Does anyone know what their name means? Mine means “great”. Chris means follower of Christ.
How did you get your name? Were you named after someone special?
I must admit that there are some interesting names out there today.
For the next four weeks, we’re going to be looking at some very interesting names.
• And all these names point to One Person, Jesus Christ, the Name Above all Names.
There are hundreds of names for Jesus in Scripture that describe Who He is.
• Lord of Hosts, Deliverer, King of kings, Redeemer, Savior.
Because it’s Christmas time, I’d like us to reflect on four of His names as found in a favorite Christmas passage. Please turn with me to Isa. 9:6.
This passage not only predicts Messiah’s birth, it also describes how incredible He is.
(Read Together) Isa. 9:6 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.
Before we look at the names of Jesus, we need to understand our first point…
I. WHAT’S IN A NAME?
“A picture paints a thousand words”. In Scripture, a name paints a thousand words. A person’s name described who he or she was, his/her character/personality.
• Isaac means “laughter”. He brought laughter to Abraham/Sarah.
• Isaiah means “God is my salvation”. His prophecies clearly point to this.
• Peter means “rock”. He became the “bedrock” and pillar for the church.
• Jesus means “Jehovah Saves”.
Ex. 3:13-14 MOSES SAID TO GOD, “SUPPOSE I GO TO THE ISRAELITES AND SAY TO THEM, ‘THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS HAS SENT ME TO YOU,’ AND THEY ASK ME, ‘WHAT IS HIS NAME?’ THEN WHAT SHALL I TELL THEM?” 14GOD SAID TO MOSES, “I AM WHO I AM” (YHWH).
• Eternal, everlasting, all-encompassing, all you will ever need.
Because God’s Name describes Who He is, His Name is revered throughout Scripture. Ps. 29:2 ASCRIBE TO THE LORD THE GLORY DUE HIS NAME; Ps. 34:3 GLORIFY THE LORD WITH ME; LET US EXALT HIS NAME TOGETHER. Ps. 111:9 HOLY AND AWESOME IS HIS NAME.
Jesus’ Name is just as powerful.
Phil 2:10 AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH AND UNDER THE EARTH, AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER. Acts 4:12 SALVATION IS FOUND IN NO ONE ELSE, FOR THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN TO MEN BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED."
The Name of Jesus is powerful and life-changing.
When we look at the Names of Christ, we look at the Person of Christ. Understanding His Name helps us to better understand Him.
II. THE WONDER OF HIS NAME
Some translations read Wonderful, Counselor. Others read Wonderful Counselor.
• I’m not sure what Isaiah intended. Both interpretations are powerful.
• Either way, we’re going to look at both words today.
“Wonderful” means “marvelous, exceptional, distinguished, incredibly great”. Webster’s Thesaurus lists three other synonyms for the word “wonderful”.
A. His name is amazing. He is amazing.
Mt. 7:28-29 WHEN JESUS HAD FINISHED SAYING THESE THINGS, THE CROWDS WERE AMAZED AT HIS TEACHING, 29BECAUSE HE TAUGHT AS ONE WHO HAD AUTHORITY, AND NOT AS THEIR TEACHERS OF THE LAW.
Throughout the Gospels, the people were continually amazed at His miracles.
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, there’s just something about that Name.”
B. His name is awesome.
His Name means Jehovah saves. What an awesome, wonderful thought!
Ex. 15:11 “WHO IS LIKE YOU—MAJESTIC IN HOLINESS, AWESOME IN GLORY, WORKING WONDERS?
Ps. 111:9 HE PROVIDED REDEMPTION FOR HIS PEOPLE; HE ORDAINED HIS COVENANT FOREVER—HOLY AND AWESOME IS HIS NAME.
“Our God is an awesome God”.
C. His name is astonishing. (overwhelming)
Mt. 12:23 ALL THE PEOPLE WERE ASTONISHED AND SAID, “COULD THIS BE THE SON OF DAVID?”
The people were amazed and astonished at the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
Everything about Him is wonderful; He’s amazing and awesome and even astonishing.
