MEMORY VERSE: “ 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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.
BIBLE PASSAGE: John 1:10-14.
INTRODUCTION
About 700 years before Jesus Christ was born, Isaiah announced the birth of Israel’s Messiah. The prophet’s revelations outlined the details of Christ’s lowly birth in Bethlehem to His glorious future reign in the New Jerusalem when there will be enduring peace on Earth during the Messiah’s rule. It further declares Jesus as the One who Is called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Throughout His Earthly ministry, Jesus Christ exhibited a different kind of leadership strength than the Jewish people expected. They were looking for a heroic figure like King David who would deliver them from the Roman oppression and authority the Roman Empire obtained through valiant military conquests as well as political might. But the kingdom principles Jesus introduced were based on servant leadership Matthew 12:17-21; 20:28 and a kingdom “not of this world” John 6:15; 18:36.
OUTLINE
1. THE TERM ‘MIGHTY’ EXPLAINED
2. IS JESUS CHRIST THE MIGHTY GOD?
1. THE TERM ‘MIGHTY’ EXPLAINED
“ Mighty” is a translation of the Hebrew word “Gibbor,” defined as “strength, power, hero, warrior.” Isaiah 9:6 tells us that Jesus is El Gibbor, God of Strength, God of Power, God our Hero, God our Warrior. In his predictions about Jesus, Isaiah used titles typically associated with Israel’s kings to illustrate the majestic, Kingly character of the coming Messiah. The title: Wonderful Counsellor has its origins in the Davidic line of monarchs, known for giving and receiving wonderful counsel, the depth of insightful wisdom in these counsels was beyond human comprehension of human beings 2 Samuel 16:23. Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace were divine attributes used to address Earthly sovereigns, and the term ‘Mighty’ relates to the King’s leadership role. In the original Hebrew, Mighty means “having or showing great power in authority or military leadership, being heroic or valiant.” As Israel’s Mighty God, the Messiah would be a brave and powerful leader ruling over the armies of God like no other King before Him. He would be the divine hero and champion defender described in Deuteronomy 10:17: “ For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.”
2. IS JESUS CHRIST THE MIGHTY GOD?
When Jesus came to the Earth, He voluntarily “gave up his divine privileges; He took the humble position of ‘a servant’ and was born as a human being.” Philippians 2:7. The full manifestation of Isaiah’s prophecy about Jesus being a “ Mighty God” will only be fully experienced at Christ’s second coming. Nevertheless, in every aspect of His life and ministry, from conception Luke 1:35, 49 to ascension Luke 24:50-51 Jesus operated with divine power and authority.
a. His Public Ministry
Jesus started His ministry “in the power of the Spirit, performing mighty works that spread the news about Him throughout the countryside” Luke 4:14. People testified that Jesus was “a prophet who did powerful miracles, they called Him a ‘mighty teacher” Luke 24:19. When Jesus cast out demons and unclean spirits, He proved that He is both divine and mighty, operating under God’s complete authority and power Luke 4:36, Mark 1:32-34. Christ’s supernatural acts confirmed Him as the ‘Mighty God’ Acts 2:22. His resurrection is undoubtedly the most significant proof that who had the power to lay down His life and take it up again John 10:18. Yet He humbly submitted to the weakness and humiliation of death on the cross 2 Corinthians 13:4; Philippians 2:5-8. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else – not only in this world but also in the world to come for the benefit of the church Ephesians 1:19-22. As Mighty God, Jesus rose from the dead and now sits at God’s right hand in heaven, high above every other authority, power, and leader.
b. Further Accounts of Jesus Christ
God granted Jesus the authority over all people to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. John 17:2: 10:28; 1 John 2:25. At the end of the age, Jesus Christ will come again to Earth “with power and great glory, at that time, Isaiah’s vision of a Mighty God and King will come to full fruition. Matthew 24:30. Jesus will hand over the kingdom to His heavenly Father after He has destroyed every enemy of God. 1 Corinthians 15:24-25. AS Mighty God, Jesus will judge all the people of the Earth Revelation 18:8, 10. Then He will sit on His eternal throne and reign in great power and authority. Revelation 11:15-17, 12:10. Every creature in Heaven and on Earth will bow down and worship Him. Heaven will ring with shouts of: “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God” for He was slain, and He alone is worthy “to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise” forever and ever. Revelation 5:12-13, 19:1.
Do you need strength in your life? Do you need a hero to deliver you? Do you need a warrior to help you fight and win your battles? Jesus is your Man because He is El Gibbor–The Mighty God. He created the universe by His power John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17.
c. How Should You Respond to Jesus Christ the Mighty God?
Trust Him: Trust also that He is mighty to save John 3:17 KJV
Love Him: Love is a choice decision, an action we take. We show our love for Him by spending time daily in His Word, in prayer, and on obedience to His Word, Jesus commands us to Matthew 22:37-39; John 14:15.
Serve Him: Follow in His footsteps as His servant. Our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus Philippians 2:5-8. We must not make any mistake about this – Jesus Christ is our Mighty, All-powerful God. He is our God Warrior, our God Hero. May the Lord continue to grant us a greater understanding of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
CONCLUSION
Jesus declared Himself to be God and His followers believed Him to be God. We have salvation because Jesus is God incarnate, the Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8, 22:13, and God our Saviour 2 Peter 1:1. And in the words of Isaiah in Isaiah 9:6, Jesus is The Mighty God.
FURTHER READING
Mon: 1 John 5:20.
Tues: John 20:28.
Wed: Titus 2:13,
Thurs: John 8:58.
Fri: Deuteronomy 10:17.
Sat: Philippians 2:7, Luke 4:36.
Sun: Mark 1:32-34.