The Power of a Father’s Approval | Mark 1:10-11

The Power of a Father’s Approval

Every child longs to know three things: Who am I? Am I loved? Do I have what it takes? These questions often shape a person’s confidence, relationships, and view of God. While many influences help answer those questions, few carry more weight than the voice of a father.

The impact of a father’s approval extends far beyond childhood. It affects identity, emotional security, purpose, and even future generations. When fathers provide affirmation, love, and guidance, families flourish. When those things are absent, the wounds can remain for years. Thankfully, the gospel reveals a Heavenly Father who provides what many earthly fathers could not.

In Mark 1:10-11, God the Father gives Jesus three gifts every child desperately needs: identity, affection, and approval.

Why a Father’s Approval Matters

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blake Cook is a decorated Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and former SWAT officer. His life has been marked by combat deployments, dangerous missions, and experiences that most people can hardly imagine. Yet despite facing enemy fire, explosions, and life-threatening situations, he has spoken openly about the hardest battle of his life: healing from the wounds caused by his relationship with his father.

His story reveals a powerful truth. The influence of a father reaches deeper than many people realize. A father’s words can shape how a child views themselves, how they relate to others, and even how they understand God.

This reality reminds us that we cannot raise healthy children until we heal wounded adults. Broken people often reproduce broken patterns, while healed people create healthy legacies. The good news is that healing can begin today and continue for generations.

The Deep Need for Identity

One of the greatest struggles in modern culture is identity confusion. Many people spend their lives searching for significance through careers, accomplishments, possessions, relationships, or social status. Yet none of those things can provide lasting security.

Every person needs an identity that remains stable regardless of circumstances. That foundation is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Before Jesus performed a miracle, preached a sermon, or called a disciple, God spoke directly to Him. The Father established His identity before His ministry ever began.

You Are My Son: Finding Identity in Christ

At Jesus’ baptism, the Father declared, “You are my Son.” Those words established Jesus’ identity before any public accomplishment.

The same principle applies to believers today. Through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God’s family. Romans 8:15-17 teaches that Christians are sons and daughters of God, heirs with Christ, and recipients of an eternal inheritance.

Our identity is not determined by success or failure. It is not defined by our occupation, achievements, popularity, or mistakes. Our identity is rooted in being children of God.

Understanding this truth changes everything. Instead of constantly striving to prove ourselves, we can live from the security of knowing who we are. We do not serve God to earn sonship. We serve because we have already received sonship through Jesus Christ.

Healthy men understand this reality. They know they are loved, chosen, accepted, and called by God. That confidence produces stability, courage, and purpose.

Whom I Love: The Power of a Father’s Affection

 

After declaring Jesus’ identity, God the Father publicly expressed His affection by saying, “Whom I love.” The Father’s love was not hidden or implied. It was spoken openly and clearly.

Children thrive when they know they are loved. Studies consistently show that a father’s affection contributes to emotional health, confidence, and long-term well-being. Sons and daughters alike need to experience love that is expressed both through words and actions.

Strength and tenderness are not opposites. In fact, true strength requires tenderness. Without love, strength can become destructive. When guided by love, strength protects, encourages, and builds others up.

A godly man loves and receives love. He loves God wholeheartedly, loves his wife sacrificially, loves his children intentionally, and loves people compassionately.

The love of Christ transforms a man’s heart and enables him to become the kind of husband, father, and leader God created him to be.

With You I Am Well Pleased: Living From Approval Instead of For Approval

The third statement spoken by the Father was, “With you I am well pleased.” Once again, this declaration came before Jesus performed any public ministry.

God’s approval was not earned through performance. It flowed from relationship.

This truth separates Christianity from every works-based religion. Many people spend their lives trying to earn acceptance through good behavior, achievements, or religious effort. The gospel teaches something radically different. Because of Christ, believers are accepted by God and serve Him from that position of acceptance.

Many men spend their lives seeking approval from others. Some chase success, wealth, accomplishments, or recognition. Others continue trying to earn affirmation from a father who never gave it.

One of the most emotional examples of this occurred after UFC Flyweight Champion Alexandre Pantoja won the biggest fight of his career. Standing in the octagon as world champion, he looked into the camera and asked, “Are you proud of me, Dad?” His words revealed a truth many people understand deeply. Even extraordinary success cannot satisfy a longing that only love and affirmation can heal.

A godly man serves from approval, not for approval. Because Christ has secured our acceptance before God, we are free to live, serve, and lead with confidence.

What Earthly Fathers Cannot Give, God Restores Through Christ

Not everyone has experienced a loving father. Some have endured abandonment, neglect, rejection, abuse, or emotional distance. Those wounds often affect every area of life.

Yet Scripture offers tremendous hope. What earthly fathers failed to provide, the Heavenly Father restores through Christ.

God provides identity for those who feel lost. He provides affection for those who feel unloved. He provides approval for those who have spent years trying to prove their worth.

The gospel does not erase the past, but it does bring healing, restoration, and hope for the future.

Building a Legacy of Healing for the Next Generation

Every father leaves a legacy. The question is whether that legacy will be one of brokenness or healing.

Jesus Christ is the perfect example of biblical manhood. As men follow Him, they become better husbands, fathers, leaders, and servants. Through His power, generational cycles can be broken and healthy legacies can be established.

Before Jesus carried the cross, He heard the Father’s voice. Before He performed miracles, He received approval. Before He changed the world, He knew whose He was.

Through faith in Christ, every believer can hear those same truths spoken over their life:

• You are My child.
• You are loved.
• You are accepted.

This is where healing begins. This is where identity is established. This is where strong families and lasting legacies are built.