The Father And The Son

When we search the New Testament for teaching on paternal parenting, there isn’t a lot to go on.  In Ephesians 6 the Apostle Paul teaches that children should honor their parents and that fathers should discipline and teach their children, but it shouldn’t be so stringent that the children turn (in anger) on them.  Beyond that, there really isn’t a whole lot of insight. 
While a valid argument can be made that living a Christian life we can positively influence our children, I think there is another way we can learn about the father/child relationship.  The relationship between Jesus and God is described as one between the Son and His Father.  Since they are two Prefect Beings, this relationship is bound to provide us with an insight into what it takes to have a wonderful relationship.  We don’t see a lot of explicit commandments built upon this connection, but by studying how they interact with Each Other we can improve the relationship we have in our human families.  What can we learn from the Father and the Son:
1).  There is an intimacy between Them.  When Jesus was praying in the Garden on the night He was betrayed He addressed His prayer, “Abba! Father!” (Mark 14:36).  The term Abba is a childlike name for a parent or as Strong’s Concordance describes it, “… the term of tender endearment by a beloved child”.  Fathers should be viewed as authoritative adults, but there must also be a softness as well. 
2).  There is an honesty between Them.  Again, as Jesus was praying in the Garden, He asked, “All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36).  Jesus’ whole life had pointed to this moment and, now, He seems to be struggling with the weight on Him.  Logically, I am sure that Jesus understood He had to go through with His crucifixion, but that didn’t stop Him from letting His Father know what He was thinking.  There is something special in a relationship built upon honesty.  No, fathers can’t fix everything – and, frankly, fathers don’t always want to hear everything – but, when that type of relationship exists great things are possible.
3).  There is an emotional bond between Them.  Much has been made of Jesus’ statement, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34), but no matter its theological implications it shows the type of bond between the Father and the Son.  Jesus and His Father related on more than a surface level.  They shared an emotional relationship as well.  When fathers and children can relate emotionally, bridges will be built that can last a lifetime and endure the best of times or the worst of times.

Happy Father’s Day!  As we celebrate the holiday, let’s reflect on the greatest of all Fathers, the One who loved us enough to send His Son so that all His children could have eternal life!

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