FATHER

 

FATHER

God as Father in Scripture

In the Hebrew Scriptures, God is primarily depicted as the Father of the people of Israel, rather than as a father to individuals. Pious Jews, aware of the profound gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, would never have dared to address God as Ab (Hebrew) or Abba, the Aramaic word for “Daddy,” which eventually came to mean “dear father.”

Jesus astonished and offended the religious leaders of his time by claiming to have a Father-Son relationship with God, whose name they feared to utter outside the temple. Instead of portraying God as a typical Middle Eastern patriarch with considerable power, Jesus illustrated Him as a tender and compassionate Father, extending grace to both sinners and the self-righteous.

The first recorded words of Jesus to his earthly parents were: “Didn’t you realize that I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). In John's Gospel, Jesus refers to God as his Father 156 times. The most common Greek term for “father” in the New Testament is pater. The phrase “Abba, Pater” appears three times in the New Testament, always in the context of prayer. It is notably used by Jesus during his anguished plea in Gethsemane: “Abba! Father! You can do anything. Take this cup of suffering away from me. But let your will be done rather than mine” (Mark 14:36).

By inviting his followers to address God as “Father,” Jesus established this as the primary name by which God is to be known among those who follow him. Thanks to Jesus, we can confidently pray the prayer he taught: “Our Father who art in heaven...” (Matthew 6:9 ASV).

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Praying to Our Father

Many of us are familiar with the story of the prodigal son, but have you ever noticed that Luke 15:20 says the father saw his son while he was still a distance away? This detail suggests that the heartbroken father had been eagerly watching and longing for his son’s return.

Though not a prodigal, April Becker-Antoniou experienced a similar longing. April had not seen her father since infancy. She knew his name, Scott Becker, but had few leads. Unbeknownst to her, her father had been searching for her for thirty years, investing thousands in private detectives who couldn’t find her. Ten years prior, he created a website titled AprilBecker.com, hoping it would lead him to her. One day, April googled her name, and the site appeared with the line: “Scott Becker Looking for April.”

The two were reunited just last month. April described the experience, saying, “He is absolutely my father. I just felt like I wasn’t complete, and now I feel peace.” Her father, Dr. Scott Becker, echoed her sentiment: “I found my daughter. I am finally complete.”

I like to envision God as an eager Father searching for His children. We may feel we have wandered too far for God to welcome us back, but He is always beckoning us home, watching for us even while we are still far off.

Abba Pater, dear Father, this is the name of Yours that I cherish most. Help me grow in confidence as Your child. Please reveal Yourself as a Father to those in my family and among my friends who are still a long way off.

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Promises Associated with the Name

“The Elohim who is in his holy dwelling place is the Ab of the fatherless and the defender of widows.” (Psalm 68:5)

“As a father has compassion for his children, Yahweh has compassion for those who fear him. He certainly knows what we are made of.” (Psalm 103:13-14)

“Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.” (Matthew 6:31-32)

“Don’t be afraid, little flock. Your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

“The Lord Almighty says, ‘I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters.’” (2 Corinthians 6:18)

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Reflection

The concept of Father in Scripture emphasizes the intimate and compassionate relationship God desires to have with His people. Through Jesus, we are invited into a familial relationship with God, which transcends mere servitude or obedience. This understanding encourages us to approach God with confidence and trust, knowing He watches over us with love and compassion.

In recognizing God as our Father, we can find comfort and assurance in our identity as His children. As we nurture this relationship, we can share His love with those around us, inviting them into the same familial bond.