Jesus: The Fulfillment of Prophecy and Peace
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of Jesus as the Messiah, focusing on the incredible odds of the prophecies about Him being fulfilled. We began with some fun facts about odds in life, such as being struck by lightning or having twins, to set the stage for understanding the miraculous nature of Jesus' life and mission. The odds of Jesus fulfilling just eight of the prophecies are astronomically high, yet He fulfilled 48, demonstrating the divine orchestration of His life and purpose.
We delved into Isaiah 9:6, a prophetic verse that describes Jesus as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Each title reveals a facet of His divine nature and mission. As Wonderful Counselor, Jesus is our guiding light, illuminating the path of life and offering divine wisdom. As Mighty God, He embodies the fullness of God in human form, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine. As Everlasting Father, He is the source of all creation, existing beyond time and space. As Prince of Peace, He reconciles us with God, offering peace that surpasses understanding.
The message emphasized the importance of receiving Jesus as the greatest gift ever given. Salvation is not earned but received through faith in Him. This gift of eternal life is available to all who believe and entrust their lives to Jesus. We are called to pursue Him with all our hearts, letting go of compromise and embracing the freedom and peace He offers.
Key Takeaways:
- The Miraculous Fulfillment of Prophecy: The fulfillment of 48 prophecies about Jesus, with odds of one in a number with 157 zeros, underscores the divine orchestration of His life. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the reliability of His promises. [10:15]
- Jesus as Wonderful Counselor: Jesus is our guiding light, offering divine wisdom and direction. As Wonderful Counselor, He illuminates our path, leading us out of darkness and into the light of life. This guidance is available to all who choose to follow Him. [21:42]
- The Dual Nature of Christ: Jesus is both fully God and fully human, embodying the divine while experiencing human life. This dual nature allows Him to empathize with our struggles and offer redemption through His sacrifice. [36:24]
- The Peace of Christ: As Prince of Peace, Jesus reconciles us with God, bridging the gap created by sin. This peace transcends circumstances, offering assurance and tranquility even amidst life's storms. [46:42]
- Receiving the Greatest Gift: Salvation is a gift offered through Jesus, not earned by works. By believing in Him and receiving this gift, we secure our eternal life and experience the freedom and peace that come with it. [56:28]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Fun Facts and Odds
[04:50] - Facts About Jesus as Messiah
[05:30] - Prophecies of Jesus
[08:29] - The Improbable Odds
[10:15] - Fulfillment of Prophecies
[12:20] - Celebrating Jesus' Birth
[14:01] - Isaiah 9:6: For Given
[15:30] - The Government on His Shoulder
[17:42] - The Burden and Power of Jesus
[20:06] - Wonderful Counselor
[21:42] - Jesus as Our Guiding Light
[24:37] - The Light of the World
[28:41] - Jesus as the Truth
[30:29] - Abide or Die
[32:47] - Wise and Foolish Counsel
[34:15] - Mighty God
[36:24] - Fully God, Fully Human
[38:26] - Humility and Exaltation
[40:03] - Everlasting Father
[41:54] - The Prince of Peace
[46:42] - Peace Between God and Man
[49:10] - The Trinity in Jesus
[51:51] - The Greatest Gift
[56:28] - Receiving Salvation
[58:29] - Believing in Jesus
[01:01:04] - Follow Me
[01:04:21] - Pursuing Jesus
[01:07:20] - Breaking Chains and Finding Freedom
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV): "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Observation Questions:
1. What are the odds mentioned in the sermon regarding Jesus fulfilling the prophecies, and how does this illustrate the divine orchestration of His life? [10:15]
2. How does the sermon describe the significance of Jesus being called "Wonderful Counselor"? [21:42]
3. What does the sermon say about the dual nature of Christ, being both fully God and fully human? [36:24]
4. According to the sermon, what is the peace that Jesus, as the Prince of Peace, came to establish? [46:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the fulfillment of 48 prophecies about Jesus serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the reliability of His promises? [10:15]
2. In what ways does Jesus as the "Wonderful Counselor" provide guidance and wisdom in our lives today? [21:42]
3. How does understanding Jesus' dual nature as fully God and fully human help us relate to Him and His mission? [36:24]
4. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "Prince of Peace" in the context of reconciling humanity with God? [46:42]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the odds of Jesus fulfilling the prophecies. How does this impact your faith in God's promises and His plan for your life? [10:15]
2. In what areas of your life do you need the guidance of Jesus as your "Wonderful Counselor"? How can you seek His wisdom this week? [21:42]
