Name Above All Names

Opening illustration: Well, in the Bible, names are very important and they are significant in other cultures as well. Talking about the Mexican Indians, and somehow or another something of their culture comes up, and the face is very important to an Indian, just as it is in the Orient, we know of course that face is very important. In other words, a person is really humiliated if he has to lose face. And so face is important among them. A child is regarded as being born with no face and what he does is build up his face through the years as his character develops and as his experiences unfold, one gains an idea of what his face really is. Well face sounds very much like the biblical term name. Yes, to our mind, they are almost identical, so that a name is the revelation of a person’s character.

Let us turn to Isaiah 9 and Matthew 1 and see the names that were prophesied and given to Christ, even before He was born.

Introduction: These great things for the church shall be done by the Messiah, Emmanuel. The Child is born; it was certain; and the church, before Christ came in the flesh, benefitted by his undertaking. It is a prophecy of him and of his kingdom, which those that waited for the Consolation of Israel read with pleasure. This Child was born for the benefit of us men, of us sinners, of all believers, from the beginning to the end of the world. Justly is he called Wonderful, for he is both God and man. His love is the wonder of angels and glorified saints. He is the Counselor, for he knew the counsels of God from eternity; and he gives counsel to men, in which he consults our welfare. He is the Wonderful Counselor; none teaches like him. He is God, the mighty One. Such is the work of the Mediator that no less power than that of the mighty God could bring it to pass. He is God, one with the Father. As the Prince of Peace, he reconciles us to God; he is the Giver of peace in the heart and conscience; and when his kingdom is fully established, men shall learn war no more. The government shall be upon him; he shall bear the burden of it. Glorious things are spoken of Christ’s government. There is no end to the increase of its peace, for the happiness of its subjects shall last forever. The exact agreement of this prophecy with the doctrine of the New Testament shows that Jewish prophets and Christian teachers had the same view of the person and salvation of the Messiah. To what earthly king or kingdom can these words apply? Give then, O Lord, to thy people to know thee by every endearing name, and in every glorious character. Give increase of grace in every heart of Thy redeemed upon earth.

What is in the Names of Christ?

1. Wonderful (Isa. 9: 6) ~ Marvel or to be in ‘Awe.’ Only those who truly know Him can appreciate Him and understand His attraction.

• In His humanity ~ “A child is born” brings to mind His humanity.

• In His humility ~ “Son is given” calls to mind His Deity and His Death. It brings to mind John 3: 16.)

• In Honor Of His Person - This word means Supernatural, Secret and Extraordinary, 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! He is Wonderful!

2. Counselor (Isa. 9: 6) ~ means “to advise, counsel, purpose, devise and plan.” It refers to His role as the leader and guiding force of our lives. He is wonderfully qualified for this job.

• He had the age and experience - Dan. 7:9; Heb. 4:15

• He has the knowledge - Acts 1:24; 1 John 3:20

• He has the education - Isa. 40:13-14

• His price is right - Isa. 55:1

• He is always available - Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5

• He always gives perfect advice - Hos. 14:9; Psa. 19:7-8; John 16:13.

• His motives are always pure - 1 Pet. 5:7

3. Mighty God (Isa. 9: 6) ~ 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 (He is the first fruits from the dead - 1 Cor. 15:20.)

• Sin - Rom. 6:14; He brought salvation to all men - Heb. 7:25; Rom. 10:13.