Jesus is Exactly Who We Need
Have you ever put your hope in someone, only for them to let you down? We live in a broken world, and even the best people will fall short and cause pain. But Isaiah knew that someone was coming who would be different. He’d be reliable, consistent, and exactly what we need.
In Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah is pointing to a king with four titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. But what do those names mean?
A wonderful counselor is someone wise, intelligent, and compassionate. They’re the kind of leader who provides support, advice, and direction in life.
Someone with “mighty” in their title is strong, resilient, and willing to stand up for what’s right.
This king will be an everlasting father, someone who views His people as His children rather than His servants.
And a prince of peace describes someone devoted to building bridges between diverse groups and ensuring that everyone has what they need for a whole and healthy life.
On Christmas morning, the son with all of these wonderful titles was born. Not in a palace or castle, but in a humble, ordinary manger.
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see Him consistently model these qualities. He supported and advised people with questions. He stood strong in the face of threats and temptations. He cared deeply for everyone He met. And Jesus gave His life to restore peace between God and humanity for eternity.
Jesus is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Have you seen Him in each of these roles in your own life? How have you seen Jesus’ wisdom, strength, kindness, and consistent care in your life?
Jesus Does The Impossible
Jesus’ statement in Matthew 19:26 is often taken out of context. Many people have taken this verse to mean that they can do anything they want in life because God can do the impossible. Often this can lead to selfish prayers and a small view of God.
In order to understand what Jesus is saying, we should read the preceding verses. In Matthew 19:16-22, a young man comes to Jesus asking for eternal life. Jesus tells him that he must give up all of his earthly possessions—something the young man is not willing to do. Because he failed the test, the young man failed to inherit eternal life.
Jesus says in Matthew 19:23 that it is very difficult for a rich man to enter heaven. The point is that loving Jesus requires everything we are. Our ultimate love cannot be split between Jesus and something else.
The disciples then ask, “Who can be saved?” Jesus responds in Matthew 19:26 that it is impossible for man to save himself—but it is possible with God. God can do the ...