The term “Abba” is Aramaic for “Father”. It was not the formal term used by servants, but a more intimate and familiar term reserved for the master’s own children. It can be translated, “Dear Father.”

The Jews of Jesus’ day felt it was too intimate, so they hesitated to use it in reference to God. Jesus first used this expression when addressing the Father as the time approached for Him to die on the cross. “And He said, ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible for You…’” (Mark 14:36).

Abba was also used by the apostle Paul to illustrate the intimacy God has with His adopted children in Christ. In baptism, we are freed from sin and become slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:17-18), but we become much more than just servants. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:26-27)

Before sin, we are God’s offspring (Acts 17:28). When we sin, we become enemies of God (Romans 8-10). In Christ, God reconciles us. He adopts back into His family. “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15)

“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6)

What an amazing and gracious God we have who has made such a relationship possible! This was His plan from the beginning. “‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ Says the LORD Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18).

Intimacy

These truths help us see that God seeks more than a distant and heartless relationship with His people. Sometimes, we allow ourselves to become so consumed with worldly pursuits and day-to-day routines that we forget. The Creator of the universe has been mindful of us!

God’s eternal purpose in sending His Son to die on the cross was not that His people should relegate Him to an afterthought or honor Him with the occasional act of worship once or twice a week. Our heavenly Father yearns to draw near to us, but before He can do that, we must draw near to Him (James 4:8). He wants to see us bear the family resemblance of holiness and righteousness and to share in His glory (Colossians 3:4).

Reverence

While some never realize the intimacy God seeks with His adopted children, others focus entirely on the emotion of such intimacy to the extent that they violate other important truths. They confuse irreverence and disrespect for intimacy, taking an overly casual approach to their relationship and worship of God. Wanting to “feel” close to God, they forget to maintain the respect and reverence required of those who draw near to Him as God Almighty.

In Jesus’ day, even among “dear children”, the authority of the father was always honored within the household. Likewise, Jesus, after He cried out “Abba, Father!”, said, “Not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). He teaches us to do the same. In His model prayer He instructs us to say, “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed by Your name” (Matthew 6:9).

Abba, Father reflects the perfect balance of intimacy and respect that is necessary for God’s people to draw near to Him. As James wrote in James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Then continues in verse 10 with, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.”

Oh, what a wonderful thought! To know that we can humble ourselves in the sight of God and that He will lift us up. And that we can come to Him as servants, knowing that He is willing to adopt us as His beloved children. He truly is our Abba, Father.