The Heart of a Good Father: God's Love and Presence

Today’s focus is on the heart of a good father, as revealed through both our earthly experiences and, most importantly, through the character of God Himself. In a world where many carry wounds or confusion around the idea of fatherhood, God stands as the perfect Father—one who is present, loving, and committed to our growth. We see this most clearly in the story of Jesus’ transfiguration in Matthew 17, where Jesus takes His closest friends up a mountain, not to perform miracles or teach crowds, but simply to be with them. This is a profound reminder that God’s first desire is connection—He wants to be close to us, to spend time with us, and to remind us that we are never alone.

Connection is the first gift a good father gives. Jesus, even with the weight of the cross ahead, prioritizes time with His disciples, showing us that God is never too busy for us. This closeness is not just a theological idea; it’s a lived reality, meant to be experienced in the quiet moments of our lives, in the simple acts of being together. For dads, this is a call to slow down, to be present, and to let our children know that our love is not measured by productivity, but by proximity.

The second gift is affection. When the Father’s voice breaks through on the mountaintop, He declares over Jesus: “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” These words are not just for Jesus—they are a model for us. God speaks identity, love, and affirmation over His children. We are called to do the same, to speak life and love over those entrusted to us, to remind them of who they are, and to let them know they are loved, not for what they do, but for who they are.

Finally, a good father gives the gift of growth. Jesus comes close to His frightened disciples, touches them, and then calls them to rise and not be afraid. God’s love is not passive; it is transformative. He meets us in our fear, but He also calls us forward, challenging us to grow, to step into new levels of faith, and to leave behind the things that hold us back. God’s discipline and challenge are always rooted in love, designed to refine us and lead us into the fullness of who we are meant to be.

For those carrying wounds from earthly fathers, God offers healing and restoration. He is a Father to the fatherless, and His love is sufficient to fill every gap. Today, there is an invitation to experience His closeness, receive His affection, and respond to His call to rise.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s primary desire is connection, not just performance. He sets aside time to be with us, even when the world’s demands are pressing. This is a model for us to prioritize presence over productivity, both in our relationship with God and with those we love. [38:53]
• 2. The Father’s words over Jesus—identity, love, and affirmation—are the foundation of healthy spiritual and emotional life. We are called to receive these truths for ourselves and to speak them over others, especially the next generation, shaping their sense of worth and belonging. [51:32]
• 3. True affection is not just about words, but about healthy, intentional touch and presence. In a culture that often misunderstands or undervalues this, God demonstrates that loving touch and affirmation are essential for wholeness and growth. [38:53]
• 4. Growth is a gift, not a punishment. God’s call to “rise and have no fear” is both comfort and challenge. He loves us enough to meet us in our weakness, but also enough to call us forward into maturity, discipline, and new authority. [64:08]
• 5. God heals the wounds left by imperfect fathers. Whether your story is marked by absence, pain, or silence, God’s heart is to restore, affirm, and call out the gold in you. He is a Father to the fatherless, and His love is more than enough to fill every gap. [65:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [31:31] - Honoring Fathers and Spiritual Dads
• [32:37] - The Image of God in Fatherhood
• [33:53] - The Power of Spiritual Fathers
• [35:47] - A Father’s Heart: God as Father
• [37:53] - Cool Dad vs. Good Dad
• [38:53] - The Gift of Connection
• [51:32] - The Gift of Affection
• [63:16] - The Gift of Growth
• [64:08] - God’s Discipline and Love
• [64:53] - A Fresh Anointing for Fathers
• [65:40] - Healing Father Wounds
• [67:05] - Responding to God’s Invitation
• [71:19] - Invitation to Faith in Jesus
• [73:01] - Celebration and Closing

Bible Reading

Matthew 17:1-7 (NIV) — > After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.”

Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 17, what did Jesus do with Peter, James, and John before the transfiguration took place? What does this reveal about his priorities?
2. What are the exact words the Father speaks over Jesus on the mountain, and what three key elements do you notice in that statement?
3. How did the disciples react when they heard the Father’s voice, and what was Jesus’ immediate response to their fear?
4. According to the sermon, what is the first thing Jesus wanted to do with his disciples on the mountain, and why is that significant? [[38:53]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why might Jesus have chosen to spend time alone with just three of his disciples before such a significant event? What does this suggest about the value of personal connection in spiritual growth? [[38:53]]
2. The Father’s words over Jesus—“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased”—are repeated at both Jesus’ baptism and the transfiguration. Why do you think these words are so important, and what do they communicate about identity and affirmation? [[51:32]]
3. When the disciples were afraid and fell facedown, Jesus came over and touched them. What does this action teach us about how God responds to our fear and weakness? [[38:53]]
4. The sermon mentions that God’s love is not just about comfort but also about calling us to rise and grow. How does Jesus’ command, “Get up, don’t be afraid,” reflect both comfort and challenge? [[01:04:08]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon highlights that God’s first gift as a Father is connection, not just performance. In your own life, do you find it easier to focus on “doing” for God or simply “being” with Him? What is one practical way you could prioritize connection with God or your loved ones this week? [[38:53]]
2. Think about the words the Father spoke over Jesus: identity, love, and affirmation. Who in your life needs to hear words of affirmation from you? What is one specific thing you could say to encourage them this week? [[51:32]]
3. The sermon talks about the importance of healthy, intentional touch and presence, especially in families. If you’re a parent, how can you be more present and affectionate with your children? If you’re not a parent, how can you show healthy affection and presence to those around you? [[38:53]]
4. Jesus calls his disciples to “rise and have no fear.” Is there an area in your life where you feel stuck or afraid to move forward? What would it look like to respond to God’s invitation to rise in that area? [[01:04:08]]
5. For those who carry wounds from their earthly fathers, the sermon offers hope for healing and restoration in God. Are there any “father wounds” in your life that you need to bring to God for healing? What step could you take this week to invite God into that process? [[01:05:40]]
6. The sermon encourages us to speak life and affirmation over the next generation. Is there a young person in your life—at church, in your family, or elsewhere—who could benefit from your encouragement? How can you intentionally invest in them this month? [[51:32]]
7. The message challenges dads (and all of us) to slow down and be present. What is one activity or habit you could set aside this week to make more space for meaningful connection with someone you love? [[38:53]]