1. Matthew 6:9 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does it mean to call God “Father”?

Matthew 6:9 (ESV)

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Referring to God as Our Father testifies to the nature of the relationship that exists between the Christian, God and fellow believers.1 Jews preferred exalted titles for God, but Jesus calls him Father (Matthew 11:25; Matthew 26:39, Matthew 26:42; Mark 14:36; Luke 23:34; John 11:41; John 12:27; John 17:1, John 17:5, John 17:11, John 17:21, John 17:24–25.).2 On account of the work of Christ, the Christian can know God as Father. He can enjoy fellowship with God and be assured of his favour because Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for his sin and lived the perfect life on their behalf. The name and atoning work of Christ is thus implied (John 14:6).3