Abba
In this message, “Father” in the Old Testament refers to the head or founder of a family or clan. But in the New Testament, Jesus reveals a more intimate name for God—Abba—showing that God isn’t just the Father; He’s my Father. Pastor also shares a bold truth that could change how you parent your children. Don't miss this message!
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Notes
Isaiah 64:8
But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.
Father in the OT was described as the head individual or founder of a household, group, or clan.
Mark 14:32-36
Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”
“Abba, Father” is a deeply meaningful phrase found in Scripture that expresses a close, intimate relationship between God and His children.
It reveals the heart of God as a tender, approachable Father, not just a holy judge.
Jesus uses “Abba, Father” in a moment of deep anguish, showing both His trust in the Father and His submission to God’s will.
Romans 8:15
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
We are invited into a relationship of love and trust, not fear and distance.
Believers are adopted into God’s family, and we can address Him with the same intimacy as Jesus did.
Galatians 4:4-7
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
The Holy Spirit within you prompts you to relate to God as a loving Father, not a distant deity.
It shows that believers are no longer slaves, but sons and daughters of God.
Meaning of “Abba”
“Abba” is an Aramaic word that means “father”, but it carries a more personal, affectionate tone—much like saying “Dad” or “Papa” today.
“Abba, Father” means that God isn’t just the Father—He’s my Father,
It reflects childlike trust, dependence, and love for one’s father.
Through Jesus, we’re welcomed to speak to God not just formally, but intimately,
John 15:12-15
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.
Satan has ruined family relationships especially when it comes to fathers.
Stop saying, “I am your father and not your friend.”
God is my father and my friend
If your child cannot tell you anything, you are not their friend.
Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
The first step of friendship is to be interested in what someone else is interested in
My ultimate vision is to raise responsible children with whom I can enjoy an adult relationship for life!