Names of Jesus Isaiah 9:6

One of the most well-known prophecies about Jesus is found in Isaiah 9:6. Written approximately 700 years before his birth it gave specific descriptive names to Jesus.

The baby spoken of in Isaiah’s prophecy grew up and commenced a ministry that fills the New Testament. Over the next few sessions we will explore how Jesus lived out the prophecy of Isaiah. In what ways is Jesus a Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace? 

In this session we will focus on the word ‘wonderful’. We will reflect on the meaning of the word, dive into Scripture to experience the wonder of Jesus and consider how to see wonder in our own faith journey.

If you would like to read more about the names of Jesus, then the source material for this series is Warren Wiersbe’s book The Names of Jesus – Experience the Blessing of Knowing Him (2020).

WELCOME

• What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘wonder’?
• What’s the most wonderful experience you’ve ever had?

A dictionary defines wonder as ‘a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable or unfamiliar’ or ‘a person or thing regarded as very good, remarkable, or effective’.

Leader’s notes: Share the ‘Wonder’ presentation with the young people. The aim is to start a discussion about the idea of ‘wonder’ and what it looks like in our everyday lives. Some of the images may prompt discussion about the way we miss opportunities to see wonder in the world. They may also help the group to think about whether their ability to see the wonder of the world has changed since they were young children.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

Jesus said:

‘This is the truth: unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’ (Matthew 18:3 VOICE)

Think about the images in the presentation that showed the wonder of young children.

• How do the words of Jesus regarding the little children link to the theme of wonder?

WORD

Over the next few weeks, we will explore a Bible verse that is usually reserved for Christmas.

Read the following extract from Warren Wiersbe’s book The Names of Jesus.

‘Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah saw his coming. His record is in Isaiah 9:6:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (ASV)

Isaiah saw that this child was unique, for he was “born” and he was “given”. In other words, this child was both God and man! As man, he was born and shared in our human nature, though sinless. As God, he was given – the Father’s love gift to a sinful world.’

– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

• What examples of wonder do you see in Isaiah’s prophecy and the birth of Jesus here on earth?

The baby spoken of in Isaiah’s prophecy grew up and commenced a ministry that fills the New Testament.

Leader’s notes: Share the Scripture references of examples below where Jesus demonstrates his wonder. Encourage the group to explore the Scripture references and discuss how Jesus’ life fulfilled the description ‘wonderful’. They will need to answer the question at the top of the handout: ‘What do these Scripture verses tell us about the wonder of Jesus?’ Rather than going into the detail of each Scripture passage they can focus on the event and what it represents. The young people can either complete this activity in small groups and feed back, or you can work through the Scripture references together. They can also add their own examples of wonder.

What do these Scripture verses tell us about the wonder of Jesus?

Luke 2:18-20 – The shepherds marvel at the birth of Jesus.
Luke 2:25-33 – Simeon meets Jesus in the Temple.
John 1:19-34 – John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Messiah.
John 2:1-11 – Jesus turns water into wine in Cana.
John 4:46-54 – Jesus heals the son of an official.
Luke 4:33-35 – Jesus heals a demon-possessed man.
Matthew 9:9-13 – Jesus calls Matthew.
Luke 7:36-50 – Jesus is anointed by a sinful woman.
Luke 8:19-21 – Jesus’ mother and brothers do not understand him.
Matthew 13:31-32 – Jesus teaches the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
Mark 4:35-41 – Jesus calms the storm.
Matthew 14:13-21 – Jesus feeds the five thousand.
Matthew 16:21-28 – Jesus foretells his death and resurrection.
John 11:38-44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead.
John 13:1-20 – Jesus washes the disciples’ feet.
John 13:31-35 – Jesus gives a new commandment.
Matthew 27:33-37 – Jesus is crucified.
Mark 15:33-39 – The final events surrounding Jesus’ death.
Matthew 28:2-4 – Jesus is resurrected.
Mark 16:19-20 – Jesus ascends to the Father.

Once the group have explored the Scripture verses, discuss what they tell us about the wonder of Jesus.

Throughout these verses we have read the words of Jesus. Warren Wiersbe believes these are one of the greatest wonders of Jesus. Read the quote below. 

• Do you agree with Warren Wiersbe?

