Jesus: Wonderful Counselor

His Name Will be Called   •  Sermon  •  Submitted
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Opening Comments:

Does anyone know what their name means?
Mine is of English desent and means “battle warrior.”
How did you get your name? Were you named after someone special?(Tell who my boys are named after)
For the next four weeks, we’re going to be looking at some very interesting names.
All these names belong to one Person, Jesus Christ, the Name Above all Names.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Introduction:

There are hundreds of names for Jesus in Scripture that describe Who He is.
• Lord of Hosts
Deliverer
King of kings
Redeemer,
Savior,
Advocate
Almighty,
Alpha and Omega,
Author and finisher of our faith
Author of eternal salvation.
Blessed and only Potentate,
Branch
Bread of Life
Captain of Salvation
Chief Shepherd
Consolation of Israel
Cornerstone
Dayspring
Door
Faithful Witness
First and Last
Good Shepherd
Governor
Great High Priest
Holy One,
Horn of Salvation
I AM,
Image of God,
Immanuel,
King of the Ages,
King of the Jews
King of Kings
Lawgiver
Lamb of God
Light of the World
Lion of the tribe of Judah
Lord of All
Lord of Glory
Lord of Lords,
Lord of Our Righteousness
Man of Sorrows
Mediator
Messiah
Bright and Morning Star
Only Begotten Son
Our Passover
Prince of Life
Prince of Kings
Prince of Peace
Redeemer
Resurrection and The Life
Root of David
Rose of Sharon
Seed of Woman
Shepherd and Bishop of Souls
Shiloh
Son of the Blessed
Son of David
Son of God
Son of the Highest
Sun of Righteousness
True Light
True Vine
Word of God
But, because it’s Christmas time, I’d like us to reflect on four of His names as found here in Isa. 9:6.
This passage not only predicts Messiah’s birth, it also describes how incredible He is.
Before we look at the names of Jesus, we need to understand what is important about names.

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”.
Eternal, everlasting, all-encompassing, all you will ever need.
Exodus 3:13–14 NKJV
13 Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”
Because God’s name describes Who He is, His name is revered throughout Scripture.
Psalm 29:2 NKJV
2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
Jesus’ Name is just as powerful.
Philippians 2:10 NKJV
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
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

“Wonderful, Counselor.”
“Wonderful” means “marvelous, exceptional, distinguished, incredibly great”.
A. His name is amazing. He is amazing.
Matthew 7:28–29 NKJV
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Throughout the Gospels, the people were continually amazed at His miracles.
B. His name is awesome.
His Name means Jehovah saves. What an awesome, wonderful thought!
Exodus 15:11 NKJV
11 “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
Psalm 111:9 NKJV
9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.
C. His name is astonishing. (overwhelming)
Matthew 12:23 NKJV
23 And all the multitudes were amazed 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.
“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.
Isaiah 11:2 NKJV
2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
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.
He is always available to encourage and comfort and guide us.
Psalm 16:7 NKJV
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
There’s an incredible market today in counseling.Many people even seek out astrologers and psychics for counsel and advice.
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?
James 1:5 NKJV
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
2 Peter 1:3 NKJV
3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
One Scholar put it this way: “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.
B. He is our Advocate. (defender, supporter, 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 and 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 NKJV
1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
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.

Application:

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
Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2. Through His Spirit
When Jesus returned to Heaven, He sent His Spirit to continue His work.
John 14:26 NKJV
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
God’s Spirit comes alongside our spirit to advise us and to be our Advocate. 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 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Psalm 119:9–11 NKJV
9 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.
4. Through His servants
God uses many of His servants to counsel and encourage His children.
Colossians 2:2–3 NKJV
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
God uses pastors/counselors/believers to counsel and encourage and come alongside us. That is 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.

Conclusion:

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.
Jesus Christ is our Wonderful Counselor.
As we celebrate Christmas, don’t forget to celebrate Christ, our Wonderful Counselor.
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