10 Biblical Fathers Who Inspire Us Today

Remain faithful in the same direction of time. Abraham knew this to be one of the most important aspects of a good father. God promised him children in his old age, but He also told him to sacrifice his son, Isaac. It’s estimated that Isaac was between 20-30 years old throughout this story in the Bible. He would’ve participated in multiple sacrifices at this point; when his dad said they were going to the top of a mountain with wood, he would’ve thought that the whole ordeal seemed a bit “different” from other sacrifices. He probably asked lots of questions, like “Dad, where is the actual sacrifice? Dad, why are just you and I going up this mountain? Dad, are we there yet?”

Our children will question, as they sometimes should; they will challenge us and sometimes resist our leadership. Like Abraham, we must remain faithful. This means through our entire life we need to remain on the course that directs us toward God. Our children will ultimately learn what it looks like to be loyal, to choose to remain faithful to the Way through both tough times and good times.

3. Joseph

Jesus’ earthly father shows quiet strength, integrity, and faithfulness in the face of uncertainty. He is described as a “just” man in Matthew 1. He refused to believe anything other than the truth from his bride-to-be, Mary. 

He remained faithful and vowed to remain with Mary and raise Jesus as his own son. Joseph probably endured long years of dealing with the fact that Jesus was his adopted son. Jesus looked like Mary, but probably didn’t look like Joseph, yet he didn’t need to be told twice that he was Jesus’ dad. He helped Jesus through his first steps as a baby, taught him the carpentry trade, and alongside Mary, “marveled at what was said about Him” (Luke 2:33). All of us will experience times of uncertainty. I hope we can embody the same faithfulness seen in Joseph’s decision to keep moving forward regardless.

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The shepherd boy that became king. From his teenage years, David practiced caring for large herds of sheep – animals that tends to scare easily and can do little to defend themselves. David became the strong, decisive defender and leader of Israel because he had experience defending his helpless sheep.

We all gather experience and skills throughout life. David recognized the need to apply those skills in leading God’s nation. Like sheep, our children will sometimes run astray. Like sheep, our children will get themselves ensnared in trouble. But like David, a good father guides them back to safety in wisdom and gentleness.

5. The Prodigal Son’s Father

If there is a story with multiple lessons about parenting that could be read every day, it is the story of the prodigal son. We can learn from the perspective of the rebellious son, the indignant son, and the father. A good shepherd is willing to leave the entire herd of sheep to rescue one; likewise, a good father is willing to pursue and celebrate the return of one child.

The father probably prayed every day for both of his sons, their salvation, their current troubles, and their futures. He had one son rebel and one stay, the latter jealous of how much rejoicing occurred when his brother returned. What a lesson to teach your children! I imagine the father had a heart-to-heart with his faithful son after his brother’s return, during which he explained a major pillar of the faith:

“Son, one day you will have children and you will feel the inexplicable love for all of them. Each and every one is joyfully made in the image of God. You will learn that life goes from being about yourself to being about others. When one of your children falls into trouble, you will feel such a surge of motivation and will to right what was wronged, to protect them no matter what it costs. When they succeed, you will celebrate with bursting pride. 

Yet, all of this will be just a drop in the pool of love that God has for you. So much, so real. Every day I prayed for your brother, I prayed for you too. I prayed that you would come to know this very real love that is so strong, He will pursue you no matter the cost. God will look for you on the horizon as well; at the first glimpse He will sprint to you, pick up and not put you down again. So please know, I only celebrate your brother because he was lost but now is found.”

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A righteous father who walked with God and led his family faithfully in a corrupt generation, Noah demonstrated obedience in the same direction over time, and he did this with such conviction that his family followed him faithfully. When Noah started building the ark, it probably provoked a few awkward glances, but it was easy to endure at first. Advance a few years into the build with still no rain, and it’s a different story. Noah’s family is now ridiculed amongst the town and worst of all, it negatively affected his family. His children probably had less or no friends because of their “crazy dad.” Yet, Noah remained faithful, and what a faith to demonstrate to his family.

Noah’s children saw their dad stand with such conviction that he endured the criticism and remained faithful in the same direction for a long period of time. Our world is heading further towards moral relativism, where truth is whatever the beholder wants it to be, and thus it is becoming more challenging to stand for biblical truth. 

Fathers, let your legacy be one of faith to your family and devotion to God. When faced with opposition to your faith, stand strong. Your example of faithfulness will have generational effects.

7. Job

Job was a man who held to his faith through unimaginable loss, modeling trust in God above all. Because sin exists, every life will come with periods of strife. In those times, our true character will come out. Above all, God deserves our faithfulness and loyalty. In the Old Testament, Job exhibited a near-perfect example of how we should behave through times like this. After losing everything, Job remained loyal to God, even in the face of his friends who tried to convince him that he was being punished for a lack of faith. 

When strife hits, it’s easy to search for someone or something to blame. By the time Job was confronted by his friends, he had no one left. Yet Job remained faithful. He eventually ended up having more children and what a story he was able to tell them; throughout all of the criticism, he never stopped believing God would rescue him in spite of criticism coming from all of his closest relationships. 

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Joshua had a lot thrust upon him. He was a young, newly appointed leader tasked with leading Israel into the Promised Land. Leading this once-captive nation prepared him to become one of the best examples of a father figure in the Bible.

Reading through the book of Joshua, we see his impressive maturation. At the beginning of his story, he must be reminded multiple times to be strong and courageous. But later in life, he gathers the entire nation to remind them of the God they serve. After assembling all the leaders of Israel, he presents them with an ultimatum: if following God is not what you want to do, that’s your choice — but “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

In Deuteronomy, we also see Joshua’s deep love for God. In chapter 6, he says to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” He understood the importance of saturating life with thoughts of and prayers to God. He also understood what it meant to have a healthy fear of the Lord.

Fathers, take note: this is the first step in leading your family — having a reverent fear of God and a thankful heart for all He has done for us.

9. Solomon

Son of King David, writer, and wise king, Solomon gave us some of the best practical wisdom for being a good father. He wrote the passionate and very important Song of Solomon, which discusses the absolute adoration between spouses. One of the best ways a man can be a good father is by being the absolute best husband he can be — and that means pursuing his bride.

He also gave us much practical wisdom in Proverbs. He reminded us that discipline is not negative, it is necessary. Without it, our children would be spoiled and led astray by the enticing sin of the world. He also reminded us that children are a blessing — something every father ought to be proud of.

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As far as we know, Paul was not actually a father, but he was a spiritual father to many — offering encouragement, correction, and godly mentorship to the early church. The way he led his churches can serve as a powerful reminder to all fathers.

Much of what Paul wrote in the New Testament consists of letters to the churches he started. Every single one is a great example of the kind of relationship we should strive for with our children. Paul would begin each letter by reminding the church how much he loved and missed them. It was only after this expression of love that he would offer any edification or discipline. Fathers would be wise to follow this example.

Grace without truth is not helpful, but truth without grace is just mean. The same principle applies when we discipline our earthly children — discipline is better received when accompanied by love and grace.

Every one of us has disappointed our parents at some point, and every one of our children will disappoint us as well. First, we must accept this truth. Don’t be shocked when your child suddenly says something hurtful or unexpected. We are all sinful and fall short of the glory of God.

Secondly, begin every serious conversation or moment of discipline with an “I love you.” You will be far more successful in guiding your children back onto a godly path. Learn more about biblical fatherhood here.

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