Model Faith At Home
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 5
Luke 2:25–52 (NIV)
By Sylvia Yeo, Associate Lay Leader, Local Church Executive Committee
READ:
Luke 2:25–52 (NIV)
Serving in Children’s Ministry (CM) has shown me something important; while we think CM is for children, it is also a way to minister to parents. Teachers often remember parents more than the children because children change as they grow, while parents look the same even years later. If we want children to know and love Christ, we need to encourage parents to model faith at home. Children learn what they see. When parents pray, serve, and live out their faith, those seeds take root.
It is therefore important that we are deliberate in creating a nurturing environment for our children.
Luke 2 reminds us that growth is intentional. Simeon waited faithfully and saw the Messiah (v26). He spoke words that revealed Jesus’ destiny (vv33–35). Later, we read that Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man (v52). That is the pattern for us and for our children—growth in wisdom, grace, and favour. How can we nurture that? By planting seeds early and creating an environment where faith can flourish.
When I was nine, I declared that I wanted to be a missionary doctor. That dream didn’t happen because my strengths were in literature and history rather than in science. Yet, the heart behind that desire still matters—every believer is called to be a missionary. Jesus gave us the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), and that means we are all invited to share His love wherever we are.
As a CM teacher, I encourage children to revere Jesus and dream big for Him—whether as pastors, archivists, property managers, or passionate lay leaders. These seeds matter. Our young ones are the future of the church. And more importantly, they are blessed to come to know Christ as their Saviour at a young age. That is the greatest gift we can help them receive.
Verse 51 says Mary treasured all these things in her heart. As a mother of two young adults, one son and one daughter, that resonates with me. I’ve treasured my son’s words and dreams over the years, even though he doesn’t remember them now. The difference is that Jesus fulfilled every prophecy spoken over Him. He never forgot His mission. He redeemed us with His blood. Jesus is all the world to me—and I hope He is to you too.
May I encourage:
• Parents: To live out your faith. Let your children see you pray, serve, and love God.
• Church Members: To engage actively in ministry. Belonging grows through serving.
• Teachers & Leaders: To speak life into the next generation. Plant seeds of calling and purpose.
And for everyone:
– Make family worship a priority.
– Volunteer for a ministry role if you’re not already serving.
– Encourage a child or youth today—affirm their potential in Christ
[ Reflection Questions ]
- How might you encourage children to revere Jesus?
- How might you contribute to church in the areas of Welcoming, Missional and Caring?
- How might you create an environment at home for your children to grow in faith?