‘The greatest wonder of his (Jesus’) teaching is that in his words we have life.
“The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63 NKJV)
When we read the greatest writings of the ages, our hearts may be stirred and our minds instructed, but when we meditate on the words of Christ, we share in the wonder of his life. His word feeds the inner person and satisfies. They give much more than enlightenment; they give enablement and help us to live in him.’      
Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Think about all the Scripture verses you have explored today.

• Which one most represents the wonder of Jesus to you?

WITNESS

Leader’s notes: The aim of this activity is for the young people to think about what a life lived in the wonder of Jesus looks like. Jesus came to earth and faced the same trials and tribulations as we do, and yet he was able to live a life of wonder. Give the group a copy of the lyrics of ‘Wonder’ by Hillsong UNITED or have them displayed on a screen for them to see. Listen to the song together and discuss the lyrics. 

Explore the following questions together:

How does the song represent the theme of wonder?

How is that wonder displayed in the everyday life of the believer?

What practical steps can we take to walk in wonder in a world that feels far from wonderful?

Ask the group to jot down the key discussion points as you listen. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmpYHQ9qOeA  (acoustic version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haQ1earucJ0  (lyric version)

Wonder - Hillsong UNITED
Have you ever seen the wonder
In the glimmer of first sight
As the eyes begin to open
And the blindness meets the light
If you have so say

I see the world in light
I see the world in wonder
I see the world in life
Bursting in living colour
I see the world your way
And I’m walking in the light

Have you ever seen the wonder
In the air of second life
Having come out of the waters
With the old one left behind
If you have so say

I see the world in light
I see the world in wonder
I see the world in life
Bursting in living colour
I see the world your way
And I’m walking in the light

I see the world in grace
I see the world in gospel
I see the world your way
And I’m walking in the light
I’m walking in the wonder
You’re the wonder in the wild
Turning wilderness to wonder
If you have so say

I see the world in love
I see the world in freedom
I see the Jesus way
You’re the wonder in the wild

I see the world your way
And I’m not afraid to follow
I see the world your way
And I’m not ashamed to say so
I see the Jesus way
And I’m walking in the light

I see the world in light
I see the world in wonder
I see the world in life
Bursting in living colour
I see the world your way
And I’m walking in the light
Oh, I say

I see the world in grace
I see the world in gospel
I see the world Your way
And I'm walking in the light
I’m walking in the wonder
You’re the wonder in the wild
Turning wilderness to wonder

If you have so say
I see the world in love
I see the world in freedom
I see the Jesus way
You’re the wonder in the wild
I see the world in wonder
I see the world in life
Bursting in living colour
I see the world in life
I see the world in wonder
Songwriters: Joel Houston / Matt Crocker

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
In what way are you challenged by these words from Warren Wiersbe?
‘The dullness of life isn’t caused by circumstances on the outside, but by spiritual conditions on the inside.’
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

WORSHIP

Throughout this session we have considered the wonder of Jesus through events within his ministry and we have thought about what a life lived in wonder might look like. In the Witness section we identified practical steps we could take to experience the wonder of Jesus. We’re going to take time to reflect on what we have discovered today and ask God to help us walk in wonder.

As the music plays, take time to write a prayer of wonder.

You many want to reflect the words of the psalmist when he said:
When I consider your heavens,
   the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
   which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
   human beings that you care for them?
(Psalm 8:3-4)

You could also commit to one act of wonder that you will focus on in the coming weeks. Ask God to help you notice the wonder of Jesus in your everyday faith and life.

Watch: ‘Wonder (Spontaneous)’ – Amanda Cook – You Make Me Brave (6:29)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F7lxt5fTeo 

Pray with the group or share the following prayer based on the words of Amanda Cook’s song.

Dear Jesus,
Help us to never lose the wonder of you.
Help us to experience the wonder of a child as we look to you. Help us to recognise the beauty of who you are. 
Fill us with your wonder as we go into the every ordinary moments of our life this week.
Amen.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
•    What is your response to the following quote?

‘Wonder is important. That’s why his name “Wonderful” leads the list. Unless I know something of his wonder, I’m not likely to come to him for counsel, power, or any other spiritual essential. Wonder leads to worship, and worship to growth, and growth to character and service. Wonder begins with receiving Christ into the heart and life, experiencing the forgiveness of sins, and the invasion of a whole new life.’          
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

In today’s session we’ll explore how Jesus is the ultimate counsellor and guide in our lives. We’ll consider how he guides us through his word, his Holy Spirit, the circumstances of our lives and the fellowship of the friends and family who provide spiritual support.

