Unto us a Child is born pt2

Introduction

Let us begin by reading from Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)

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. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end.

This week we are continuing our series “Unto us a child is born” This series is going to look at Isaiah 9:6, in this passage the prophet Isaiah refers to Jesus as “Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Mighty God, and prince Prince of Peace. Today we are going to talk about Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor” however before we continue, I am going to turn things over to Bob Newhart briefly.(type in Bob Newhart “stop it” on YouTube)

Since Jesus is our “Wonderful Counselor”, then Bob Newhart must be the terrible counselor. Nobody wants to hear someone say “Stop it!” when they try to explain their troubles and struggles right? First and foremost it’s not really helpful. Second it REALLY doesn’t make you feel validated, does it? Unfortunately, there are many who view Jesus and his scriptures in this exact way. People often view God and Jesus like a big, cosmic Bob Newhart. They stand in heaven and wag their finger and say “Stop it” every time a person struggles or sins. This idea makes Christ come across as rigid, unwilling to validate, and unable to identify with our struggle. Thus meaning that we couldn’t possibly be helpful. However the truth is this; Jesus offers so much more, he offers us grace from our mistakes, and gives us practical direction to help us flee from the Sin of the world. Today we are going to examine 3 reasons why Jesus is a wonderful counselor who cares.

Jesus Understands

Turn your bibles to Hebrews 4:14-16

Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV)

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

What does this passage tell us? It first tells us that Jesus is our great high priest, and the high priest served as a counselor to the people of Israel, and since Jesus is our great high priest he is our counselor, our wonderful counselor.

Hebrews tells us that Jesus isn’t one who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but one who was tempted in every way. This basically boils to say Jesus Understands the biggest obstacle in speaking and addressing the problems of other people is not knowing or understanding what they are dealing with.

Each one of us can experience troubles in a way others may not understand. If a woman is sexually assaulted it will likely be difficult for her to explain the trauma to a man in a way he would understand. Because he doesn’t know what it’s like to endure sexually assault as a woman, even if he’s been sexually assaulted himself, he still doesn’t know what it’s like to endure as a woman. If a man feels like he failed his family, it might be difficult for him to explain how he feels to a woman. Because she doesn’t know what it’s like to endure failure as a man. Even if she’s failed her family, she hasn’t done so as a man.

Jesus does not have this obstacle. There is no problem that he is unable to empathize with, he understands every problem because Jesus better than anyone understands the nature of sin. Jesus understands EVERYONE'S problem, there is no barrier in lacking experience with the problem. Jesus understands your issues, he understands why they are hard, and he understands why they haunt you. That’s why Jesus is a wonderful counselor, he understands.

Jesus cares

If you are keeping up with your immerse reading, you will soon reach a portion of Isaiah known as the servant songs. In this portion of scripture, Isaiah details all the ways in which the messiah serves mankind. The passage I want to focus on is Isaiah 42:1-4

Isaiah 42:1–4 (ESV)

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law.

This passage describes Jesus as one who is caring and compassionate. Jesus isn’t going to crush the already suffering, he’s not going to extend the burden of those struggling and in pain. Jesus will validate the pain and struggle his people experience, and he will offer them rest through his grace. It’s also important to note that while Jesus is extending this compassion, he will do so while being a patient savior. He will not grow faint or discouraged, and he will bring forth Justice.

Jesus is for everyone!

Let’s read out of Luke 2:8-14

Luke 2:8–14 (ESV)

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Obviously this passage is really famous. However this passage does have an element I feel is often overlooked. This is in verse 10. The angels are bringing to the shepherds good news of great joy, which will be for all the people. Sometimes I wonder if we realize how big of a deal gentile inclusion really is! What would happen if Jesus ONLY came for the Jewish people? Imagine knowing that Jesus is the way to salvation, however you cannot accept him as savior because he ONLY came for the Jews? Isn’t that a frightening thought? Christianity has been called too “exclusive” for some people, as only those who believe in Jesus are saved. However ANY and EVERYONE can accept Christ, this actually makes Christianity a very Inclusive religion. The top 10 countries with the highest Christian population are The United States, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippians, Nigeria, Russia, Congo, Italy, Ethiopia, and Germany. There are multiple peoples and cultures represented in that group. A reminder that Jesus is for everyone, including you and me. The news is good, and the joy is great because it’s available for everyone!

Conclusion

Sigmund Freud is known as the father of psychoanalysis. However despite his monumental discoveries, the human psyche is still fractured. Many have followed in his footsteps, and made monumental discoveries. However despite all we’ve learned about the human mind, many people are still broken, angry, anxious, sad, and unfulfilled. Why? Because this world is full of great, fantastic, amazing counselors. These men and women have done a lot to help people. However their is a vast difference between those who can help, and the one who can heal. Jesus and Jesus alone is able to heal the brokenness of our souls. While all the other counselors can simply help our souls. This is why there is but one counselor who is wonderful, and that is Jesus. Because there isn’t a person who could be as “understanding, caring, and readily available as Jesus.