The title of this article may throw you off a bit. In fact, you may read the title and believe that error is being espoused. How could Jesus be said to be the “Father”? “That’s just not right,” someone might say.
The title “Everlasting Father” is from Scripture. It is found one time in Isaiah 9:6. In that text, the Messianic prophet is looking ahead to a brighter time in history when “unto us a Child is born,” who will reign “upon the throne of David and over His kingdom”—a kingdom of which there would be “no end” (i.e., everlasting) (9:6-7). In articles over the last two weeks, we have considered Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor” and “Mighty God,” and the text also calls Him the “Everlasting Father.” What does that mean? How can Jesus be called “Father”?
First, consider that the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is everlasting. He is not some “created being,” as some would suggest. The first verse of the gospel of John affirms that Jesus always (the Greek imperfect tense indicates continuousness) “was God.” And God (remember, Jesus is “God”) is “from everlasting to everlasting” (Psa. 90:2), for He “inhabits eternity” (Isa. 57:15). Jesus is the ever-existing one, the great “I AM” (John 8:58). There is a clear prophecy of the coming of Christ in Micah chapter five, foreseeing that He would be born in Bethlehem Ephrathah (5:2). Of the Christ, Micah revealed that the “goings forth” of this “Ruler” are “from of old, from everlasting.” Truly, Scripture teaches that Jesus is eternal.
Why does Isaiah call Him, “Father”? Consider two truths. First, Christ brought everything into existence from nothing. He is the Creator of all things (Col. 1:16-17; John 1:3)—thus, it could be said that Christ “Fathered” everything and everyone into existence, making Him its “Father.”
Second, the emphasis of “Father” is not merely upon Christ as the source or cause of all things, but more especially of His fatherly care for His people. Seeing that Christ was the active agent in Creation of all things, do you suppose that He then stopped caring for, providing for and protecting His people, who desperately need Him? Later Isaiah said, “You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name” (63:16; cf. 64:8). David described Him in the psalms as a “father of the fatherless, a defender of widows” (68:5), and “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him” (103:13). Yes, Jesus “Fathered” all things into existence, and even now, through His tender care, “In Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17).
Jesus is forever a Father to His people—caring for them (1 Pet. 5:7), guarding them (Psa. 34:7), supplying their needs (Psa. 37:25). He is tender, like a loving father would be.