WELCOME

Leader’s notes: Give each member of the group three pieces of paper. On the first piece of paper ask them to write down the title of a book or name of a film character, on the second the name of a famous sports person, and on the third a cartoon or animated character.
Starting with round one, each member of the group shares their character and then places the piece of paper on the floor or table. The group then needs to rank the characters based on this question:
Who do you think would make the best counsellor/therapist?
Order the characters from most horrendous counsellor/therapist to the one they think would be amazing. Encourage discussions along the way about the characteristics required to be a good counsellor/therapist.
Repeat this process for the sports person and animated character. What factors influenced the young people’s choices?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Out of all the characters, who do the group think would be the best and worst counsellor/therapist? Ask them to explain their reasoning.

WORD

• Where do you turn to for help?
• Does it depend on what you need help with? If so, how?
• Who do you go to when you need advice? Why are they a good person to go to?

Today we return to the words of Isaiah 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 Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’
(Isaiah 9:6)

• In what ways do you see Jesus as your counsellor?
• How has Jesus provided guidance to you? What did that look/feel like?
• How did you know it was Jesus guiding you?

There are many ways that Jesus acts as our counsellor.

According to Warren Wiersbe, ‘Our Counsellor directs us by his word, his Spirit, the circumstances of our life, and through the believers with whom we have fellowship.’

We’re going to spend some time exploring the way Jesus counsels and guides his followers.

WORD

Jesus provides guidance and counsel through his words and teaching. We’re going to dive into the Gospel of Matthew to explore just a few of the wise words of Jesus.

Share out the following Bible references among the group. Ask them to share their Bible verse and summarise the message. The full Bible verse is listed below for reference.

14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:14-16)

37 ‘All you need to say is simply “Yes’ or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.’ (Matthew 5:37)

24 ‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
25 ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?’ (Matthew 6:24-25)

33 ‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)

7 ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.’ (Matthew 7:7-8)

37 Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: “Love your neighbour as yourself.” 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’ (Matthew 22:37-40)

• After reflecting on the words of Jesus, how does he counsel us through Scripture?

SPIRIT
Jesus promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would guide and counsel us.

Read:
15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you for ever –17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me any more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, 31 but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.
“Come now; let us leave.”
(John 14:15-31)

• What solid piece of life advice does Jesus open with in this Scripture passage?
• Who does Jesus promise will be sent to help and be with us for ever?
• What do we learn about the Holy Spirit in verses 16-17 and 25-27?
• In what ways have you experienced the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
• What does Jesus promise the disciples in verse 27?
• In what ways do the teachings of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit bring peace to our lives?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
This activity is just a bit of fun, but this childlike song will help the young people remember the Holy Spirit’s role as a counsellor in our lives.

Watch: Holy Spirit for Children – AYI the Cow – Christian Songs for Kids (3:28)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4eW2HvizuI

WITNESS

CIRCUMSTANCES
Leader’s notes: Explain to the group that Jesus can guide us through all our circumstances. We may feel prompted to move in a certain direction in our lives or learn valuable lessons from a moment of disobedience. As this is the Witness section of the session, it would be great if the group could share their experience of times when Jesus has guided them or acted as a counsellor in their lives. As the group leader, be prepared to share your own story of times in your life where Jesus has been your counsellor.

FELLOWSHIP
Continue the time of sharing together as you introduce the final way Jesus shares his guidance with us. This can often be through friends and family that share spiritual wisdom with us. Again, encourage the group to share their own experience of the way Jesus has used the fellowship of their church to act as a counsellor in their lives.
If it is appropriate for the group, you may want to give them the opportunity to give thanks for people in their lives who have provided spiritual guidance in the past.

Throughout the session we have explored how Jesus counsels us through his word, the Holy Spirit, our circumstances and in the fellowship of others.
In which of these areas could you further seek his guidance and counsel in your life?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
In his book The Names of Jesus, Warren Wiersbe describes his experience of supporting people in their spiritual journey.
•    What is your response to his experience?

