God’s Image Study • Commandment 5: Father and Mother
Our previous post followed Jerusalem above as our mother. We now turn to the fatherhood language associated with the promised son in Isaiah.
As we examine these relationships, we must preserve the source of life, the authority entrusted, and those who receive.
The Son and His Government
Isaiah 9:6 describes a child born and a son given, with government upon his shoulders. Among his titles, the LSB reads “Eternal Father,” commonly rendered “Everlasting Father.”
The following verse describes enduring government and peace, upheld through justice and righteousness. It identifies the zeal of YHWH (יהוה) of hosts as accomplishing this. Read Isaiah 9:6–7.
Within our examination of Christ, we follow this fatherhood language alongside his care, rule, and work of bringing life. We must also listen to his own explanation of his relationship with the Father.
The Father Gives; the Son Gives Life
In John 5, Jesus explains that the Son acts according to what he sees the Father doing. He then describes both the Father raising the dead and the Son giving life to whom he wishes.
Later, he states that the Father has granted the Son to have life in himself and has given him authority to execute judgment. Read John 5:19–27.
The passage preserves the relationship: the Father grants, and the Son exercises the authority given.
It also connects hearing with life. Jesus describes the dead hearing the Son’s voice and those who hear living.
This returns us to our God of the Living Study. Christ’s life-giving role belongs within the relationship he describes with the Father who sent him.
The Last Adam
Paul names the last Adam as a life-giving spirit. Earlier in the chapter, he connects resurrection with Christ and preserves an order: Christ as firstfruits, then those who belong to him at his coming. Read 1 Corinthians 15:20–23, 45–49.
These passages give substance to our study’s connection between fatherhood and life through Christ. We are examining what he brings forth and the relationship of those who receive life through him.
The same chapter carries his reign toward the defeat of death and the Son’s subjection to the One who subjected all things to him. Authority, purpose, and sequence remain important. Read 1 Corinthians 15:24–28.
Children Given by God
Hebrews brings together several family relationships. Jesus calls those being sanctified his brothers, while the passage also places him alongside the children God has given him. Read Hebrews 2:10–14.
We should preserve both descriptions and examine what each reveals. Scripture’s family language expresses relationships involving shared life, belonging, responsibility, and God’s provision.
Returning to Father and Mother
Alongside Jerusalem’s motherhood, Christ’s life-giving role develops the connection our study is examining: life received, children brought forth, and faithful care.
Honoring these roles requires recognizing what Scripture assigns to each, while keeping the Father who gives and commissions central.
Threads to Follow
Union and fruitfulness: Return to the pair, their joining, and the children who follow.
Children and inheritance: Examine belonging alongside the promise of life in the land.
Honor and recognition: Consider how receiving those sent relates to honoring the One who sends.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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