(5) Isaiah: Back on the Stand

Let’s go back to our first witness, Isaiah once again. God gave Isaiah another startling prophecy of the coming Messiah. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Each of these titles is rich in meaning. For our case, we need to focus on two of them. First, this child is called “Mighty God.” The Hebrew word translated, "Mighty" is packed with the idea of strength but also of being a valiant warrior in battle, a hero to the people. So, Isaiah gives us his witness (received from God Himself) that this child will be God, having great power and ability to accomplish great feats. He will be a valiant warrior in battle; the source of victory over evil who will ultimately gain victory over all evil. And, he will be a great hero, someone that we can look up to and someone we can model our lives after. This child is a Hero-God, a Valiant Warrior, Mighty God.

Isaiah also testifies that this child will be called “Everlasting Father.” "The everlasting Father", is literally "Father of Eternity." In Hebrew thought, the one who "possesses" a thing can be called "the father of." Therefore this child is the source of, the creator of, the possessor of, and the ruler of eternity! He is eternal; before all creation and so, uncreated. This amazing child was Father, Everlasting Father, before He was born into time. He created His own human self.

While these truths are absolutely amazing and downright mind bending, they are not the evidence we need unless they can be shown to apply to Jesus. So, how do we know this is speaking about Jesus? We must look again at the context of Isaiah’s testimony.

Isaiah 9:1-6

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-- The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.  You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.  For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.  Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.  For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In his prophecy – or testimony for our purposes – Isaiah gives us clues to identify who this miracle child will be. This child will grow up and bring light to the darkness in the geographic regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, also known as “Galilee of the Gentiles.”

Again, we turn to our supporting witness, Matthew.

Matthew 4:13-16

Leaving Nazareth, he [Jesus] went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali--  to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-- the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."

That should bring a shout of “Hallelujah!” or at least a hearty “Amen!” All the glorious truths Isaiah packed into the titles “Mighty God” and “Father of Eternity” speak of Jesus!

Next:  (6)  Is Jesus Jehovah?