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Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A few days ago, we focused on Isaiah 9:6 in a general way. As we enter the week of Christmas and zero in on Jesus, let’s drill down on each name the prophet uses to describe Jesus. Let’s start with “Wonderful Counselor.” 

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. He came to earth to teach us how to live and how to have life forever. His teaching that applies to this life was clear and practical. He taught us about loving each other, forgiving each other, and encouraging one another. He spoke about marriage, servanthood, and sacrifice. Jesus was a great teacher. However, his primary purpose was not simply to instruct us on how to live during the few days we have on earth. Jesus came to teach us how to live forever! 

Jesus was first introduced by John the Baptist, who said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). From the first day of his public ministry, Jesus was making his way to the cross. Humanity’s root problem is our separation from God due to sin. Jesus came to provide the remedy. Although he committed no sin, “he himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). His clear counsel to us is this, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). 

And…it gets even better. 

Not only did Jesus pay the penalty for our sins, but he sent “another counselor” to be with us forever. The Holy Spirit lives in the believer to guide, comfort, convict, challenge, direct, and remind us that we belong to Jesus. What an amazing truth! The greatest Counselor lives within us, giving his guidance every moment of every day! 

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the Wonderful Counselor who is with us forever! In Jesus’ name. Amen.