Team Talk
The Names of God
Ab, Abba
Father
(AB, AB-ba)
The Name
Though the Old Testament provides many rich names and titles for God, the New Testament reveals
Him most fully.
Jesus, in fact, shocked and offended the religious leaders of His day by claiming that He had a
Father/Son relationship with the God whose name they feared even to pronounce. Furthermore, by
inviting His followers to call God “Father,” He made this the primary name by which God is to be
known to His followers.
That’s why we can boldly pray the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, “Our Father who art in heaven....”
Key Scripture Passage
While He was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran
to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Promises Associated with Ab, Abba
What a stunning revelation—that God is not only Lord and Master, the Ancient of Days, the Mighty
Creator, the Holy One of Israel, but also Abba. And we are His children, not by virtue of our
humanity but by adoption into His family. Because of Jesus our Brother, we dare to call God Father, to
count on His compassion, to depend on His provision, to lean on His love.
Promises in Scripture
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in
families, He leads forth the prisoners with singing.
Psalm 68:5–6
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He
knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.
Psalm 103:13–14
See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon
in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field
which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you, O you
of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What
shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you
need them.
Matthew 6:28–32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32
I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.
2 Corinthians 6:18
18
Luke 18:27
“But He said, "The things that are impossible with people are possible with God."