This phrase, which Jesus used during His anguish, is also available to the faithful child of God. In 1854, L.R. Jameson wrote the hymn "Night with Ebon Pinion," which depicts in song the anguish of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The third stanza contains a phrase based on Jesus' words recorded in Mark 14:36. The song says, "Abba, Father, Father, if indeed it may, let this cup of anguish pass from Me, I pray. Yet, if it must be suffered, by Me, Thine only Son, Abba, Father, Father, let Thy will be done."
The word abba occurs only two other times in the Bible. In Romans 8:15, the Apostle Paul wrote, "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'" Similarly, in Galatians 4:6 the apostle wrote, "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying out 'Abba, Father!'"
Interestingly, in each case the word abba occurs in conjunction with the word father.
Over the years, there has been some debate about the full meaning of the term abba. Some see it simply as referring to one's physical father, the male who begot you. Others feel it is intended to express a sense of intimacy that they feel is lacking in the term father alone.
Abba is an Aramaic word, and some believe it is the expression a child would use, evidencing trust. It is viewed as a diminutive or shortened form of a name, rather like a child might say "daddy" or "papa." In any case, it certainly expresses a family connection--whether we are looking at Jesus' use in his prayer or at our use as God's adopted children who have a relationship with Him.
In trying to better understand the significance of this term, it is useful to realize that slaves were forbidden to use the term "abba" in reference to the head of the family. They couldn't speak in those terms, because their relationship didn't merit it.
And, we might recall that the Jews refrained from addressing God in such a way, or even using the name Jehovah, lest they be guilty of taking His name in vain or somehow blaspheming the holy name. Thus, the Old Testament simply contains the word LORD where the name of God normally would appear.
Yet, in the hour of His greatest need, Jesus certainly had no fear of addressing His Father with child-like intimacy... and... because of Jesus' work, saints today are able to boldly approach God. The removal of sin enabled a return to intimate communion and communication with our Father in heaven.
When we face severe tests in our lives, like Jesus, we can go to our Father, Who is able to provide relief and help. We can trust Him as a little child trusts his or her father. It is, indeed, a beautiful and comforting picture that these words convey--whether as used in Scripture or in the song we so often sing--that God is always near in time of need.
Brother Blackaby reminds us concerning the wonderful spiritual blessing of prayer and the right and privilege of addressing God as our Father. Sadly, too many of God's people do not take advantage of this avenue of comfort and strength. Could it be that we doubt that God hears the prayers that come before His throne of mercy and grace? Don't forget to pray. (KMG)