Isaiah 9:6-7                           WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

Intro: We are in the middle of the Christmas season. It is a time designed to commemorate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, in to this lost world. We who know Him seek to honor Him during this season, but the world reacts in a very different way. Either they ignore Him outright, refusing to say “Merry Christmas”, or to use His name. Or, they blaspheme Him by using His name to make money for themselves.

        All around there are Christmas trees, nativity scenes, lights and all the other trappings of Christmas. Cards are sent that represent His birth. Gifts are given because He was the greatest gift ever given. Still, most people have no idea Who Jesus Christ truly is. Isaiah leaves us no doubt as to the identity of the child mentioned in these verses. He leaves us no doubt as to the identity of the baby born in Bethlehem all those years ago.

        I want to preach on the thought, “What Child Is This?” Let me point out the truths in this passage that answer that question for us.

 

  I.                           HE IS THE EMBODIMENT OF GOD’S GRACE

·         Notice the phrase that is repeated twice in this text – “unto us”. The same idea is repeated in New Testament references to His birth – Matt. 1:21; Luke 2:11.

·         Ill. What we deserve – Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 3:10-23; Psa. 9:17; John 3:18, 36; Rom. 5:12; 1 John 5:12.

·         Still, God gave His Son for us – John 3:16! That is grace!

 

 II.                           HE IS THE EMBODIMENT OF GOD’S GLORY

·         Isaiah calls this baby “a child” and “a son”. The word “child” speaks of His humanity. The word “son” speaks of His deity. Jesus Christ is literally the “God-Man”.

·         Some people believe the greatest miracle was the crucifixion, others the resurrection. Some point to His healings, the feeding of the multitudes with the loaves and fishes, the transfigurations, or other miracles as being His greatest. I would submit that, while all of these are indeed great manifestations of His divine power, His greatest miracle is the incarnation. The day God became a man and remained God is the greatest miracle of all! (Ill. Phil 2:5-8)

·         As the God-Man, Jesus was unique in several important ways. He was unique in:

Ø  His Birth – Isa. 7:14

Ø  His Life – John 1:1; 14 (Ill. Sinless – 1 Pet. 2:22)

Ø  His Death – 2 Cor. 5:21; John 10:18

Ø  His Resurrection – Matt. 28:1-8; Rom. 4:25

·         There’s never been anyone like Him, and there never will be again!

III.                       HE IS THE EMBODIMENT OF GOD’S GREATNESS

·         Isaiah tells us that this child will have a “name”. Then he goes to list more than one name. I have many names, as do you. Jesus has many more! The Bible gives Him at least 256 names. Why so many? One could never be sufficient to declare His glory.

·         Jesus is like a fine diamond. Every time you examine Him, you see a new facet of His character and His glory! In fact, when we get to Heaven, He will reveal yet another name for Himself that will be unique to our relationship with Him, Rev. 2:17.

·         Let’s consider the names Isaiah gives to our Lord:

Ø  Wonderful – word means “Supernatural, Secret and Extraordinary”, Ill. Judges 13:18. This name points out the truth that there is nothing common about Jesus, He is the Miracle man! He is so far beyond our level of comprehension that we can never figure Him out, yet He can be known by a little child! (Ill. He is Wonderful in His Words, His Works and His Ways.)

Ø  Counselor – This word means “to advise, counsel, purpose, devise and plan.” It refers to His role as the leader and guiding force of our lives, Ill. Psa. 37:23; Rom. 8:28.

Ø  Mighty God – This word means “Hero”!  It refers to one Who is “strong, mighty and invincible.”  He alone is worthy to be our Hero for He has defeated all our enemies - Death - 1 Cor. 15:55; Sin - Rom. 6:14; Satan - Gen. 3:15; The Grave - Matt. 28:1-6; 1 Cor. 15:20; Eternity (Hell) - John 10:28.

Ø  Everlasting Father – (Ill. He is “everlasting”! He is the great “I AM”! your life is tied to His and you will live only as long as He does!) He is our “Father”. This word means “Producer or generator.” He is our “source”! He brought us into being and He sustains our lives by His power.  He fulfills His role as our Father by: Loving us - Jer. 31:3; Rom. 8:38-39; Supporting us - Psalm 18:35; Deut 33:27; Sustaining us - 2 Tim. 1:12; Comforting us - John 14:16-18; Providing for us - Luke 12:32; Matt. 6:25-33; Phil. 4:19.

Ø  Prince of Peace – He will rule His kingdom in peace. Ill. “government” and verse 7. How can He do this? He is the creator and provider of peace. And, those who know Him know all about peace, John 14:27; John 16:33a; Phil. 4:7.

 

Conc: What Child is this? We call Him by many names, (Ill. Some!) In the end, He is God, He is Lord and He is Saviour! Do you know Him? Do you love Him? Are you serving Him as you should?