‘Sad to say, many times people have come to me for spiritual counsel without a sincere desire to seek the mind and will of God. They were impatient; they wanted me to hand them a prepackaged plan. They were unwilling to discipline themselves in Bible study and prayer to diligently seek the wisdom God had for them. They expected to find nuggets of truth lying on the surface of life, and were unwilling to dig for hidden treasures.’
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

WORSHIP

So far, we have considered the words ‘wonderful’ and ‘counsellor’ separately. For our time of worship and reflection we’re going to bring these two words together. Jesus is described in Isaiah as the Wonderful Counsellor. We’re going to watch a clip that discusses this idea in more detail and share our thoughts together.

Watch: Christine Caine: Jesus, our Wonderful Counsellor (stop clip at 5:37)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWMOs5AYGUc 

Discuss:

• What did the original Hebrew word for wonder, ‘peleh’, mean?
• How does the life of Jesus show the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy that Jesus is our Wonderful Counsellor?
• How does Jesus act as a counsellor in our lives?
• In what way does Jesus understand us more than anyone else?
• Why are we able to be totally ourselves when we spend time with Jesus?
• In what ways do you need Jesus as your Wonderful Counsellor just now?

Leader’s notes: Give the young people an opportunity to spend time in prayer for themselves and for each other. After they have prayed, then either listen to or sing together Elevation Worship’s ‘O Come to the Altar’. The lyrics are shown on the clip provided.

Watch: ‘O Come to the Altar’ – Official Lyric Video – Elevation Worship (5:49)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpfuKKH_SCE 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Read Isaiah 9:6 from The Voice version to bring the session to a close.

Hope of all hopes, dream of our dreams,
   a child is born, sweet-breathed; a son is given to us: a living gift.
And even now, with tiny features and dewy hair, he is great.
   The power of leadership, and the weight of authority, will rest on his shoulders.
His name? His name we’ll know in many ways –
   He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Dear Father everlasting, ever-present never-failing,
   Master of Wholeness, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6 VOICE)

In today’s session we’ll consider the words of Isaiah where Jesus is called Mighty God. We’ll think about what this name tells us about Jesus’ divine nature and explore how his power can work in us and through us.

WELCOME

• In your opinion, who is the most powerful person in the world? Explain why you have chosen this person.
• What aspects of their personality, position and lifestyle make them powerful?
• If you were the most powerful person in the world, what would you do with that power?
• Do you think people change once they have power? If so, how?

In the film Aladdin, Jafar’s quest for power leads him into a trap.

Watch: Aladdin (1992) – Jafar is turned into a genie (1:51)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iNaR1ie7YA 

• What are the pitfalls of having too much power?
• How is power often abused?
• What do you think Napoleon Bonaparte meant when he said that ‘A throne is only a bench covered with velvet’?
• In what way would you like to be a powerful person?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Consider power in a different way by discussing the following quote:
‘The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.’ ¬ Alice Walker

WORD

In today’s session we continue our journey through Isaiah 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 Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

Jesus, the Messiah, is described by Isaiah as ‘Mighty God’, which clearly claims that Jesus is God. We’re going to spend some time exploring the New Testament to discover the scriptural evidence that supports this claim.

Leader’s notes: Prior to the session, cut out the Bible references on the ‘He is God’ handout. Distribute them among the group. Ask them to explore each Bible verse and, most importantly, place it in context. The group can either work individually or in small groups. Ask the group to share what they have discovered about Jesus as ‘Mighty God’.

The group will only need the Scripture reference, but the whole verse is listed below.

(Note to designer: the handout will need to be a table with ten rectangles for the leader to cut up and share out)

22 [Jesus said] Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him. (John 5:22-23)

9 Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”?’ (John 14:9)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

28 Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ (John 20:28)

5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, for ever praised! Amen. (Romans 9:5)

12 It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:12-13)

8 But about the Son he says,
‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
   a sceptre of justice will be the sceptre of your kingdom.’ (Hebrews 1:8)

7 ‘Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ (Mark 2:7)

23 ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’). (Matthew 1:23)

35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35)

Jesus, the Mighty God, came to earth as a helpless baby held in his mother’s arms. 
Jesus, the Mighty God, died on a cross after being brutally beaten and mocked.
Both these events turn upside down our idea of might and power.

As you watch the clip, think about how the last days of Jesus demonstrated his might and power in a way that the world had never seen before.

Watch: The Resurrection of Jesus: Luke 24 (5:15)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb24Lk1Oh5M

• What is Jesus’ idea of might and power? How does it differ from ours?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Share and discuss the following quote from Warren Wiersbe.

