Introduction: What Did Jesus Call God? A Biblical Perspective
The relationship between Jesus and God is central to Christian theology and has been the subject of theological inquiry for centuries. One of the most intriguing aspects of this relationship is how Jesus referred to God. While Christians understand Jesus as the Son of God, His use of titles and names for God provides deep insights into His nature, mission, and the divine relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which Jesus referred to God in the Bible, examining the historical, cultural, and theological implications of these titles.
Jesus’ Titles for God: An Overview
In the Gospels, Jesus referred to God using several distinct names and titles, each revealing a different facet of His understanding of God. These names can be categorized primarily into two groups: personal names (such as “Father”) and descriptive titles (like “Lord” or “God”). Some of the most prominent titles Jesus used for God include:
- Father (Abba)
- God (Theos)
- Lord (Kyrios)
- My God (Eli, Eli)
- The Almighty (Pantokrator)
- The Creator
Each of these names not only sheds light on Jesus’ intimate relationship with God but also offers profound theological insights into the nature of the Trinity and the divine purpose of Jesus’ earthly ministry.
1. Jesus’ Use of “Father” and “Abba”
Perhaps the most significant name Jesus used to refer to God was “Father” (Greek: pater). In fact, throughout the Gospels, Jesus predominantly referred to God as His Father. This term of endearment and authority establishes a foundational concept in Christianity: the unique relationship between Jesus and God the Father.
Theological Implications of “Father”
When Jesus calls God “Father,” He is expressing the intimate and personal relationship that He shares with God. This use of the term goes beyond the general notion of God as the Creator of all things and points to a deeply relational and personal connection. Jesus’ relationship with God as His Father is one of the key themes in the New Testament, especially in the Gospel of John, where Jesus frequently addresses God as His Father.
The use of “Father” emphasizes the doctrine of the Trinity, where God is understood to exist in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The relationship between Jesus (the Son) and God the Father is one of perfect unity, love, and purpose. This divine relationship serves as the model for how Christians are called to relate to God as their Father, following the example set by Jesus.
“Abba”: The Aramaic Term for Father
In addition to the Greek term pater, Jesus also used the Aramaic word Abba, which translates to “father” or “daddy.” This word is an even more intimate and affectionate term, often used by children to express closeness and trust toward their fathers. The use of Abba highlights the depth of intimacy and personal connection that Jesus had with God.
One of the most poignant examples of Jesus using Abba is found in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest. In Mark 14:36, Jesus prays, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” This moment reveals Jesus’ deep emotional connection with God, even as He faces the suffering of the cross. The use of Abba conveys the personal and heartfelt nature of Jesus’ communication with God, and it serves as an invitation for His followers to approach God with the same trust and intimacy.
2. Jesus’ Use of “God” (Theos)
While “Father” is the most frequent term Jesus used to refer to God, He also referred to God simply as “God” (Greek: Theos). This term emphasizes God’s sovereignty and transcendence, as well as His role as the Creator and ruler of the universe.
In many instances, Jesus addresses God as “God” in a way that affirms His divinity and submission to God’s will. For example, in Matthew 27:46, when Jesus is on the cross, He cries out,
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
This utterance demonstrates Jesus’ identification with humanity’s experience of abandonment, while also reflecting His deep dependence on God the Father. Even in His moments of suffering, Jesus turns to God as His ultimate authority and sustainer.
The term Theos reinforces the idea that Jesus is not merely a human teacher, but that He shares in the divine essence of God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of His unity with God, claiming that He and the Father are one (John 10:30). This statement highlights the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, as well as the mystery of the Trinity.
3. Jesus’ Use of “Lord” (Kyrios)
Another significant title Jesus used for God is “Lord” (Greek: Kyrios). This term was commonly used in the ancient world to refer to a master or ruler, and in the context of the New Testament, it often signifies the divine sovereignty of God. Jesus Himself is referred to as “Lord” by His disciples and followers, acknowledging His divine authority and role in salvation.
The Lordship of Jesus
In the Gospels, Jesus uses the title “Lord” both to refer to God and to describe His own divine identity. In John 13:13, for example, Jesus says to His disciples, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.” Here, Jesus affirms His lordship, which is closely tied to His role as the Messiah and the Savior of humanity.
The title “Lord” is also significant because it reflects the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that anticipated the coming of the Lord. In passages such as Psalm 110:1, God speaks of a future ruler who would be called “Lord.” Jesus’ use of this title in reference to God shows that He is the fulfillment of these prophecies and the promised Messiah who would establish God’s reign on earth.
4. Jesus’ Cry of “My God, My God” (Eli, Eli)
Another powerful instance of Jesus referring to God occurs in His cry from the cross,
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
(Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). This poignant moment is a direct quotation from Psalm 22:1, a psalm that begins with a cry of distress but ends in a proclamation of hope and trust in God’s deliverance.
In using this phrase, Jesus is not only expressing His anguish at the separation He feels from God at that moment but also fulfilling the Messianic prophecy in Psalm 22. His use of “My God” demonstrates both His complete identification with human suffering and His unwavering trust in God, even in the most extreme circumstances.
This cry also reveals the profound mystery of the Incarnation—how Jesus, fully divine and fully human, could experience the depths of human suffering while remaining in perfect communion with God.
5. Jesus’ Reference to “The Almighty” (Pantokrator)
In the Gospels, Jesus does not directly use the title “Almighty” (Pantokrator), a term often associated with God’s supreme power and authority. However, this title is attributed to God the Father in various places in the New Testament, especially in the book of Revelation. Jesus’ references to the Father as the Almighty, along with His own declaration of possessing divine authority, affirm His understanding of God as all-powerful and all-knowing.
In Revelation, the title “Almighty” appears in passages such as Revelation 1:8, where God declares,
“I am the Alpha and the Omega… who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Jesus’ connection to God as the Almighty emphasizes His role as the divine Son, who shares in the eternal power and glory of God.
6. Jesus’ Reference to “The Creator”
Throughout His ministry, Jesus spoke of God as the Creator of all things. In the Gospel of John, the opening verses of the prologue declare,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:1-3).
This passage identifies Jesus as the divine Logos (Word), through whom God created the universe.
The title of “Creator” reflects God’s ultimate authority over the world and His role as the originator of life. Jesus’ use of this title underscores His divine nature and His active role in the creation of the universe, further reinforcing the Christian understanding of the Trinity, where the Son (Jesus) and the Father are both fully engaged in the work of creation.
Conclusion
Jesus’ use of various titles for God in the Gospels reveals profound insights into His understanding of God’s nature, His own divine identity, and His unique relationship with the Father. By referring to God as “Father,” “Lord,” “God,” and other titles, Jesus emphasized His intimate communion with God, His submission to God’s will, and His divine authority. These names and titles not only express the depths of Jesus’ personal relationship with God but also provide a window into the theological framework of the Christian faith, especially the doctrine of the Trinity.
As Christians, the way Jesus referred to God invites believers into a deeper understanding of God’s nature and their own relationship with Him. Jesus’ example calls us to approach God with the same trust, intimacy, and reverence, recognizing that God is both our Creator and our loving Father, whose will is perfect and whose power is limitless. The exploration of these divine names continues to shape Christian worship, theology, and daily life, encouraging believers to draw near to God in love and devotion.