3. How can you embrace the dual nature of Christ in your daily struggles, knowing He understands both your human experiences and offers divine strength? [36:24]
4. What steps can you take to experience the peace of Christ in your current circumstances, especially in areas where you feel unrest or conflict? [46:42]
5. How can you actively receive and share the greatest gift of salvation with others in your community? [56:28]
6. Consider the call to pursue Jesus with all your heart. What compromises might you need to let go of to fully embrace the freedom and peace He offers? [01:04:21]
7. Identify one specific way you can follow Jesus more closely this week. What practical steps will you take to pursue Him with everything you have? [01:04:21]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Orchestration of Prophecy
The fulfillment of 48 prophecies about Jesus, with odds of one in a number with 157 zeros, underscores the divine orchestration of His life. This serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the reliability of His promises. The astronomical odds highlight the miraculous nature of Jesus' life and mission, affirming that His coming was not a random event but a divinely planned intervention in human history. This realization invites us to trust in God's promises, knowing that His plans are perfect and His timing impeccable.
As we reflect on the fulfillment of these prophecies, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and His commitment to humanity. The prophecies, written centuries before Jesus' birth, reveal a God who is intimately involved in the details of our lives, orchestrating events for His glory and our good. This understanding should inspire us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that the same God who fulfilled His promises in Jesus is at work in our lives today. [10:15]
Isaiah 46:9-10 (ESV): "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’"
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you are struggling to trust in your life right now? How can the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus encourage you to trust in God's promises today?
Day 2: Jesus, Our Guiding Light
Jesus is our guiding light, offering divine wisdom and direction. As Wonderful Counselor, He illuminates our path, leading us out of darkness and into the light of life. This guidance is available to all who choose to follow Him. Jesus' role as the Wonderful Counselor means that He is not only wise but also compassionate, understanding our struggles and offering guidance that is both practical and transformative.
In a world filled with confusion and uncertainty, Jesus stands as a beacon of hope and clarity. His teachings provide a roadmap for living a life that is pleasing to God and fulfilling to us. By following His guidance, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. Jesus walks with us, offering His wisdom and strength to help us overcome any obstacle. [21:42]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need Jesus' guidance the most right now? How can you actively seek His wisdom and direction in this area today?
Day 3: The Dual Nature of Christ
Jesus is both fully God and fully human, embodying the divine while experiencing human life. This dual nature allows Him to empathize with our struggles and offer redemption through His sacrifice. As the Mighty God, Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and the divine, providing a way for us to be reconciled with God.
The dual nature of Christ is a profound mystery that reveals the depth of God's love for us. By becoming human, Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and challenges, allowing Him to truly understand our struggles. Yet, as God, He possesses the power to overcome sin and death, offering us the hope of eternal life. This unique combination of divinity and humanity makes Jesus the perfect Savior, able to empathize with our weaknesses while providing the strength and grace we need to overcome them. [36:24]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is both fully God and fully human impact your relationship with Him? In what ways can you draw on His strength and empathy in your current struggles?
Day 4: The Peace of Christ
As Prince of Peace, Jesus reconciles us with God, bridging the gap created by sin. This peace transcends circumstances, offering assurance and tranquility even amidst life's storms. The peace that Jesus offers is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being that comes from being in right relationship with God.
In a world filled with turmoil and uncertainty, the peace of Christ is a precious gift that provides stability and hope. By trusting in Jesus, we can experience a peace that surpasses understanding, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence and grace. This peace is available to all who believe in Jesus and entrust their lives to Him, offering a refuge from the chaos of the world. [46:42]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are lacking peace? How can you invite the peace of Christ to rule in your heart and mind in this area today?
