In days of yore kings and leaders were frequently given impressive names in connection to their character or accomplishments. For example, Richard I of England is commonly referred to as Richard “the Lionheart” because of his courage and cruelty. President Abraham Lincoln was sometimes called “The Ancient One” because of his sage wisdom. More recently, Margaret Thatcher, who served as Britain’s Prime Minister from 1979-1990, was known as the “Iron Lady” for her resolute politics and leadership style.
Similarly, in biblical times, ancient kings were described by names like those listed in Isaiah 9:6. The prophet wrote to warn Judah of God’s impending judgment as well as His promised salvation through an anointed king or messiah. Based on the descriptive terms listed in Isaiah 9:6, expectations looked forward to a king with extraordinary wisdom, great strength, and peaceful influence. This king would set all things straight upon his arrival, crushing enemies in the process. He would do this, because he would be chosen and empowered by God’s zeal (v. 7). So God’s people anticipated a king like Saul, imposing in stature, a king like David, mighty in battle, or a king like Solomon, amazingly wise. A political leader whose glory and might would eclipse even the most revered kings of Israel’s history. As one song writer put it, they thought he would “come with a crown of gold, a string of pearls, and a cashmere robe … [that he would] clinch an iron fist, and rain like fire on the politics.”[1] The title, Mighty God, only bolstered these expectations. The name brings to mind one deserving of great honor and fame as well as one exhibiting power in authority and leadership.
How unbelievable it must have been for the long-awaited king to be born in such a low estate. To think that the King who made all things, owns all things, sustains all things, and reflects the complete radiance of God’s glory (Heb 1:1-4), nevertheless took on the human journey as a vulnerable and dependent baby is astonishing (Isaiah 7:14)! Speaking of the incarnation of Jesus, Charles H. Spurgeon beautifully describes the union of the divine and the human, the extraordinary and the common:
They never cease to tell the astonishing story, and to tell it with increasing astonishment too, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born of the Virgin Mary, and became a man.
Is He not rightly called Wonderful?
Infinite, and an infant. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman’s breast. Supporting a universe, and yet needing to be carried in a mother’s arms. King of angels, and yet the reputed son of Joseph. Heir of all things, and yet the carpenter’s despised son.
Jesus is the Mighty God described in Isaiah 9:6. He is the Son of God and the Son of Man, fully divine and fully human. He is the Hero who was sent “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Isa 61:1-3). As God and man, King Jesus has the authority and capacity to reclaim sinners and pardon the condemned. Through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and bodily resurrection He satisfied the just demands of the Father, paid the debt that we owed and took the penalty we deserved (Col 2:13-15). He wins! Satan, sin, and death no longer have claim on those whose king is Jesus. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Matthew 1:21-23 (ESV) – “‘[Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).”
[1] “Baby Son” by John Mark McMillan, 2018