For To Us a Child is Born
Isaiah 8:19-9:7
Key Verse 9:6 “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.”
1. In a dark time, what hope did Isaiah see for his suffering people? (8:19-9:1a) How had God disciplined the land of Zebulun and Naphtali in the past? (1b; 2 Kings 15:29b) How would he honor them in the future and how did Jesus fulfill this? (1c; cf. Matthew 4:15-16)
2. What good news for the nations was the prophet Isaiah bringing to his people? (3-5) How does the birth of Jesus reveal his humility? (6a; cf. Philippians 2:6-8)
3. Read verse 6b. Think about the meaning of each title here and how Jesus fulfills each one. (“Wonderful Counselor”: John 14:16; “Mighty God”: Mark 4:41; “Everlasting Father”: Matthew 28:20; “Prince of Peace”: John 14:27, Luke 2:14)
4. How did Jesus’ coming fulfill God’s promise to David? (7; cf. 2 Samuel 7:13) Which of the titles of Jesus in verse 6 are especially meaningful to you during this Christmas season?