‘It’s unfortunate that some of the pictures artists draw of Jesus (and no picture of him is authentic) depict him as something less than a man. Certainly, he was meek, but meekness isn’t weakness. Meekness is power under control. He was lowly in heart, but he was able to make a whip of cords and drive the hypocritical money-changers out of the Temple. His arrest and crucifixion appear to be experiences of weakness, and on one sense they are, but in a deeper sense, they reveal his mighty power.’
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

WITNESS

Ask the group to imagine they have been asked to lead a time of worship or share a devotional thought. You may want to arrange for them to do this in a wider church meeting or as part of a weekly rehearsal. The theme is Jesus, Mighty God. Using the resources from today’s session, encourage the group to work either in pairs or larger teams to prepare their time of worship or devotional thought. Keep their focus on the words of Isaiah 9:6 and its description of Jesus as our Mighty God.
Give the group time to plan their worship or devotional time and then feed back ideas. Encourage them to give positive feedback and constructive criticism to improve their ideas.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Create a one/two sentence answer to this question.

• Why is Jesus described as a Mighty God?

WORSHIP

In our time of worship today, we’re going to reflect on the power and might of Jesus. We live in a world full of depression, oppression, sickness and darkness. The song that we are going to share together speaks of all these challenging aspects of humanity bowing before the might and power of Jesus.

Leader’s notes: Before sharing the song with the group, take a moment to discuss and list on a large sheet of paper prayer topics that fall into the four categories: depression, oppression, sickness and darkness. What situations linked to these themes need our prayers just now? 
Encourage the group to pray individually as the music plays. When the song has finished, share as a group. Bring the time of prayer to a close by reading the prayer based on the song ‘Mighty God’.

Jesus, you are a mighty God,
Depression bows before you,
Oppression bows before you,
Darkness bows before you,
Sickness bows before you,
Jesus you are a good God.
Amen.

Watch: Moses Akoh – Mighty God (Official music video) (4:52)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiJNKBjpbKY 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Send the group home with these words of encouragement from Ephesians 3:20-21.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
 

As we move through the names of Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6, we come to the name ‘Everlasting Father’. Is Jesus the same as our heavenly Father? What does this name mean for us today? In today’s session, we will start the journey of grappling with the challenging concept of eternal life and what it means to experience eternal life here on earth.

WELCOME

In June 2023, the New York Times released a ‘new’ game that asked players to group four sets of four words with a common thread. The ‘new’ game came to the attention of Victoria Coren Mitchell, the host of the hugely popular quiz series Only Connect. Here’s what she had to say:
‘Do you know this has been a TV show in the UK since 2008?! It’s so similar I guess you must do!’

The senior writer for Only Connect, Mike Turner, also joined in saying:
‘If you need a hand at all, I’ve written 750 of these for Only Connect.’

• Why do you think the creators of Only Connect were so frustrated?
• What does it feel like when someone takes an idea that was originally yours?

To start our session today, we’re going to play along with the Only Connect Connecting Wall. See how you get on following the game.

Watch: Presto, Piano, Largo … Can you solve this connecting wall? Only Connect/IQTV (2:48)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4poBji_m8U 

• How did you get on with the quiz?

Only Connect is known for its challenging and confusing games. Many fans feel a sense of achievement if they get just one question per programme correct. 
There may be moments in our session today where you feel confused and a little bewildered. We are tackling a challenging topic that can be difficult to get our heads around. See today as another step on the journey of understanding more about Jesus.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
As an extra bit of fun, you could watch this clip from Mitchell and Webb which makes fun of overcomplicated TV quiz shows. You could give the young people the option to shout ‘That’s Numberwang!’ at any point during the session where they feel they have understood an aspect of this difficult topic.

Watch: Numberwang Episode 1 (1:57)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0obMRztklqU 

WORD

In today’s session we continue our journey through Isaiah 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 Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

Our phrase for today is ‘Everlasting Father’.

• What do you think Isaiah meant when he described Jesus as the ‘Everlasting Father’?

