About 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah wrote this about him:
“His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor.”
(Isaiah 9:6 ESV)
As we celebrate the coming of Jesus to earth to be the Savior of the world, here are some insightful and Christ-exalting thoughts on the meaning of the word “wonderful” from a sermon by Dr. Joel Beeke.
“The word “wonderful” used here (the Hebrew word is “pele”) literally could be translated as “wonder” or as “wonderful.” Usually, when the Bible uses this word, it’s referring to God in his historic saving actions, his acts that he performs on behalf of his people, the people of Israel.
“The root of this word refers to things that are unusual, things beyond human capabilities, things that awaken in us a sense of astonishment, a sense of wonder. Something wonderful is not just a remarkable happening but it’s a miraculous happening . . . that moves us because it shows us God’s amazing, loving care, a divine intervention, and his lovingkindness, his covenant loyalty to his own people.
“Someone has described this word “wonder” as “God’s marvels of love” . . . and it makes you think of the Psalms, where Psalm after Psalm is telling you about the wonderful works of God to his people.
“But here in this case, God is setting before us through Isaiah the most wonderful wonder of all time, the greatest miracle of all miracles, because this wonder doesn’t just refer to an action of God but a person of God, the second person of the holy Trinity becomes man, “unto us a child is born.” Immanuel. “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
“He is God’s lovingkindness personified. He is his names. He is Wonder with a capital “W.” Jesus is eternal Wonder, divine Wonder, glorious Wonder. There’s no wonder like this.
“Unto us a son is born and a child is given and he’s the Son of God. He became the Son of Man. Samuel Rutherford said, “My salvation is my Lord’s second greatest miracle.” Then he went on to say, “His first greatest miracle is the Incarnation in Bethlehem.”
“Who’s ever been like Jesus? There’s no one like him. His character is distinguished, unique, miraculous, separate from sin, separate from others. Who has ever established a kingdom that is not of this world — without arms and without fame and without wealth? As Lord of lords and King of kings, he builds a kingdom that has never perished from a handful of fishermen and other unknown men whom he calls to be his apostles.
“What a wonder Jesus is. He’s one-of-a-kind. He’s in a class by himself. What a wonder Jesus is. He’s in a class by himself.” (End of sermon excerpt)
To access the entire sermon, “Jesus Christ: Wonderful!”, click here:
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermons/125202211335643
To access all five sermons in Dr. Beeke’s series on Isaiah 9:6, visit:
https://godwrotethebook.com/the-meaning-of-isaiah-96
Yes, Jesus is wonderful in a way that nothing else is. His wonderfulness is “off the charts.”
When you think of Jesus as wonderful, what comes to mind, specifically?
What has Christ done for you that is “beyond human capabilities” or “that awakens in you a sense of astonishment, a sense of wonder”?
I’d love to hear how you have experienced the wonder of Jesus, so please leave a comment below and share whatever is on your heart.
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