{"id":44180,"date":"2019-06-30T21:46:07","date_gmt":"2019-06-30T18:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=44180"},"modified":"2025-05-05T21:52:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T18:52:43","slug":"why-did-jesus-call-god-aba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/06\/30\/why-did-jesus-call-god-aba\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Did Jesus Call God \u201cAba\u201d?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The term \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> first appears in the Bible in the words of Jesus. It is an Aramaic term that is translated as \u201cFather\u201d<\/em>, but it carries a much more intimate and affectionate meaning than the formal term \u201cFather\u201d<\/em> in many languages, including English. Aramaic was a language that Jesus frequently spoke, as it was the common language of the people in His time, alongside Hebrew and Greek.<\/p>\n

Other famous Aramaic words and phrases from Jesus recorded in the Bible include \u201c<\/em><\/p>\n

Talitha kumi\u201d<\/em> (Mark 5:41), \u201cEphphatha\u201d<\/em> (Mark 7:34), and \u201cEloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 27:46).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The language of Aramaic, though closely related to Hebrew, had also absorbed influences from other ancient languages, including Babylonian, which makes it somewhat different from the more sacred Hebrew language.<\/p>\n

The word \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> is deeply significant. It does indeed mean \u201cFather\u201d<\/em>, but in a context that conveys deep intimacy and closeness\u2014similar to how a child would call their father \u201cDaddy\u201d<\/em> or \u201cPapa\u201d<\/em>. In contrast, the word \u201cFather\u201d<\/em> in English can feel more formal, distant, and authoritative. A child who calls their father \u201cDaddy\u201d<\/em> shares a more affectionate, trust-based relationship, where they feel safe, loved, and able to approach their father freely with their needs, thoughts, and feelings.<\/p>\n

Theological Significance of \u201cAba\u201d<\/h3>\n

Jesus\u2019 use of \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> reflects the nature of the relationship between Him and God the Father. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as Father<\/em> (see, for example, Malachi 2:10 and Isaiah 63:16), but the personal, intimate use of \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> was revolutionary. It indicates an unparalleled closeness and familiarity. No other Jewish person in Jesus’ time had referred to God in such a personal way.<\/p>\n

When Jesus uses the term \u201cAba\u201d<\/em>, He is not just acknowledging God as His Father; He is also inviting us into this intimate relationship. This is a key element of the Gospel\u2014through Jesus, we too can call God \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> as His children.<\/p>\n

Jesus\u2019 relationship with God the Father, as expressed through the term \u201cAba\u201d<\/em>, is foundational to understanding the doctrine of the Trinity and the concept of adoption in Christian theology. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, and He shares a unique, eternal relationship with God the Father (John 1:1-14). However, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for us to be adopted into God\u2019s family as His sons and daughters.<\/p>\n

John 1:12\u201313 (NIV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cYet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God\u2014children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband\u2019s will, but born of God.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This adoption is not something we can claim on our own. It is a gift from God, given to those who receive Jesus Christ by faith and accept His work of salvation. As believers, we are brought into the intimate family relationship with God, and we can call Him \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> because of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.<\/p>\n

Romans 8:15-17 (NIV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cThe Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, \u2018Aba, Father.\u2019 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God\u2019s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs\u2014heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This passage highlights the profound theological truth that, through the Holy Spirit, believers are adopted into God\u2019s family. We are no longer slaves to fear but sons and daughters who can cry out \u201cAba, Father.\u201d<\/em> This is a privilege that believers in Christ have, which was made possible only through Jesus\u2019 atoning work.<\/p>\n

The Challenge of Calling God \u201cAba\u201d<\/em><\/h3>\n

The idea of calling God \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> was so radical that it upset the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. For them, it was a form of blasphemy because they could not fathom God being that close to humans. To them, God was to be revered in His transcendence and holiness, not approached with the familiarity that \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> implies. That\u2019s one reason they accused Jesus of blasphemy and plotted His death (John 5:18).<\/p>\n

Even today, some religions struggle with the idea of calling God \u201cFather\u201d<\/em> or \u201cAba\u201d<\/em>. For instance, in Islam, the belief is that God (Allah) is transcendent and does not have a son or any familial relationships with His creation. Calling God \u201cFather\u201d<\/em> or \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> would be considered blasphemous in such a worldview.<\/p>\n

However, Christianity teaches that this intimate relationship with God is made possible through Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has drawn near to humanity in a way that was unimaginable before. Jesus reveals that God is not just a distant deity but a Father who longs for His children to know Him deeply and personally.<\/p>\n

Galatians 4:6\u20137 (NIV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cBecause you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, \u2018Aba, Father.\u2019 So you are no longer a slave, but God\u2019s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Power of Adoption<\/h3>\n

Through the sacrifice of Jesus, believers are not only forgiven but also adopted into God\u2019s family. This adoption grants us the full rights and privileges of children. We become heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). This adoption is an unearned grace, a divine act of love and mercy. As children of God, we have access to Him in a way that is profoundly personal and intimate. The Spirit within us confirms our status as His children, and we are empowered to call God \u201cAba.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Living as Children of Aba<\/em><\/h3>\n

Being a child of God means we have confidence in our relationship with Him. When we cry out \u201cAba, Father\u201d<\/em>, we are expressing not only our dependence on God but also our trust in His goodness, love, and faithfulness. This relationship is foundational to Christian living, and it should shape the way we approach God in prayer, in worship, and in everyday life.<\/p>\n

Ephesians 1:5-6 (NIV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cHe predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will\u2014to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Through Jesus, we have been adopted into God\u2019s family. This adoption is an act of grace\u2014something we don\u2019t deserve, but that God freely gives to all who believe in Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

If you are a Christian, you have the incredible privilege of calling God \u201cAba.\u201d<\/em> This relationship isn\u2019t just about having a distant, formal Father; it\u2019s about having a personal, intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe. Jesus made this possible through His life, death, and resurrection. If you haven\u2019t yet experienced this closeness with God, now is the time to repent, believe in Jesus, and accept the Holy Spirit\u2019s work in your life.<\/p>\n

1 John 1:12 (NIV)<\/strong>
\n\u201cYet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you haven\u2019t yet received Jesus, take this step today. Be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit. Once you do, you will be able to call God \u201cAba\u201d<\/em> with the confidence of a beloved child.<\/p>\n

May the Lord bless you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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