The Names and Titles of Jesus

Everlasting Father,

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Now, is there some confused thinking going on here, particularly in the light of trinitarian theology of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It’s unlikely Isaiah has the Trinity in mind at all when he says the Messiah will be called Everlasting Father. It’s not the Messiah’s role within the Godhead that this statement is about, but the Messiah’s character toward us that Isaiah has in mind. Concerning the language of “Everlasting Father,”: some have called it “a descriptive analogy pointing to Christ’s character . . . he is fatherly, father-like, in his treatment of us.”

So it could be said that the list of names in Isaiah refer to the characteristics of the coming messiah. Often, ascribed names derive from various origins, either a characteristic or occupational activity for example. Occupational names include such simple examples as Smith, Miller, Thatcher  or the likes of Potter, and so on.

You see, this word translated here as father from the Hebrew also refers to head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan; as well as an originator or patron of a class, profession, or art. It can also refer to one who is a producer or generator. Rephrasing this statement in the light of this understanding we get a view of the Messiah as the original generator and eternal guardian of his people. What this title is saying about Jesus is not that he has become the eternal person of the Father, but is fatherly towards those for whom God has made him responsible.

Such is the heart of Christ for us, his children. He utterly reflects and lays bare the heart of his own Father. The unconditional love and self-giving that Jesus himself enjoyed for all eternity from his Father, he now pours out on his Church. He is our Saviour, Lord, Friend, Brother, Husband – and the one who Fathers us.

Eternal Father, God of love,

To thee out hearts we raise;

Thy all-sustaining power we prove,

And gladly sing thy praise.

Thine - wholly thine - O let us be!

Our sacrifice receive:

Made, and preserved, and save by thee,

To thee ourselves we give. 

Come, Holy Ghost, the Saviour’s love

Shed in our hearts abroad;

So shall we ever live, and move,

And be, with Christ, in God.

Charles Wesley