“His Name is Wonderful, Jesus My Lord”.
“No other name but the name of Jesus is worthy of glory, and worthy of honor, and worthy of power and all praise.”
When we put Wonderful with Counselor, we discover an even greater thing about Him.
III. THE WISDOM OF HIS NAME
Not only is there infinite wonder in His Name, there’s infinite wisdom in His Name.
I choose the word “wisdom” because it’s a key word to help us understand His role as Counselor.
Isa. 11:2 THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD WILL REST ON HIM-- THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND OF UNDERSTANDING, THE SPIRIT OF COUNSEL AND OF POWER, THE SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE AND OF THE FEAR OF THE LORD. Prov. 2:6 FOR THE LORD GIVES WISDOM, AND FROM HIS MOUTH COME KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING. How would you define “Counselor”?
A “Counselor” conveys several ideas: psychologist, lawyer, pastor, etc. The Greek word implies one who “comes alongside of another”.
A Counselor is someone who comes alongside to give knowledge/understanding.
Let me share with you two synonyms that best describe Jesus as Counselor.
A. He is our Advisor.
He counsels us, He advises us what’s right and what’s wrong – thru His Word/Spirit.
When we need advice, He’s always there, ready to give the right advice all the time.
• He is always available to encourage and comfort and guide us.
Ps. 16:7 I WILL PRAISE THE LORD, WHO COUNSELS ME; EVEN AT NIGHT MY HEART INSTRUCTS ME. Illus. There’s an incredible market today in counseling.
• Many people even seek out astrologers and psychics for counsel and advice.
Listen to this counsel: Jesus Christ is the wisest man alive.
• He is the Perfect Counselor Who has all the right answers all the time.
• What’s more, He gives free advice.
Why wouldn’t we go to Him first for counsel and wisdom?
Jas. 1:5 IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, HE SHOULD ASK GOD, WHO GIVES GENEROUSLY TO ALL WITHOUT FINDING FAULT, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM. 2 Pet. 1:3 [GOD’S] DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED FOR LIFE AND GODLINESS THROUGH OUR KNOWLEDGE OF HIM WHO CALLED US BY HIS OWN GLORY AND GOODNESS. If this is true (and it is), do we go to Him first or last for advice and counsel?
Alan Perkins (SC.com) “When the Scriptures refer to Jesus as a "wonderful" counselor, it doesn’t just mean that he’s good at giving advice. It means that he understands things which are beyond the ability of our finite minds to comprehend. He knows things which only God can know. He knows the ways of God; He understands God’s plans and purposes. His knowledge, and intelligence, and wisdom, and insight far exceed that of any man who ever lived. So in Jesus Christ, we have someone who, by virtue of his great knowledge and understanding, is abundantly qualified to guide and direct our lives, Someone who is never confused or mistaken, Someone who always knows exactly what to do, Someone who will never lead us astray.”
• When we need advice and counsel, our first choice needs to be Jesus Christ.
Another way to describe Jesus as Counselor is this:
B. He is our Advocate. (defender, supporter, lawyer)
Not only are people looking for advisors, they’re also looking for advocates.
Someone once said that at the current rate of people becoming lawyers in this country, within 50 years or so everyone will be a lawyer!
A lawyer’s job is to interpret the Law in such a way as to benefit his/her client.
• Lawyers pass the bar when they can demonstrate their knowledge of the law.
Guess what - Jesus wrote the Law! He knows more than anyone what it’s about.
• What’s more, He’s proven that He’s willing to face death in order to benefit His client!
Jesus Christ is the world’s best Counselor, bar none! As children of God, we can guarantee that He’s always on our side.
1 John 2:1 MY DEAR CHILDREN, I WRITE THIS TO YOU SO THAT YOU WILL NOT SIN. BUT IF ANYBODY DOES SIN, WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER [ONE WHO SPEAKS TO THE FATHER IN OUR DEFENSE]-JESUS CHRIST, THE RIGHTEOUS ONE. What are some accounts of Jesus that remind you of His wisdom?
Illus. Suppose you committed a brutal murder and were arrested for it.
