Isaiah declares that Jesus will also be “The everlasting Father.” This does not mean, however, that he is the One whom we, as Christians, address as our “Heavenly Father.” The term father means life giver, and an everlasting father would be one who gives everlasting life. Jesus will do this for all those who, during the thousand years of his reign, believe on him and obey the law of his kingdom. The life received by the people from their natural fathers has been uncertain and brief, but all who then come to Jesus will be given everlasting life.
Another scripture which throws light on the divine plan for giving life to the people through Jesus is I Corinthians 15:45,47. Here the apostle refers to Jesus as “the last Adam,” and declares that in his resurrection from death he was made a “quickening [life- giving] spirit”; that is, a spirit being endowed with the power to give life to others.
“The first man [Adam]” was of the earth, earthy. He and his wife were commanded to multiply and fill the earth with their off- spring. Thus he became the original father of the human race. However, because he transgressed the divine law, he brought the penalty of death upon himself. This meant that he could transmit to his offspring only a measure of life, for they inherited his imperfection, and thus automatically came under condemnation to death. Thus it was that “the first man Adam” fathered the race in a dying condition.
It will be different in the case of the last Adam. The last Adam will regenerate the children of the first Adam and enable them to enjoy everlasting life. Thus he will be “The everlasting Father.” And Jesus himself referred to the Millennial Kingdom as the time of “regeneration.”—Matt. 19:28
In keeping with this, the prophecy of Isaiah 53:10 tells us that Jesus shall see his “seed.” Verse eight of this chapter speaks of his being cut off from the land of the living, and says that there was none to declare his generation. That is, he did not marry and raise a family as men ordinarily do, hence there are no natural descendants of Jesus, no one to “declare his generation.”
Yet the prophet states, “He shall see his seed”; that is, children will be raised up to him—not in the ordinary way, but by virtue of the fact that as the Redeemer of the world he will be in a position to give the people life. He will be their life giver or father. Because of this, Jesus “shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied.” —Isa. 53:11
“Travail” is associated with the bringing forth of children, and here the prophet uses the term for the method by which Jesus gives life to the people. This travail is vividly described in the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. He was “despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.” Also, he was led “as a lamb to the slaughter,” as well as being bruised and afflicted.
Yes, this was travail indeed, which continued with him all the way to the cross, ending only when, from his bursting heart he cried, “It is finished.” Out of this travail will come a regenerated life for all of the first Adams children who will accept it on the terms of belief and obedience. Thus shall Jesus “see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied,” for countless millions will acclaim him as their father, their life giver, and with one accord will sing his praises, saying, “We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Praise God for his gift to men of “The everlasting Father.”