After finishing his last supper with the disciples, Jesus went to Gethsemane, an olive grove on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. This is where Jesus often met with his disciples (John 18:2), but this time was different. Jesus knew that very night, he would be arrested, tried, and crucified on the cross. He was there to pray.

Jesus was “greatly distressed and troubled.” He said, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Mark 14:34). Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible, the cross might be avoided. In his prayer, he cried out to God,

Mark 14:36
“Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

The expression Abba, Father is found in the New Testament three times, each time in a prayer. Abba is an Aramaic word that means “Daddy.” It describes God as a tender, compassionate father who loves and cares for his children. Jesus needed the gentle and caring touch of his Father as he prepared to die for our sins.

Today, because of what Jesus did on the cross, believers can use this expression as well. We have received the Spirit of adoption as children of God. We can exclaim, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15). God has “sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6). God is not only our heavenly Father, but Jesus reminds us that he is tender, compassionate, gentle, and caring. Run to Abba Father and experience his loving embrace.

Abba Father,
Today, I need your tender touch. I need to be reminded that I am your child. I need to feel your embrace. I long for the confidence of being near you. I long for the strength that only you can supply. You are my Abba Father. I run to you.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.