Day 5: Receiving the Greatest Gift
Salvation is a gift offered through Jesus, not earned by works. By believing in Him and receiving this gift, we secure our eternal life and experience the freedom and peace that come with it. The message of salvation is one of grace, reminding us that we cannot earn God's favor but must receive it through faith in Jesus.
This gift of salvation is the greatest gift ever given, offering us the hope of eternal life and the assurance of God's love and forgiveness. By accepting this gift, we are invited into a relationship with God that transforms our lives and gives us a new purpose. As we embrace this gift, we are called to live in a way that reflects the love and grace we have received, sharing the good news of Jesus with others. [56:28]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Have you fully embraced the gift of salvation in your life? What steps can you take today to live more fully in the freedom and peace that come from knowing Jesus?
Quotes
"How many know we are celebrating the birth of Jesus, but Christmas is so much more than just the nativity. It's so bigger than that. When we celebrate Christmas, it's God's promise of salvation to us. So here's some facts about Jesus as the Messiah. I'm going to just read these, okay? The Messiah will descend from Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Jesse, and King David." [00:04:50] (29 seconds)
"The Messiah will be unique, having pre-existed his birth. He will perform many miracles, calming the sea and causing the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk, and the mute to talk. He will be referred to as the Messiah. He will be referred to in many ways, including God with us, wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, and prince of peace." [00:05:41] (28 seconds)
"Jesus, the greatest gift that has ever been offered to us. I want to break down this verse, and we're going to go back to the first sentence of that as we close this time out, but let's look at this. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder." [00:14:56] (22 seconds)
"But he came to bring the kingdom of heaven and to establish the kingdom of heaven in the hearts of those who would receive him. Now, ultimately, what the people thought, he was going to do will happen in what we call the millennium. And I'm not going to get into revelations, or we're not going to look at that today. But Jesus will rule the earth as king of kings and lord of lords." [00:16:25] (28 seconds)
"so he came and he carried the burden he bore the cross for our sins and in doing so he defeated death he redeemed us he he he bridged the gap the chasm that was created by sin that leads to death that is the burden that he came and he carried for us so the government shall be upon his shoulders and then it says this his name will be called his name will be called Now, the idea of this is not saying that these are his literal names." [00:19:09] (35 seconds)
"He's the light of the world. He's the light that leads to life. In John, it says, Jesus is the word. He was the word that was with God, and he's the word that is God. What does the psalmist say? about the word. Lord, your word is a lamp to my feet, a what? A light to my path." [00:24:37] (33 seconds)
"He's the author and the finisher. He's the first and he's the last, right? He's the alpha and he's the second. the omega he's the god who was look at the picture he's the god who was he's the god who is he's the god who you guys got to get this you have to receive who this is that we're celebrating who this is that we follow who this is that we surrender our life to that we pursue with everything that we have he's" [00:25:44] (56 seconds)
"He's the way. That's why we talk about this so often, church. That's why we pursue him continuously. We pursue him aggressively. That's a word that, like, you know, it's a word that, like, you know, it's a word that, like, you know, you use it, and it kind of sounds like, oh, no, I pursue him aggressively." [00:29:39] (22 seconds)
"peace is the presence of god peace is the presence of jesus in your life and when you have jesus in your life you can have peace and it doesn't matter if you're in the middle of a conflict you're going to be in the middle of conflict you're going to be in the middle of conflict chaos in your life you could be in the middle of a battle in your life but if you have jesus you have peace that doesn't make sense to the world but to us who have jesus and have experienced that" [00:43:45] (33 seconds)
"Jesus is the greatest gift ever given, but he is only a gift to those who receive him. Probably the most popular verse in the Bible, John 3, 16. For God so only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. We know this verse. We see it at the end zone on football games, but has maybe it become just kind of white noise to us?" [00:56:28] (52 seconds)
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