“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:18
The Kingdom of God is, in fact, a Kingdom
We talk about God’s Kingdom all the time, but often, we might overlook that it truly is a kingdom; a real, structured realm where God reigns as King, with all the authority and relationships that entails. The Bible uses a lot of imagery from the ancient world to help us get this picture, but perhaps one of the most powerful concepts is “father” and “son.” This isn’t just about family ties; it’s about how power, identity, and purpose were passed down in ancient societies. When we get the depth of what this relationship meant back then, it opens up a new understanding of what it means for God to be our Father and Jesus as His Son and for us to be His children in His Kingdom.
You Keep Using That Word
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22
In ancient societies, being called “father” or “son” wasn’t simply about biology. It was a defined role with specific responsibilities. Sure, there was a natural connection, but “father” meant you held a position of authority, provision, and leadership. “Son” was also more than just being a child; it was a role filled with responsibility, future authority, and a calling to continue the father’s work.
A father was the one who led and protected, whether we’re talking about a family, a tribe, or even a kingdom. His “son” wasn’t just the next in line; he was the one to whom the father passed on his authority and values. Although mothers and daughters held important roles, this father-son dynamic was central to ancient society’s idea of continuity and legacy. The son didn’t just inherit the title; he inherited the mission. And in the Kingdom of God, we see these terms used not just to describe a personal relationship but to define roles of purpose and calling.
Context Matters
This ancient father-son relationship was filled with layers that reveal the depth of what it means for Jesus to be the Son of God and for us to be called children of God. Here are some of the main aspects:
- Authority and Delegation: In the ancient world, the son carried the father’s authority. He didn’t operate on his own; he acted as his father’s representative, with his full backing. In the Bible, we see Jesus say things like, “I only do what I see my Father doing.” He’s showing us that He’s living in complete alignment with God’s authority, just as a son would act on behalf of a king.
- Likeness and Representation: A son in those times was expected to mirror his father’s values, conduct, and even his demeanor. People would look at the son and think, “That’s exactly what his father is like.” In the same way, Jesus is the “image of the invisible God,” showing us exactly who the Father is. As believers, we’re also invited to grow into that same likeness, reflecting our Father to the world.
- Teaching and Apprenticeship: Sons learned their father’s ways directly. They didn’t just inherit power; they were taught and shaped by their fathers to carry on the mission. Hebrews tells us that Jesus “learned obedience,” which points to His real human experience of aligning Himself with the Father’s will.
- Responsibility and Duty: Being a son came with duties. You were expected to protect and nurture what the father had established. This wasn’t optional; it was a sacred responsibility. For Jesus, being the Son of God meant bearing the responsibility of bringing God’s salvation to us. And for us, being God’s children means carrying on His mission of love, justice, and mercy.
- Religious and Divine Connections: In ancient kingdoms, kings and their sons were often seen as divinely chosen, even connected to the gods themselves. When God calls Jesus His beloved Son at His baptism, it’s a divine endorsement of Jesus’ role in God’s Kingdom, giving us a glimpse into the holy connection between Father and Son.
Seeing these dynamics at play helps us grasp the way God uses the language of family roles to communicate Kingdom realities. It’s not only a tender relationship but also a powerful and purposeful one
The Bible Has a Context
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
Luke 3:8
When the Bible uses “father” and “son” to describe God and Jesus, and even our own relationship with God, it’s doing more than just using family terms. It’s echoing the ancient language of royalty, authority, and mission. Knowing this context breathes new life into our reading of the Scriptures.
For example, when we read in John’s Gospel that Jesus can do “nothing by Himself; He can only do what He sees His Father doing,” we’re hearing echoes of that ancient father-son relationship. Jesus isn’t just obedient; He’s functioning as the rightful representative of God’s Kingdom, carrying out His Father’s will with full authority.
When God calls Jesus His beloved Son, as at His baptism, He’s declaring that Jesus is the appointed heir and representative of His Kingdom. And when we read that believers are God’s “children,” it’s a call for us to take on a similar role. We’re being invited into that ancient dynamic; to learn from God, to reflect His nature, and to carry out His mission here on earth.
“Our Father…”
“Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.’”
John 14:9-10
So, what does this mean for us, practically, as we call God our Father and think of ourselves as His children? First, it means more than simply having a “personal relationship” with God; it’s an invitation to participate in His Kingdom in a real way. This isn’t just sentiment; it’s calling, responsibility, and transformation.
When we call God “Father,” we’re:
Living in Divine Connection and Purpose: Finally, calling God “Father” places us in an eternal family with a shared purpose. We’re not alone in this calling; we’re guided by God’s Spirit and united with fellow believers. Our lives take on divine meaning and purpose, shaped by our Father’s love and presence.
Claiming His Authority and Mission: As God’s children, we’re meant to carry His message and live under His authority. Our role is to represent Him to the world, bringing His love and truth wherever we go.
Reflecting His Character: Just as sons in ancient times represented their fathers, we’re called to reflect God’s character in the world. People should see something of God in us; our compassion, integrity, and kindness should point back to Him.
Taking On Responsibility: Being God’s child isn’t just a title; it’s a mission. Like a son carrying on his father’s work, we’re called to care for others, steward creation, and uphold God’s justice and mercy. We’re called to actively participate in His work in the world.
“I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, ‘You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.’”
Psalm 2:7-8
By understanding the ancient father-son relationship, we see that our identity as God’s children is more than our personal faith; it’s about participating in God’s Kingdom work, growing to resemble Him, and carrying His authority, mission, and love into the world. This is the heart of what it means to be sons and daughters of the King, and it’s an invitation to step fully into our place in God’s Kingdom.
Additional Scriptures and Discussion Questions
- In ancient societies, “father” and “son” had specific roles rather than just family titles. What do you think it meant for someone to be identified by these terms in such a culture?
- How does understanding this father-son relationship change the way you view verses like Matthew 3:17, where God calls Jesus His “beloved Son”?
- What might it mean for us to see ourselves in a specific “role” within God’s Kingdom rather than simply as individuals who are saved?
- Read John 5:19 and John 14:9-10. How does Jesus describe His relationship with the Father, and how does this reflect the idea of a son acting on behalf of his father’s authority?
- n Galatians 4:4-7, Paul talks about believers being adopted as sons and daughters of God. What do you think it means to share in this “spirit of sonship” as heirs of God?
- How does the concept of responsibility and duty as a “son” or “daughter” affect how you view your role in the Kingdom of God? What are some specific ways you might be called to carry out this role?
- How does understanding the depth of the father-son relationship help us grasp the relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son?
- In Psalm 2:7-8, God’s “son” is also given the nations as an inheritance. How does this relate to our understanding of what it means to inherit God’s Kingdom?
- Read Romans 8:14-17. How does the idea of being “children of God” and “heirs” affect your sense of identity and purpose in God’s Kingdom?
- When you call God “Father,” what comes to mind? How does this relationship affect your everyday actions and responsibilities?
- What are some ways we can reflect God’s love, authority, and mission in our own communities as His children?
- Thinking back on all we’ve discussed, what does it mean to you to be an “heir” in God’s Kingdom, and how might that shape your life and priorities?
Next week’s Topic: “Miracle” as a Kingdom Word
To start from the the first post in this series, click here:
Speaking of the Kingdom #1: Intro
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Tanner H Griffin 
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