Read the following extract:

‘That Jesus Christ, the Son of God, should be called “Everlasting Father” appears to be a theological contradiction; if Jesus is the Son, he can’t be the Father. Each member of the Godhead – the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit – is separate from the other members and yet equally God. The Father is not the Son and the Son is not the Father.
The answer, of course, is in the unique use of the word “father” by the Semitic peoples. An Old Testament Jew reading Isaiah’s prophecy would recognise the word “father” to mean “originator of” or “author of …”
In calling Jesus Christ the “Everlasting Father”, the prophet was saying, “He is the originator of that which is everlasting. He is the author of the eternal.’
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

• In what way does this extract change your understanding of the name ‘Everlasting Father’?
• Jesus is described as the ‘author of the eternal’. What do you think that means?

Watch the clip and discuss the questions together.
Watch: What Jesus Meant by ‘Eternal Life’ (stop clip at 5:02)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCOycIMyJZM 

• What does Jesus mean by ‘eternal life’?
• What does the ‘eternal life’ mean when it is directly translated from Hebrew?
• What are some examples of ‘an age’?
• What two ages are there to choose from?

Jesus said this prayer for his disciples:
3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

• What can Jesus offer to us through his death and resurrection? John 3:16 might help you to answer this question.
• In what way is ‘eternal life’ something that we can access right now?

Explore the following Bible verses with the group and discuss how they help us to understand the idea of Jesus as the ‘author of the eternal’. The full Scripture verses are shown below.

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
(John 3:16)

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.’
(John 10:27-30)

25 Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’
(John 11:25-26)

1 After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed:
‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
(John 17:1-3)

Read and discuss the following quote:
‘Those who belong to Christ have become a part of the very life of God and have entered forever into the realm of the eternal.
Because Jesus Christ is “Wonderful”, he takes care of the dullness of life. As the “Counsellor”, he handles the decisions of life. The “Mighty God” enables you to meet the demands of life, and the “Everlasting Father” provides new dimensions to your life. You are part of the eternal.’
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Now that you have spent time exploring the meaning behind the name ‘Everlasting Father’, how would you answer the following question?
•    What do you think Isaiah meant when he described Jesus as the ‘Everlasting Father’?

WITNESS

In today’s session we are considering Jesus as the ‘Everlasting Father’, the ‘author of the eternal’. We’re now going to think about what this means for us individually. Watch the clip and jot down any useful thoughts or questions you may have.

Watch: How can it be said that we have everlasting life when we still die? – Got Questions Ministries (3:45)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSPJDhwyIpc 

Discuss the clip and explore any questions the young people may have. It is OK for them to grapple with this challenging subject and it’s OK if you don’t have all the answers as the group leader.
Give the group A4 paper and felt-tips. Ask the group how they usually create notes to help them remember or understand a concept. Their task is to create a memory aid, or reference, for the phrase ‘Everlasting Father’. They can use the Scriptures from the Word section or points from the discussions. They can also create a questions section for any areas they want to explore further. They may want to record their ideas as a picture or mind map – anything that will help them remember what has been shared in the session. Once they have completed the task, they can share it with the rest of the group.
As group leader you may want to attempt to complete this task yourself prior to the session.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• What is your response to these words from The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine?

  ‘Eternal life focuses on unending adoration and enjoyment of God. We find our destiny and experience that for which we were created: to see God, to be like him, to love him and to enjoy him for ever.’
  The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine (2013) p225

WORSHIP

Read and discuss the following quote:
‘Jesus Christ made us for eternity. To reject him is to miss the very purpose for which we were created. He came to earth to reveal eternity, and he died to give us eternal life. He lives to make eternity a real and exciting experience for us day by day, as he controls and conquers time.
But there’s another ministry that he performs as the “Father of Eternity”. One day he will return to take us to a glorious eternal home where there will be no time, no delay, no decay, and no death.’
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

The young people have had a lot of challenging concepts to grapple with during this session, so we’re going to end with a time of reflection and prayer. They can use this time how they choose, reflecting on the pictorial representation of the ‘Everlasting Father’ they created or praying for a world where there is no more pain. Use Matt Redman’s song as part of your time of reflection and either share together in prayer or pray on behalf of the group.

Watch: Matt Redman – ‘One Day (When We All Get To Heaven)’ (Live from Belfast Waterfront) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgDjtpWV4Ro 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Read these verses to bring the session to a close.
28 I give them a life that is unceasing, and death will not have the last word. Nothing or no one can steal them from My hand. 29 My Father has given the flock to Me, and He is superior to all beings and things. No one is powerful enough to snatch the flock from My Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.
(John 10:28-30 VOICE)
 

In this session we come to the final name of Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6. We will explore what it means for Jesus to be named the Prince of Peace and discover the meaning of peace in the Old and New Testaments. We’ll spend time bringing our thoughts from this set of sessions together and looking at Isaiah 9:6 as a whole. Finally we’ll take the opportunity to pray for peace in this world.

