It is absolutely fascinating to note how many times Jesus used the phrase “Your Father” in his Sermon on the Mount. Perhaps you have never been keen on that when reading through the sermon as recorded in the gospel of Matthew (Chapters 5-7)
Below are just but sections of verses where the word “Your /Our Father” appears throughout the sermon:
1. ...glorify “your Father” in Heaven (Matthew 5:16)
2. ...may be children of “your Father” in heaven (Matthew 5:45)
3. ... “your” heavenly “Father” is perfect. (Matthew 5: 48)
4. ...from “your Father” in heaven. (Matthew 6:1)
5. ...Then “your Father,” who sees what is done in secret... (Matthew 6:4)
6. ...and pray to “your Father”, who is unseen. (Matthew 6:6)
7. Then “your Father,” who sees what is done... (Matthew 6:6)
8. ...for “your Father” knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8)
9. “Our Father” in heaven, hallowed be your name... (Matthew 6:9)
10. ... “your” heavenly “Father” will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14)
11. ... “your Father” will not forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:15)
12. ... “your Father,” who is unseen; ... (Matthew 6:18)
13. ...and “your Father,” who sees... (Matthew 6:18)
14. ... yet “your” heavenly “Father” feeds them. (Matthew 6:26)
15. ...and “your” heavenly “Father” knows that... (Matthew 6:32)
16. ... “your Father” in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him. (Matthew 7:11)
The words “your Father” appear 15 times in the sermon, while “our Father” is used once.
Interestingly, Jesus concludes his sermon by referring to the same Father as his Father.
Interestingly, Jesus concludes his sermon by referring to the same Father as his Father.
The Question you may ask yourself is, “why would Jesus repeat such phrase so many times in a sermon?
Even so, take a Note: Jesus identifies himself with the same Father only once throughout the sermon whereby he says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of “my Father” who is in heaven (Matthew 7:21)
It must be said that no matter how someone may want to look at it; without a doubt, the gist and the focus of Jesus’ sermon is on His audience. Even so, the repetitive use of the words “Your Father” is meant to put emphasis on who their Father is. On the face of it, Jesus was much interested in his audience grasping the truth that indeed, God the Father, was their Father.
In wrapping up the sermon, it was as if Jesus was saying, “the one whom I have been referring to as your Father, He is equally my Father.” Thus, they shared the same Father; how awesome is that!
And just to take you back – there is the use of the words “Our father” which as noted earlier are used once in the sermon. Apparently, Jesus used the same as He taught his audience on how to pray...!
And just to take you back – there is the use of the words “Our father” which as noted earlier are used once in the sermon. Apparently, Jesus used the same as He taught his audience on how to pray...!
Clearly, He was interested in his disciples relating to God the Father as their Father.
Captivatingly, Jesus elevates God the Father far above human Fathers – in fact, Jesus reveals that the Father He is referring to is perfect and though unseen, He sees, hears and thus, answers.
Captivatingly, Jesus elevates God the Father far above human Fathers – in fact, Jesus reveals that the Father He is referring to is perfect and though unseen, He sees, hears and thus, answers.
The good news is that the same Father, whom Jesus so passionately talked about to his audience, is your/our Father now! Yes! That is true whether you feel it or not, embrace it or not – the truth can’t change.
Thus, you can confidently confess, “God Is My Father.”
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