PONDERING... Who Is This Child? Part I (Isaiah 9:6)

VIDEO

Who Is This Child? Part I (AM Sermon Notes)

GIST: Jesus humbled Himself for us. 

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6-7

As I prepared our next lesson in Acts while at the hospital with baby Xander, I had these verses pop into my head, and they never left. Therefore, this morning we’re doing something unusual for me. We’re taking a break from our current study and spending the next few weeks walking through what has become a very famous “Christmas passage”. Let’s read Isaiah 9:6-7. 

“6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.”

I love this beautiful passage and have grown-up reading it as a classic Christmas text. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I realize there’s a bit of controversy around it. Jewish rabbis teach that this passage has no reference to the future Messiah at all, but instead these were words spoken to the wicked king Ahaz about his son Hezekiah who would come as a good and Godly king. To be fair, you can definitely see how Hezekiah fulfills this… but only in part. This is something we see all throughout Scripture that is commonly referred to as dual-fulfillment. While Hezekiah would come and serve God faithfully in his reign, he wasn’t perfect and didn’t have a perfect or eternal reign, but Jesus does! So Hezekiah served more as glimpse of things to come, and this prophecy was then fully realized in Jesus. Furthermore, the New Testament, which we’ve demonstrated in the past (and I’d love to discuss further if you have any questions), has been proven to be the trustworthy Word of God, references passages within this section of Isaiah and applies them to Jesus. In fact, Matthew 4:16 even quotes the beginning of this chapter (Isaiah 9:2), “2  The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”, which demonstrates why the child needed to be born. Likewise, studying His life, we can also see how these descriptions apply to Jesus— and that’s what I want us to spend these next few weeks discussing.

As we move through what I truly consider the most wonderful time of the year ☺️, I want us to focus in on who this Child is who came to us in a manger. Here’s our gist for this morning: Jesus humbled Himself for us. Do you ever think about this? In considering that, I want to focus on just the first two lines of this passage and consider what is called the incarnation, Jesus coming as fully God and fully man. Let’s start by looking at→ 

I. THE GIFT OF THE INCARNATION

I want to focus in on the first phrase: “For to us a child is born.” What this points to is what is frequently referred to as Jesus’ humiliation. Why? Because Jesus is the eternal God. He didn’t begin to exist when He came as a baby in Bethlehem, but has always been since before the creation of the world. AND, He did not have to come and rescue us from the sin we’ve chosen. He chose to come, and He chose to take our place. That’s what the incarnation is all about. Like the author of Hebrews expresses in chapter 4:15-16, “15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

He humbled Himself and came to us in a way that should blow your mind. By definition, the incarnation is beyond our comprehension. Jesus did not cease to be God, but He took on humanity— true humanity. He went through life in the same way we do, just without messing up! He was fully God, but chose to live as fully man AND not just as any man. His life was the example of self-sacrifice. He faced more than any of us ever will. Not only did He encounter deep persecutions, but He also literally took on Hell, which He did not deserve. Why? Well, that leads us to our second point (already even! ☺️) →   

II. THE PURPOSE OF THE INCARNATION

Look at this again. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…”. Why did He do this? For us. For you! Why did He come if He didn’t have to? Why did He suffer humiliation and shame and endure Hell though He’d lived perfectly? Because of His unfailing, unconditional love...for you! That’s the amazing grace we sing about! I don’t want to draw this out unnecessarily, but focus in on this as you consider Jesus this season as the baby in the manger: that baby came to save you from the sin you cling to that’s killing you— and He did this by giving everything because He loves you. This isn’t past tense. He loved you then, and He loves you still the same. No matter what you’re facing today, please hear that, which brings us, actually, to our last point→  

III. THE HOPE OF THE INCARNATION

What do I mean by hope here? In closing, look at just at the last phrase in the verses we’ve been considering:  “… and the government shall be upon his shoulder.” He’s God who came for you and died for you, but He didn’t just suffer— He rose again conquering death and defeating sin once and for all! He is and has always been completely sovereign over all. This truth should be so incredibly comforting. Especially as Providence Baptist Church, we need constantly to remember we serve the God who is in control of… EVERYTHING! Nothing— no power, no authority, no conflict, no crisis, no pain— is EVER out of His hands! That’s the hope of the incarnation. This child who came is more than a symbol of seasonal goodwill. He truly is the God who loves you and calls you to take up your cross and follow Him as He leads you exactly where you’re meant to be!

