Understanding Jesus as the ‘Everlasting Father’ This Christmas
Willow Creek | November 1, 2024
As the prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, he referred to the Messiah as “Everlasting Father.” What does ‘Everlasting Father’ mean in Isaiah’s prophecy? How does it connect to the meaning of Christmas?
In the historical context of this prophetic passage, the Kingdom of Judah was experiencing political instability, threats from Assyria, and spiritual disarray. Isaiah’s prophecy of an “Everlasting Father” offered hope for a future leader who would bring peace and restoration.
The title of “Everlasting Father” suggests a ruler who embodies protective and nurturing qualities akin to that of a loving father. It signifies a lasting and eternal relationship with His people, promising stability and care in contrast to the fleeting leadership the Kingdom of Judah had experienced.
Jesus as the ‘Everlasting Father’ in Christmas Prophecy
The “Everlasting Father” title reflects the covenantal nature of God, indicating that the coming Messiah would fulfill God’s promises to His people. It points to Jesus, emphasizing His eternal nature and His role in providing spiritual fatherhood and guidance to believers throughout time. When Jesus came as a baby, he fulfilled this connection between God and all people—forever. He revealed God to us, which can also be called a “divine revelation.”
In a divine revelation context, “Everlasting Father” emphasizes that this figure is not only a ruler but also a nurturing presence who provides care, stability, and guidance. “Everlasting Father” suggests that the coming Messiah would establish a lasting relationship with His people, similar to how a father cares for his children. It conveys the idea of a loving, protective authority, assuring the community they would have a constant, compassionate leader.
Jesus Welcomes Children: What It Reveals About God’s Nature
Likewise, in Matthew 19:13-14, Jesus rebukes His disciples as they turn away eager parents longing for Jesus to pray with their children. Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” And then Jesus places His hands on them. What’s the significance of Jesus welcoming children in Matthew 19?
How Jesus as the ‘Everlasting Father’ Brings Hope and Stability
The disciples’ attempts to push the children away reflect a common human tendency to prioritize the important over the seemingly insignificant. In this cultural context, adults were accepted as a priority over children. Jesus’ response flips this notion—what we often see as the pinnacle of importance is actually at the bottom in God’s eyes.
Matthew 19:13-14 demonstrates God’s inclusive love and grace. Jesus’ actions indicate that the Kingdom of Heaven is open to all, regardless of status or age. He emphasizes the worth and significance of children in the Kingdom of God. By welcoming them, Jesus highlights that innocence, humility, and dependence—qualities often associated with children—are essential for entering the Kingdom.
In welcoming the children, Jesus reveals the nature of God as loving, approachable, and desiring a protective relationship with all people as “Everlasting Father.”
The Everlasting Father is Central to the Meaning of Christmas
As we celebrate Christmas, we remember Jesus not only as a baby but as the prophesied ‘Everlasting Father,’ a symbol of eternal guidance and care, fulfilling God’s promise to His people.