Advent Word Studies: 4

Messianic Titles:

Isaiah ch.9 v.6 gives us a list of names:

For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Each one would be a meditation in its own right. I shall just take one: Mighty God. To us, looking from this side of His resurrection, calling Jesus God is natural, for we have come to know Him as our own Lord. But for the people at the time of the prophet Isaiah, this must have appeared to be a bizarre conndrum. A man, referred to be equal to God himself?

Make no mistake. For this was not a comparison, hyperbole or figure of speech. Isaiah was just speaking those words as the Holy Spirit inspired him to, and his choice of words was significant.

We are not talking about grades of divinity. Yahweh Himself is referred to as a Mighty God in a number of passages, particularly when He is being called upon a Righteous Judge. Jesus will return as our Judge too.

The same Jesus is referrd to as Almighty God in Revelation - just as His father is - the first and last. Source of creation and the One under whom it will experience its final culmination.

Question

Choose one of the other titles for Jesus in this passage. Search for other references to this title used for the Father and the Holy Spirit. Look for common themes to give you an insight into Isaiah'schoice of words when he gave this short list of titles for the coming Messiah. In what ways was this title fulfilled by Jesus when He first came? In what ays will the title be fulfilled on His return?