WELCOME

Today’s session is all about peace, so we’re going to start the session with a beautiful song that follows the same theme. Feel free to join in and sing along.

Watch: Page CXVI – ‘Peace Like a River’ (Music Video) (4:15)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fG_bXEV8xzk 

• What is your idea of perfect peace?
• What makes you feel peaceful?
• Where do you find peace in your life?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Think of a friend or family member.

• How could you bring a moment of peace to their lives over the coming week?

WORD

The WORD section is shorter than usual to allow sufficient time for the young people to complete the WITNESS activity. 

In what way do you see Jesus as the Prince of Peace?

Read and discuss the following extract.
‘When you think of Jesus Christ as “Prince of Peace”, you immediately think of his character. Jesus was a man of peace. You see this as you watch him in the different circumstances of life. He was able to fall asleep in the ship in the midst of a storm so threatening that even his fishermen disciples were terrified. He looked at over 5,000 hungry people and assured his worried disciples that he knew what he would do. The professional mourners at the home of Jairus laughed in his face when he told them the little girl was only sleeping, but he calmly entered her room and raised her from the dead. Even the two demoniacs in the graveyard of Gadara didn’t frighten him. He is “Prince of Peace”, so he was able to bring peace to their divided and distressed hearts. In the garden, Peter pulled out a sword and declared war, but Jesus calmly faced the mob and peacefully surrendered to the arresting officers, even though he knew that Golgotha lay at the end of the road.’
– Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

To gain a deeper understanding of Jesus as the Prince of Peace, we’re going to watch and discuss a Bible Project clip together.

Watch: Shalom – Peace – Bible Project (3:48)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLYORLZOaZE

• What is the Hebrew word for peace found in the Old Testament and what is its meaning? 
• What does it mean to bring Shalom to a situation or relationship?
• What is the Greek word for peace found in the New Testament and what is its meaning?
• How did Jesus bring peace to this world?
• What does it mean if we become people of peace?
• What is true peace?
• How does this teaching about the Biblical meaning of peace add understanding to Jesus’ name as the Prince of Peace?

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• What is your response to the following quote?
  ‘We’re prone to want God to change our circumstances, but he wants to change our character. We think that peace comes from the outside in, when in reality it comes from the inside out. Our hearts carry in them their own war or peace, depending on who is in control, Christ or self. Jesus Christ brings peace, because he is peace. The more we become like him, the more we experience his peace and can share it with others.’
  – Warren Wiersbe, The Names of Jesus (2020)

WITNESS

Our Witness section today gives the group an opportunity to bring together everything they have discovered over the past five sessions.

Read Isaiah 9:6 together.
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 Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6)

Recap each of the names of Jesus we have covered during this set of sessions.

• Wonderful
• Counsellor
• Mighty God
• Everlasting Father
• Prince of Peace

The task for the group is to plan a way to share what they have discovered with the wider church community. They can use their skills and talents to share with a specific group in the church, create a piece of artwork, write a song, create a poem, or anything that shares the message about Jesus from Isaiah 9:6. You may want to provide resources appropriate to the talents of your group. Share ideas together and then give the young people time to create.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY

• How could you develop the project you have started to create?
• How could it be used in the wider church community?

WORSHIP

For the time of worship and reflection the group will have an opportunity to pray for places in the world experiencing conflict. Place a large sheet of paper in the centre of the group with felt-tips available. As the music plays, encourage the young people to write down situations, people and places that need our prayer. The young people may want to use their phones to research places and people that specifically need prayer.
When the music finishes, spend time in prayer asking for the Prince of Peace to bring his peace to all the circumstances the group has shared.

Watch: ‘Prince of Peace’ – Hillsong UNITED – Live from Israel (7:55)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF3gxWigQpM 

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
If your group would like to discover more about the story behind the song ‘Prince of Peace’ then watch and discuss it together.

Watch: ‘Prince of Peace’ Song Story – Hillsong UNITED (6:53)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E09O5ukH5QU