God as Father

John 14:1–14

Excerpt

From early in Israel’s history God was regarded as a father (cf. personal names such as Eliab, Joab “God is [my] father”; Abijah, Abiel “my father is God”). Yahweh was recognized as the father of Israel (e.g., Isa. 63:16; Jer. 3:4; Mal. 1:6), both as suzerain in the covenant relationship (e.g., Deut. 7:14) and as creator of the world (e.g., 32:6; Mal. 2:10). Just as the human father, God possesses ultimate authority (Mal. 1:6; Matt. 7:21–23). Similarly, he demonstrates his love and care for his children (Exod. 4:22–23; Deut. 1:31; Jer. 31:9, 20; Matt. 6:26–34; 18:14). The Gospels frequently distinguish between the relationship of God to his son Jesus (“my father”) and to the disciples (“your father”; cf. John 20:17). Because of Jesus’ particular nature as God’s “only begotten son” (1:14, 18) and thus the authority (8:28–38; 14:10) and intimacy (e.g., 1:18; 10:38) they share, mankind has access to the Father only through the Son (14:6). Nevertheless, Jesus urged his followers to approach God intimately, confident of his warmth and grace (cf. Matt. 6:8–9, 32; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6; see Abba). In later Christian theology God the Father was regarded as the first person of the trinity (cf. Matt. 28:19). More

Myers, Allen C. The Eerdmans Bible Dictionary 1987 : 378. Print.