In closing, let’s consider a few quick→ 

TAKEAWAYS

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder”

1. Jesus humbled Himself for you.

2. He’s sovereign over the world– and your life!

3. Trust the Savior who came in the manger. 

PONDERING... Who Is This Child? Part III (Isaiah 9:6)

Who Is This Child? Part III (AM Sermon Notes)

GIST: Jesus is the eternal God who alone brings true and lasting restoration to this broken world.

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Merry Christmas! Yes, I know. It’s technically four days after Christmas now, but I missed last Sunday with Xander being up at Children’s Hospital, and I didn’t want to miss a chance to officially say that! As I’ve mentioned so many times before, I absolutely love Christmas. There really is something special about this time of year for me. However, what really makes this season magical is something I look forward to celebrating with you guys every week. Calling Jesus the reason for the season isn’t just a cliche. It’s the transformative reality. 

In our time together this morning, I want to wrap up this short miniseries on Isaiah 9:6, this prophecy written about Jesus’ birth 700 years before He famously arrived in the manger. As we do so, I want us to continue asking this question: Who is this Child? Who is this Jesus? Let’s read our text for this morning.

“2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone... 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Today, I just want to focus in on those last two titles given to Jesus. Remember, these are like attributes. They are small pictures of who He is. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, our Mighty God, and He is the Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. So, as “Christmasy” as that sounds, what does it mean for us today? Well, our gist for this morning is this: Jesus is the eternal God who alone brings true and lasting restoration to this broken world.

Let’s walk through those titles together.

I. JESUS IS THE ETERNAL GOD

The first title to look at this morning is: Everlasting Father. There is actually a degree of controversy surrounding this verse in so much as it is related to the Trinity. I know this might seem like a heavy doctrine and to talk about on a Sunday morning😀, but the truth of God is always relevant. The Bible teaches us that there is one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three are equally God. They are not a set of gods. However, Jesus is not the Father, and the Father is not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not Jesus…etc. One God. Three distinct persons. Therefore, this verse calling the Messiah ‘Eternal Father’ has been used to spark a lot of debate. That’s not what we’re here to do this morning. It’s also not what the verse is really expressing. Though Jesus does love us with the love that is far greater than even the best of earthly fathers, and the love that He has for us, unlike the love of many fathers, does not pass away and does not fail— so that in that sense, He really is our eternal father—what is actually being expressed in the language here is that Jesus is the Father of Eternity. →  

That means...He’s in control of it. He’s its source. This is a picture of His majesty. Paul expresses this so well in Colossians. “16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17) Through Him and for Him we’re all things made and precisely because of Him all things continue to exist. Jesus did not come into existence on Christmas morning. He always was, and He always will be. Jesus does not pass away. Jesus does not leave. Jesus does not fail. He is the Father of Eternity. That’s kind of a big deal! Consider that also in the context of these other descriptions. His wonderful counsel and a conquering power have always been and will always be! AND, as the eternal, wonderful, mighty God→ 

II. JESUS ALONE BRINGS TRUE & LASTING RESTORATION

The last title given here is probably the most recognizable one: Prince of Peace. Let’s digest this a bit. The term translated prince here has the implication of authority, the one in charge. The world for peace here is the probably familiar term shalom. That word implies complete safety and welfare. Therefore, calling Jesus the Prince of Peace is saying He is the one responsible for true and lasting peace—real peace! And that’s true! That’s why we see Him saying things like this in the gospels. “27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 emphases added). Why? How is His peace different than the peace of the world? It works! It’s real! It isn’t temporary! It lasts...because real peace can only come from the real eternal God, who came to bring us peace! You guys know I love John 16:33, and I can’t help but quote it here: “33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (emphases added). 

Here we need to address what this peace is then that He overcame the world to bring. This is not only some kind of warm fuzzy. First of all, this is peace with God through the salvation Jesus provides. We desperately need this peace. By nature, we are enemies of God. We love our sin, and we reject His offer of salvation because we do not want to give Him control. We need too, but that would mean giving up what we want more: our own power. Unfortunately, this fierce war we wage in the name of individuality is leading us straight to Hell. We’re dead in our trespasses and condemned already. We have sinned against the eternal God, and that warrants our eternal punishment. That’s our natural state. That’s the state of anyone reading these words who has not come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. BUT, that’s the thing, the most important truth, Jesus came to be your personal Savior. He humbled Himself and bore Hell in your place. Why? Because He’s the Prince of Peace. He didn’t come to give you fireplace-feel-goods. He came to bring you life, to bring you the peace with Him you so desperately need, but didn’t do anything to deserve. 