• Sent to jail, had no money to afford a lawyer so one was appointed for you.
• You found out he’s the best there is. Your trial comes.
• The evidence is overwhelming, you’re convicted and sentenced to death.
• Then something bizarre happens. Your lawyer stands and approaches the bench.
• He tells the judge that even though you’re guilty, he would like to take your place in the electric chair.
• What would you think about that lawyer? Perplexed, amazed, grateful?
That’s exactly what Jesus Christ has already done for you and me.
• Every one of us has sinned against God. The penalty for sin is death.
Jesus comes along as our Counselor/Advocate and takes our place on the cross!
As God’s children, Jesus defends us to the death!
His Name is Wonderful Counselor. He is our Advisor and our Advocate.
"Jesus, Lamb of God, Worthy is Your Name. You are my All in All."
If it’s true that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor (and He is), then how does He do it?
How does He counsel us? (4 ways)
1. Through prayer
Phil. 4:6-7 DO NOT BE ANXIOUS ABOUT ANYTHING, BUT IN EVERYTHING, BY PRAYER AND PETITION, WITH THANKSGIVING, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD. 7AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS IN CHRIST JESUS.
He counsels us, encourages us, advises us through prayer.
• Another reason why we need to pray!
2. Through His Spirit
When Jesus returned to Heaven, He sent His Spirit to continue His work.
Jn. 14:26 "BUT THE COUNSELOR, THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM THE FATHER WILL SEND IN MY NAME, WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS AND WILL REMIND YOU OF EVERYTHING I HAVE SAID TO YOU… Rom. 8:26 IN THE SAME WAY THE SPIRIT ALSO HELPS OUR WEAKNESS; FOR WE DO NOT KNOW HOW TO PRAY AS WE SHOULD, BUT THE SPIRIT HIMSELF INTERCEDES FOR US WITH GROANINGS TOO DEEP FOR WORDS.
God’s Spirit comes alongside our spirit to advise us and to be our Advocate.
What’s more, His Spirit lives in us so He’s always there to support/encourage/counsel us.
We have the world’s best Counselor on permanent retainer!
3. Through His Word
Everything we need to know is found in it. All godly counsel conforms to His Word.
2 Tim. 3:6-17 ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED AND IS USEFUL FOR TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING AND TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, 17SO THAT THE MAN OF GOD MAY BE THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK.
Ps. 119:9,11 HOW CAN A YOUNG MAN KEEP HIS WAY PURE? BY LIVING ACCORDING TO YOUR WORD. 11I HAVE HIDDEN YOUR WORD IN MY HEART THAT I MIGHT NOT SIN AGAINST YOU.
• Another reason why we need to be constantly and daily in His Word.
4. Through His servants
God uses many of His servants to counsel and encourage His children.
Col. 2:2-3 (Paul) MY PURPOSE IS THAT THEY MAY BE ENCOURAGED IN HEART AND UNITED IN LOVE, SO THAT THEY MAY HAVE THE FULL RICHES OF COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING, IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY KNOW THE MYSTERY OF GOD, NAMELY, CHRIST, IN WHOM ARE HIDDEN ALL THE TREASURES OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. God uses pastors/counselors/believers to counsel and encourage and come alongside us.
• Another reason why we need to be actively involved in a church family.
God uses prayer/His Spirit/His Word/His Servants to counsel/lead us in the right paths.
Jesus Christ is our Wonderful Counselor.
• His Name is Wonderful, the Name Above All Names, He is our All in All.
• There is something wonderful about that Name.
That’s why we need to go to Him for every problem and concern and circumstance.
Christmas is often a time of need. It’s often an emotional and stressful time.
• People are hurting and lost and looking for an advisor and advocate, for real answers.
We have the world’s best Counselor, Who’s always available and always ready to help.
• But we can’t keep Him all to ourselves.
We need to tell others that there’s help and hope in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ.
The Bottom Line: Jesus Christ is our Wonderful Counselor.
As we celebrate Christmas, don’t forget to celebrate Christ, our Wonderful Counselor.
Prayer/Challenge
