We know that God’s Word is always 100% reliable. There are many reasons for that, and one of them relates to the many prophecies in the Bible that have all come true. This time of year, we naturally think about the prophecies that predicted Jesus’ birth. For example, one of the greatest prophecies that came nearly 600 years before Jesus’ birth comes from Isaiah. Looking far beyond his own day, Isaiah prophesied: 6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV) Everything Isaiah said here in these two verses describes Jesus perfectly. But, just as we observed from last week’s sermon, there were so many surprises that cropped up throughout the Nativity Story. Isaiah’s prophecy is no different because the people got exactly what Isaiah predicted, but, on multiple levels, what they got was not what they expected, certainly not what they wanted. So, let’s unpack these verses to see how loaded they are with surprises.
FOR TO US A CHILD IS BORN: The opening of verse 6 is informative: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” On the surface, this phrase seems to speak of a human child. When the Jews first heard this prophecy, they thought that the “child” referred to King Hezekiah.[1] Of course, he was human enough, but the remainder of the descriptive language regarding this child clearly eliminates Hezekiah as the one who satisfied this prophecy. For example, it just did not make sense for Hezekiah (or any other purely human child) to be considered as the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” According to the prophecy, this child would one day become supreme ruler, in the line of David, who would reign “with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” No king of Isaiah’s time or thereafter ever fit these requirements. For the most part, those kings were not just or righteous, and, certainly, none of them “reigned forever.” Only one person in Israel’s history could possibly match up with the characteristics of the ruler Isaiah described. His name, of course, is Jesus of Nazareth—our Lord and Savior.[2]
So, what is the surprise here that none of the Jews to whom Isaiah spoke seemed to understand? The surprise is linked to another passage of Isaiah found in Isaiah 7:14. There, we find the prophet making a further prediction about the coming Messiah. He prophesied: “The Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).” Isaiah 7:14 (NLT2) But, it was difficult for the people of Isaiah’s day to understand what was meant by naming this child, “Immanuel”—God with us. No one expected that the Savior of the world would have a mother—namely Mary—who would be a lowly, Galilean peasant girl. Even more surprising was the news that the child she carried was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Thus, when Jesus was born, He was truly the Son of God, who was 100% human (through His mother) and 100% divine (through the third person of the Trinity—the Holy Spirit). Thus, Jesus was quite literally Immanuel, God with us!
Why was this necessary? Why did the coming Messiah need to be all human and all divine? Well, the answer is this: Isaiah’s prophecy pointed far beyond the manger in Bethlehem to the Cross on Calvary! Jesus had to be 100% human in order to be able to die, whereas a solely divine being would not have been susceptible to death. Jesus also came to “save His people from their sins”[3]. To achieve this purpose, someone had to pay for all those sins. A mere human could never bear the crushing weight of all the sins that have, and will, accumulate during the course of human history. Only someone who is divine could bear that weight and pay that cost. There is only one truly unique Person who could satisfy those requirements of being all human and all divine—again, His name is Jesus. Yes, the people were expecting the birth of a very special child. But, they never expected this child to be born of such humble origins nor that He would be executed as a criminal 33 years later.[4]
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ON HIS SHOULDERS: Now, Isaiah also prophesied that the “government will be on His shoulders.” This language is not so familiar to us today. But, it was something that the people of Isaiah’s day readily understood. To have the “government on your shoulders” was an ancient expression referring to someone who wore the robes of the king.[5] The royal robes signifying executive power were draped upon the king’s shoulders, so he literally wore the government on his shoulders. When the people of Judah heard this, they must have been overjoyed. They understood it to mean that the Messiah would be a great king who would defeat all of the Israelites’ enemies and then rule over the world. But, there was something about the nature of this kingship that the people never expected.
True, the coming Messiah would be a Great King. In fact, He would be the King of Kings.[6] But, during His initial time on earth, this King—Jesus Christ—wasn’t going to be a conquering King until after He was crucified. And yet, when Jesus walked up the hill of Calvary to His crucifixion, He had the “government on his shoulders” in a way none of His disciples had foreseen. What Jesus had on his shoulders came in the form of a Roman cross that had been ordered by the Roman government when Pontius Pilate ordered Christ’s execution at the behest of the Jewish religious leaders. But, after Jesus took that final breath and uttered the words, “It is finished”,[7] He became the greatest conqueror in human history when He defeated death. For it was then that Jesus was resurrected from the tomb! If Isaiah had told the people that was the truth of his prophecy, they would have never believed him—just as many failed to believe even after Jesus’ resurrection.
Bear in mind that one day soon, Jesus is coming again. The Book of Revelation tells us that when He does, He will be wearing a royal robe on which will be emblazed the His true title: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 19:16 Then, Isaiah’s prophecy will be completely fulfilled because Jesus will go on to conquer Satan and all His minions. God the Father will enthrone His Son to be ruler of the universe!