That is the ultimate peace that everyone needs. However, because He came to bring you ultimate peace, peace with Himself, He also desires to bring restoration in all parts of your life. Jesus told us on the sermon on the mount, “9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."” (Matthew 5:9). We live in a cantankerous world. Man, it’s easy to be grumpy. It’s easy to complain. It’s easy to let every single day turn into some kind of soap-opera. Don’t. Don’t let the joy Jesus died to secure be clouded by the misery to which you choose to cling. Jesus came as the Prince of Peace. Are you living in His kingdom? This also reminds me of the Chris Tomlin song “I Will Rise”.

There's a peace I've come to know

Though my heart and flesh may fail

There's an anchor for my soul

I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome

And the grave is overwhelmed

The victory is won

He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name

No more sorrow, no more pain

I will rise on eagles' wings

Before my God fall on my knees

And rise

I will rise

Such beautiful truth. And you can trust this peace→ Because He Has The Whole World In His Hands! Let’s close by looking really quickly at the verse that follows these titles. “7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” (emphases added). Definite. Purposeful. Eternally Faithful. That’s the amazing grace of our Messiah, Jesus!

Alright, to the→ 

TAKEAWAYS

1. Jesus is. By Him and for Him are all things…including every aspect of your life. And His love never lets go, and His love never fails. 

2. He came to bring restoration through complete and lasting peace. He is the one in control of peace, the peace you need. Do you feel broken? Do you feel the weight and consequences of the brokenness around and within you? Jesus came to fix your core problem: sin. He came to bring you peace with God first and foremost, which is your defining need. That transformation then spills over into all your other interactions. You don’t see peace in your life? Have you come to the Prince of Peace as your personal savior? 

3. Do you know Him? Have you been changed by this Child who came in a manger to die to save you? I love this John Calvin quote:

“...whenever any distrust arises, and all means of escape are taken away from us, whenever, in short, it appears to us that everything is in a ruinous condition, let us recall to our remembrance that Christ is called Wonderful, because he has inconceivable methods of assisting us, and because his power is far beyond what we are able to conceive. When we need counsel, let us remember that he is the Counsellor. When we need strength, let us remember that he is Mighty and Strong. When new terrors spring up suddenly every instant, and when many deaths threaten us from various quarters, let us rely on that eternity of which he is with good reason called the Father, and by the same comfort let us learn to soothe all temporal distresses. When we are inwardly tossed by various tempests, and when Satan attempts to disturb our consciences, let us remember that Christ is The Prince of Peace, and that it is easy for him quickly to allay all our uneasy feelings. Thus will these titles confirm us more and more in the faith of Christ, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself.”  -John Calvin

That’s who this Child is. Amen!

PONDERING... A Tiny Picture of Something Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6)

A Tiny Picture of Something Wonderful (PM Program Sermonette)

GIST: This is a glimpse of the most important birth of all time.

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:6

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Children’s Christmas programs are precious. We get to see adorable babies dressed up like sheep, the world’s tiniest Mary and Joseph, shepherds in sneakers, and wisemen who are still trying to learn to tie theirs. The best part? The unpredictables. You never know exactly what’s going to happen! During practice today, we had a runaway pig, a jumping chicken, and a couple of crying sheep ☺. I cannot even express how much I absolutely love this!

More importantly, though, it’s a blessing to see our little children come together to retell the most important birth of all time. This is about salvation. This is little baby was God in flesh, and He came not to be served as an earthly king, but to die on a cross to save us from our sins. What’s so incredibly precious to me is that this child, Jesus, was given to these children we love so much...because He loves them so much more.

The passage I read just a moment ago is one of the most frequently read passages around this time of year. This prophecy about Jesus was written hundreds of years before He came to earth, but it’s such a wonderful picture of who He is.

It starts by saying, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder”. He came for us. He came as a baby born in a manger in Bethlehem and raised on the wrong side of the tracks (Nazareth wasn’t a prestigious and respected community). Yet, He was God. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Like the children’s song says, He’s got the whole world in His hands. Life might seem like it’s spiraling out of control...but that’s just because we’re not the ones in control ☺. It’s not out of His hands.

Then, the passage continues, “and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor”. Ever find yourself feeling lost, or confused, or without hope? Jesus is the source of all wisdom and guidance. Why? Because He’s the “Mighty God,” who came to be our “Everlasting Father”, and being the “Prince of Peace” He died in our place that whoever would believe in Him would be called His child.

So, again, we have this precious opportunity to watch these children come together to celebrate the Jesus who came to die for them!