These notes accompany the sermon found here.

READ Isaiah 9:6.  You’ve heard this verse applied to Jesus Christ at Christmas time.  But why?  How do we know this refers to Jesus Christ?  And if it does, what more will the passage tell us about him?

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.  Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)

How Do We Know this Is about Jesus Christ?

• ‌It sounds like it’s about him. (Probably need a better reason than that!)
• Matthew 4:13-15 quotes Isaiah 9:1-2 connecting Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:1-7.
• The land spoken of, Isaiah 9:1; is the region around Galilee where most of Jesus’ ministry took place. Matthew 4:13-15.

The Context of Isaiah 9

God was bringing Assyria in wrath, Isaiah 1:24-25, 7:17-20, 8:4-7; God was bringing Babylon in wrath; God was going to destroy Jerusalem, Isaiah 3:16-26; God was taking the nation into exile, Isaiah 5:13; but God was going to reestablish Jerusalem (Zion) better than ever, even including all other nations, Isaiah 1:26-27, 2:2-5, 4:2-6. How was he going to do this?  What would that time be like?  Who would be the earthly agent of such a wonderful turn-around?  What would he be like?   These questions are answered in Isaiah 9:1-7.

Who He Is

• Wonderful
• Counselor
• Mighty God
• Everlasting Father
• Prince of Peace

What He Does

• He exalts the humble. Isaiah 9:1.
• He prospers the nation. Isaiah 9:3.
• He judges the oppressors. Isaiah 9:4-5.
• He establishes a just and eternal rule upon the earth. Isaiah 9:7.
• “The Zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” See Isaiah 37:32, 42:13, 49:17, 63:15.
  • He plans the future – Isaiah 9:1.
  • He shatters the enemies – Isaiah 9:5.
  • He keeps all of his promises – Isaiah 9:7.

What It Means to the People of God

• God has secured a salvation that we enter into by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
• God is fulfilling all of his promises.
• We have a simple and powerful message for the Christmas season.
  • Do you know why we give gifts, have feasts, gather with family, go to church at Christmas?