WONDERFUL COUNSELOR: Isaiah’s prophecy went on to proclaim that the coming Messiah would be called “Wonderful Counselor.” Within the context of this prophecy, “wonderful” could also be translated as “exceptional” or “distinguished” Counselor. In other words, He’d be someone the people would listen to intently because they would recognize that He spoke with the greatest authority.[8] And, as we know, this prophecy became true, for Matthew’s Gospel tells us that when Jesus taught, “He wasn't like the teachers of the Law; instead, He taught with authority.” Matthew 7:29 (TEV)
Note that speaking of the Messiah as the “Wonderful Counselor” would have resonated with the people to whom Isaiah spoke because they would have naturally thought of the great King Solomon. Solomon was known as a “wonderful counselor” since his many proverbs, as collected in the Book of Proverbs, offered valuable counsel to anyone who sought their wisdom and followed their advice. But, Isaiah could not have possibly been referring to Solomon as this “Wonderful Counselor” because Solomon died about two centuries before Isaiah’s prophecy. And so it was, that Jesus, with reference to Solomon, effectively announced that He was the “Wonderful Counselor” of Isaiah’s prophecy. When the Pharisees refused to believe in Jesus unless He provided them with a “sign” (or miracle), He refused to do so. Instead, Jesus told them that they would receive the “sign of Jonah” who was in the great fish’s belly for three days.[9] The Pharisees didn’t realize it, but Jesus was referring to the greatest sign of all time—for He was referring to the miracle of His Resurrection. Jesus also told them that the Queen of the South (otherwise known as the Queen of Sheba), traveled a great distance to hear Solomon’s wisdom.[10] Then, Jesus proclaimed: “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon's wisdom, and NOW ONE GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE.” Matthew 12:42 (NIV) Jesus found it remarkable that a Gentile Queen would go to great effort and travel so far to hear Solomon’s words of wisdom. And yet, God’s chosen people, the Jews, rejected the words of God’s Son who had come to them from an infinitely greater distance.[11] It is even more remarkable today, with the Bible being the bestselling book of all time,[12] that people still reject its wisdom that leads to eternal life! And no one has any excuses. They can’t claim the Bible is too hard to understand, or that it’s too long. Although Solomon never did this with the Book of Proverbs, Jesus condensed all the teaching of the Bible into just two simple commands. In this regard, a Pharisee tried to trip Jesus up by asking Him a question. The Pharisee asked: 36 “Sir, which is the most important command in the laws of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.’ 40 All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets stem from these two laws and are fulfilled if you obey them. Keep only these and you will find that you are obeying all the others.” Matthew 22:36-40 (TLB) Yes, Solomon was a man of great wisdom, but he was nothing compared to the “Wonderful Counselor” born in a Bethlehem stable who came to satisfy Isaiah’s prophecy.
MIGHTY GOD AND EVERLASTING FATHER: Isaiah gave two more names to describe the coming of this special “child.” He called Him “Mighty God” and also “Everlasting Father.” These two names were certainly surprising because they clearly pointed to the Creator God sometimes referred to as Jehovah.[13] Even today, these names remain puzzling from our Christian perspective. We believe in the mystery of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are of one in their unity of divine nature, and yet three distinct persons. This is best described in the Bible by Jesus who identified Himself as the divine Son of God who reveals to us God the Father, and who poured out to us the Holy Spirit.[14] When Isaiah described the Messiah as the “Mighty God,” he was surely indicating that the coming Messiah would be more than simply a “godlike person.” But, to also call Him, “Everlasting Father,” seems to be a blurring of Jesus’ role in the Trinity as the “Son of God.” Perhaps the best way to interpret “Everlasting Father” is to see this title as being a reference to time and not solely to the Trinity itself. Christian theologians, John Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, in their commentary, explain it this way: “[The Messiah—Jesus] is said to be everlasting, just as God (the Father) is called “the Ancient of Days” [in Daniel 7:9.[15]] The Messiah will be a ‘fatherly’ Ruler. . . Perhaps Isaiah had in mind the promise to David (2nd Samuel 7:16) about the ‘foreverness’ of the kingdom which God promised would come through David’s line. The Messiah, a Descendant of David, will fulfill this promise for which the nation had been waiting.”[16] In any event, it appears that Isaiah could see that the Messiah would come as God. Although he could not fathom how this could be, he nevertheless accepted the truthfulness of the prophecy God had given him in complete faith.[17]
PRINCE OF PEACE: And, finally, this child called “Immanuel,” who would be born of a virgin—He would have another distinctive title.[18] He would be called the “Prince of Peace.” This name was in stark contrast to the mythical pagan gods who were referred to as “princes.” These pagan princes were constantly stirring up chaos and discord wherever they went.[19] But, now someone was coming who would be the opposite of such disharmony and strife. Jesus is the Prince of Peace because the peace that He offers is like no other peace. He is the only one who can truly bring peace into your life. Christ is the only One who can do that by restoring your relationship with God the Father. He can take the disorder, brokenness and shattered pieces of your life and bring into your heart the inner peace of God that brings joy and rest.[20] But, until we surrender our lives to Jesus, our sins will keep us at war with God. Through the shedding of His blood, Jesus offers us a peace treaty with the LORD. When we accept the terms of that treaty and follow His Way, Truth and Life,[21] we become peacemakers and have a restored relationship with God the Father. That is why Jesus said: “Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, for they will be called the CHILDREN OF GOD.” Matthew 5:9 (NET1) The Child in the manger came so that you may become a Child of God. If you become His faithful child, then you will have something the world can never give. At the Last Supper, just before Jesus headed to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, Jesus explained this to His disciples when He said: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT2) We don’t need to be troubled or afraid because the peace Jesus gives is so unlike anything the world can offer. Any peace the world provides is temporary and unreliable because it rests upon mere people and worldly things.[22]
