had their ups and downs. And while we don’t know a lot about some of them, their lives remind us that we are not the first men to struggle with our role as dads.

Here are seven famous fathers in the Bible who can help us in our own journey. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive, so dig into the Word and see how the lives of other biblical fathers speak to you.

WHERE ARE YOU HEADED AS A DAD?

All godly fathers have seven behaviors in common. Take the free DAD quiz to discover where you are now and how you can gain ground in these areas.

 

7 Fathers in the Bible

1) Adam: When there’s no instruction manual (Genesis 1–4). As literally the first man on the earth, Adam was the first famous father in the Bible. But that also means he had no example to follow when his kids came along. He had to lean into his relationship with his heavenly Father, and that’s not a bad place to be. When you feel like you’re making it up as you go, turn to Him for direction.

2) Noah: When God doesn’t make sense (Genesis 6–8). While Adam had to learn on the fly, Noah had to do something that had never been done—and it probably sounded a little crazy. Rain, much less a flood, was beyond the imagination of his culture. But like a lot of biblical fathers, he obeyed anyway. As a result, he saved his sons and their families from destruction.

3) Abraham: When patience doesn’t feel like a virtue (Genesis 12–21). Like Noah, Abraham obeyed God even when the instructions seemed odd. But he also had the additional challenge of waiting several decades before the Lord fulfilled His promise. Chances are, your kids aren’t exactly what you’d like them to be just yet. But remember, God is at work even while we wait. We trust Him one step at a time and do our best to be faithful—just like Abraham.

4) Job: When we lose it all (Job 1). Job reflected a lot of the same qualities as other famous dads in Scripture. He loved his kids, and he even prayed for them regularly. But his greatest example came once he lost everything, including his children. Life is filled with tragedy and disappointment. During those situations, we probably teach our kids more about God and faith than all the other times combined. Those seasons aren’t fun, but they can be teachable moments.

5) Jehonadab: When your want to leave a legacy (2 Kings 10:15-17; Jeremiah 35). Jehonadab probably doesn’t roll off the tongue when you think about famous fathers in the Bible, but the impact he had on his family lasted for generations. We first see him helping the King Jehu fulfill God’s plan of wiping out Baal worship in Israel. But years later, long after Jehonadab was gone, Jeremiah met with some of his ancestors—the Rechabites—and they were still honoring him through their lives and their commitment to the Lord. Every dad leaves a legacy. We want to strive in live in a way that models Jehonadab.

6) Joseph (Jesus’s earthly dad): When your reputation is at stake (Matthew 1:18-25). Joseph loved Mary, but he also was confused about what was going on. He wanted to do the right thing, but he wasn’t sure what that right thing was—until God stepped in. Once he heard from the Lord, Joseph put all his fears and concerns behind him. Just like Mary, he probably heard the snickers behind his back and saw the scowls of those who didn’t believe his story. His reputation probably took a shot, but obeying God and getting the chance to help raise the Son of God was worth the trouble.

7) Jairus: When your best isn’t good enough (Mark 5:21–43, Matthew 9:18–26; Luke 8:40–56). Jairus did everything the right way. When his daughter was on the brink of death, he turned to Jesus for help. But his world still fell apart. Like a lot of biblical fathers (and contemporary dads), he faced a challenge of faith in that moment. He could give up or choose to keep trusting Jesus. He remained faithful, and it made all the difference in the world.

 

 


 

The only PERFECT example of a Father

Of course, the most famous Father in Scripture isn’t human at all. The Bible refers to God as our heavenly Father, and He provides the example all of us need to follow. Even the best of us will fall well short of His perfection, but the stories He provides of the joy and struggles of biblical fathers can help us become more like Him in our lives and in our roles as dads.

Want to become a more CONNECTED father? Take the Godly Dad Quiz to see where you’re headed on your journey.

 


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