The Father’s Role in the Cross

God the Father: Knowing the First Person of the Trinity

More Than a Tragedy

To many, the cross is merely a symbol of injustice or a tale of Roman cruelty. But Scripture shows us something deeper: the cross is the deliberate plan of the Father.

“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God…” (Acts 2:23)

Jesus was not a victim of circumstance. He was sent by the Father, according to an eternal purpose, to redeem a people for Himself.

The cross was not a divine plan gone wrong—it was the plan all along.

The Father’s Will and the Son’s Obedience

Jesus lived in full submission to the Father’s will:

“Not My will, but Yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)

He came not to escape judgment but to fulfill the Father’s redemptive purpose. Isaiah 53:10 stuns us:

“It was the will of the Lord to crush Him; He has put Him to grief…”

This does not mean the Father delighted in suffering—but that He was willing to lay the iniquity of us all upon His Son, in order to satisfy justice and show mercy.

He Did Not Spare His Own Son

Romans 8:32 is breathtaking:

“He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all…”

This phrase—“did not spare”—echoes Genesis 22, where Abraham is asked to sacrifice Isaac. But unlike Abraham, the Father did not withhold His beloved Son.

This was the greatest gift the Father could give. Not riches. Not peace. But His Son—holy, righteous, perfect, and dear.

The Cross Was Not Against the Father’s Will

Some falsely portray the Father as a cosmic abuser—inflicting wrath upon His innocent Son. But this is not what Scripture teaches.

“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself…” (2 Cor. 5:19)

The Father and Son were not opposed. They were united in mission. The Son willingly gave His life. The Father lovingly gave His Son. There was no division in the Godhead—only perfect love and purpose.

The Father’s Justice and Mercy Meet

At the cross, the Father demonstrates His justice:

“It was to show His righteousness… so that He might be just and the justifier…” (Rom. 3:25–26)

Sin is not swept away—it is paid for. The penalty is not ignored—it is absorbed. The Father does not abandon justice; He fulfills it in His Son.

And at the same time, the cross reveals His mercy:

“The Lord is merciful and gracious… abounding in steadfast love.” (Ps. 103:8)

Only a perfect Father could execute perfect justice and show perfect love in a single act.

The Glory of the Father in the Cross

Jesus said:

“Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son that the Son may glorify You.” (John 17:1)

The cross is the glory of the Father—not because He delights in pain, but because in the sacrifice of the Son, His justice, love, holiness, and faithfulness are on full display.

The Father is not hidden in the background of Calvary. He is center stage—upholding righteousness and extending redemption.

How Should We Respond?

1. With Awe

The cross is not merely about Jesus. It reveals the heart of the Father who gave Him.

2. With Worship

The Father did not spare His Son. That is the cost of your forgiveness. Let your life be a song of praise in response.

3. With Confidence

If the Father planned your salvation and paid for it through His Son, He will not forsake you now.

“He who did not spare His own Son… how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32)

Conclusion: The Cross and the Father’s Heart

The cross is the clearest picture of the Father’s character. In it, we see a love that gives, a justice that punishes, a mercy that forgives, and a faithfulness that keeps covenant.

This is not divine child abuse—it is divine love on display.

The Father was not distant at the cross. He was present. He was pouring out wrath—not on a stranger, but on the willing Son, so that sinners could be brought home.

“Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)

And that God… is your Father.