Easter, Sacrifice, and the Standard for Men in Marriage and Fatherhood
Jesus gave everything for us; as husbands and fathers, we’re called to do the same.
Easter isn’t just about pastel colors, church potlucks, or family photos.
It’s about blood.
It’s about pain.
It’s about love so fierce that a man willingly took nails through his flesh for people who mocked Him while He died.
Jesus didn’t hold back.
He didn’t ask what was in it for Him.
He gave everything: His time, His energy, and even His life, so that we could be redeemed. That’s the model for us; it’s the bar set for all men.
That’s the weight we, as husbands and fathers, should feel in our bones every single day.
You don’t lead your family by barking orders.
You don’t gain respect from your wife or kids by checking out, staying glued to your phone, or avoiding hard conversations. You lead like Christ did: with relentless love, painful honesty, and complete sacrifice.
If your marriage is struggling, it’s not time to pull away; it’s time to press in.
If your kids are distant, they don’t need more rules; they need more of you. Jesus didn’t save us from a distance. He came close. He ate with sinners. He washed their feet with his hands…
He endured beatings and was present until the end.
Men, this is the calling.
Love your wife like Christ loved the Church.
That’s not me reciting poetry - it’s a command you commit yourself to carrying out daily.
You put the needs of your woman before your comfort, listen before trying to fix, and you protect her heart as much as you protect her body.
With your children, it’s the same.
The cross wasn’t convenient; true sacrifice never is.
If your kid needs your attention, your guidance, or your time, you give it even if you’re tired; even if it costs you your hobbies or your plans - that’s what love looks like.
I could be a much wealthier and more popular influencer if I had committed myself to my brand over my children, but I knew that in doing so, I would grow, and the bond with my children would shrink, eventually being lost for good.
Easter is a reminder that greatness doesn’t come from ease; it comes from endurance.
From giving when there’s nothing left, and leading when it hurts; from showing up when you’d rather walk away.
That’s what Jesus did for us.
And that’s what we’re called to do in our homes.
Let this Easter be more than a moment.
Let it be a mission.
Lead with love.
Sacrifice like Christ.
Build a legacy your family will carry long after you’re gone.
Happy Easter.
- Zachary Small