If there is one thing that the New Testament seeks to do, it’s to clearly articulate the identity of Jesus as the Son of God. John the Baptist bears witness (John 1:34), Nathaniel declares it (John 1:49), Martha recognizes this (John 11:27), the Jews confess Jesus’ claims to this (John 19:7), and Jesus Himself proclaims it (John 5:25). Without doubt, Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:31 states, “[T]hese are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”).

However, Isaiah says (9:6), “[A]nd his name shall be called…Everlasting Father.” How do we reconcile that Jesus is prophesied as “Everlasting Father,” but clearly declared the Son of the Father in the New Testament? In order to make jumps over larger gaps, sometimes you need a running start. Let’s give ourselves one here.

The coming king of Isaiah 9:6 will usher in God’s supernatural plans (as Wonderful Counselor) by His mighty power (as declared in Mighty God). The plans are set by God’s wisdom and set to be accomplished by God’s power. What comes next? J. Alec Motyer says, “[H]is relationship to his subjects.”¹ “Father” speaks of the qualities of a father and “Everlasting” declares the duration of those qualities.

As Everlasting Father, the Messiah will have compassion. Psalm 103:13 states, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.” And what do we see when Jesus, the Son of God, comes to the earth? We see this very compassion in His character. Matthew says (9:36), “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

Furthermore, as Everlasting Father, the Messiah will bring loving discipline. Proverbs sates (3:12), “for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Jesus gives this same loving discipline when He pulls Peter aside to rebuke his play at stopping the crucifixion (Mark 8:33).

The name “Everlasting Father” complements the previous names of Isaiah 9:6. Yes we need the divine plans of God. Yes we need the power of God. But we also need the care of God now and for eternity. Jesus brings us that care, love, and concern. Jesus said (Matt. 11:28), “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” How great to have such a powerful Lord yet such a compassionate and loving one too. How great to see the Shepherd of Psalm 23 walk among His people in Jesus Christ! The hands of God are strong, but they are so tender. As God’s children, there is no other place we’d rather be.

While Jesus is clearly the Son, He is also the Son who exercises the eternal care and love of a father to his people. Samuel Trevor Francis captured this gracefully when he wrote:

“Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus—
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free—
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me
Is the current of His love—
Leading onward, leading homeward
To His glorious rest above.”

Sources

Motyer, J. Alec. Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 20, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Oswalt, John N. The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986.