12.23.20
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
We are going to consider over the next two weeks one of the titles of the Lord Jesus that fits the Christmas season. We are first presented with this name in the book of Judges (13:15-21). When the Angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon’s parents, they thought He was the LORD. But to be sure, they asked Him His name. His reply was that ‘it is Secret,’ or, ‘it is Wonderful.’ This is from the same root word as we find in our text. After the experience, Gideon’s mother said, ‘we have seen God.’
Is Jesus worthy of this captivating name? Absolutely, unquestionably! He is wonderful in all things. Let us enumerate seven ways in which Jesus Christ is wonderful.
His birth was Wonderful. “And behold you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord shall give unto Him the throne of His father David; and he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Then said Mary to the angel, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:31-35). Oh the wonder of the incarnation: the angelic visits, the prophecies, and above all, the virgin birth!
His Person is Wonderful. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, (and) received up into glory (1 Timothy 3:16). He is the unique combination of total humanity and deity, the God-Man.
His teaching is Wonderful. And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine (Matthew 7:28). His teaching was like no other, for His words had authority, and were filled with spirit and life.
His character is Wonderful Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them. For such an high priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; who needs not daily, as those high priests to offer up sacrifice, first for His own sins, and then for the people’s; for this He did once when He offered up Himself. For the law makes men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated forevermore (Hebrews 7:23-28). He is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. He has character like no other who has ever lived.
We have seen that Jesus is wonderful in His birth, person, teaching, and character. Do you know this wonderful Savior? He is waiting for you to receive Him today!
Next time we plan to consider three more ways in which He is wonderful. This comes with hope that you will have a blessed Christmas!