One of my favorite poets is Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who lived through a time when there was no peace in this country. During the Civil War, Longfellow wrote the words to what is now the classic Christmas carol, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” The third stanza of that carol reflected the reality of that raging war. Longfellow wrote: “And in despair I bowed my head / ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said / For hate is strong, and mocks the song / Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” Shortly after the war ended, Longfellow sent a letter to his friend Henry Bowditch in which he wrote: “The death of the young men in the war . . . makes my heart bleed whenever I think of it. How much I have felt for you. Particularly on that cold December night when I came back with my son, and saw you at the station and knew that yours would come back to you no more.” The death and destruction of the Civil War had left scars on the landscape of the country, as well as upon the hearts of those who lived through it. And yet, Longfellow knew that, in the end of all the discord, the Prince of Peace will be victorious. And so, he penned the following words that became the conclusion of that carol: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: / ‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;’ / The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, / With peace on earth, good-will to men.’”[23]
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem to give you and me His eternal peace. This Christmas, heed the word of the Apostle Paul and, “Let the PEACE OF HEART THAT COMES FROM CHRIST be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of His body. And always be thankful!” Colossians 3:15 (TLB) Let us pray.
Darvin Satterwhite, Pastor
Forest Hill Baptist Church
December 22, 2024
©2024 All Rights Reserved as follows:
Anyone is at liberty to use this sermon or any portions thereof for educational or religious purposes, with or without credit. The pastor believes the material presented herein to be true to the teaching of Scripture, and desires to further, not restrict, its potential use as an aid in the study of God’s Word. The publication of this material is a grace ministry of Forest Hill Baptist Church in Louisa, Virginia.
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[1] Carson, D. A., ed. (2018). NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Zondervan.
[2] Ibid, Carson.
[3] Matthew 1:20-23 20 “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel—which means, ‘God with us.’” (NIV)
[4] Mary Oelerich-Meyer, “Why are Isaiah's Prophecies about Jesus So Important to Understand?”https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/why-are-isaiahs-prophecies-about-jesus-so-important-to-understand.html (December 13, 2024).]
[5] Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books.
[6] Revelation 19:15-16 15 “In His mouth He held a sharp sword to strike down the nations; He ruled them with an iron grip; and He trod the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. 16 On His robe and thigh was written this title: ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords.’” (TLB)
[7] John 19:28-30 28 “Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’ 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When He had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, He bowed his head and gave up His spirit.” (NIV)
[8] Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books.
[9] Jonah 1:17.
[10] 1st Kings 10:1-10.
[11] Leon Morris, The Gospel According to Matthew, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans, 1992), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 327.
[12] Guinness World Records, https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction [accessed December 19, 2024].
[13] Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books.
[14] Stanley J. Grenz, David Guretzki, Cherith Fee Nordling, “Trinity,” in Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, (Downer's Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "Trinity".
[15] Daniel 7:9 “I watched as thrones were put in place and the ANCIENT OF DAYS—THE ALMIGHTY GOD—sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like whitest wool. He sat upon a fiery throne brought in on flaming wheels.” (TLB)
[16] Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books.
[17] Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Victor Books.
[18] Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (NIV)
[19] Carson, D. A., ed. (2018). NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible. Zondervan.
[20] Philip Wijaya, “What Does it Mean that Jesus Is the Prince of Peace? (Isaiah 9:6),” Christianity.com, https://www.christianity.com/wiki/jesus-christ/what-does-it-mean-that-jesus-is-the-prince-of-peace.html (May 20, 2024).
[21] John 14:6 [Jesus said:] “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (NIV)
[22] Svein Kronstad, “What is the peace that Jesus gives?” ActiveChristianity, https://activechristianity.org/jesus-peace-what-is-the-peace-that-jesus-talks-about-in-john-1427 (accessed December 20, 2024).
[23]PreachingToday.com,https://www.preachingtoday.com/search/?query=Prince%20of%20Peace&contentFilter=Illustrationadapted from Kristen O’Neal, “A Carol for the Despairing,” CT magazine (January, 2019), pp. 51-53.
