We often say the word “Father” in our prayers so lightly, almost automatically, without realizing the theological explosion contained within it. But for the ears of Jewish society in Jesus’ time, the teaching to call God “Abba” was not merely a liturgical shift. It was a radical cultural and spiritual shock. Matthew 6:9, which says, “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven…,” reminds us that Israel held such high reverence for Elohim. They would not dare pronounce the holy Name YHWH; they replaced it with Adonai (my Lord) or HaShem (the Name). There was a very wide distance between the Most Holy Creator and sinful creation. God was the distant King, the great Judge, and the sovereign Lord. Yet, amid that religious stiffness, Jesus came with a message that changed everything: “Call Him Father.”
Jesus’ action was not merely an attempt to make prayer feel warmer or more intimate. Deeper than that, Jesus was performing an act of restoration. Why was calling God “Father” considered radical? Because the term tore down the dividing wall built by human unworthiness. By introducing God as Father, Jesus intended to affirm that our relationship with the Creator is no longer merely that of “master and servant,” but of “Father and child.”
From a deep theological perspective, we understand that the goal of salvation is not only for humans to enter heaven as a place, but also for them to be restored to their original dignity. That dignity is divine—not meaning humans become God, but that humans have the capacity for close fellowship with God, to share in the divine nature, and to reflect His character. Humans were created in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei). But sin has marred that image, causing humans to lose God’s glory and feel alien before the Creator. When Jesus teaches us to call “Father,” He is drawing us back to the lost garden of Eden. He is saying that our true dignity is not determined by title, wealth, or worldly achievement, but by our status as children of God.
Calling God Father means we must be willing to be taught, formed, and processed by Him. A true child not only enjoys his father’s provisions but also inherits his father’s character. If we dare to call Him Father, the logical consequence is that we must live in total obedience—just as Jesus always did the will of His Father.
Today, let us examine the depth of our prayers. Is the greeting “Father” merely a lip ornament? Or do we truly realize that through Christ, we have been given access to be restored to our divine dignity? The Lord Jesus wants us to realize that we are children of the Most High God. Awareness of our status as “children” should free us from all fear of tomorrow, from thirst for human recognition, and from attachment to the world. This world is not our home; our home is in the embrace of the Father. Let us live today with our heads held high, not out of pride, but because we know who our Father is. Live in such a way that the Father’s character shines through every action, so that through our lives, others can see that God is indeed real as a loving and holy Father.