TEACHING NOTES Introduction ‌Last week we learned that the names of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 tells us what He came to do. In part one we learned that the Messiah would be called “Wonderful Counselor” which means He wants to be our miraculous personal adviser. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to be our personal guide. This week we’ll see that the Messiah will be called “Mighty God.” How will this Messiah use His might power in a sinful world? ​ Isaiah 9:6 ESV 6 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. ‌ Mighty God = Heb. El gibbor - strong, powerful. The Hebrew term gibbor or gibborim was first used in the Old Testament to describe the giants as mighty warriors (Gen. 6:4). Historically speaking, the Israelites viewed the Gibborim as a group of giant warriors who could not be defeated. Leading up to the flood, we’re told that these giants were so violent that the entire human race was in danger of extinction. ‌ Isaiah’s use of the word gibbor communicates that Yahweh is the God who cannot be overcome. ‌ Mighty God = Our God is all-powerful and nothing nor no one can overcome Him. ‌ If we search the New Testament for the word “mighty” the first person to use the term is Mary, the mother of Jesus. ‌ Luke 1:46–49 ESV 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. ‌ Mighty = Grk. dynatos - powerful, strong, beyond able. This Greek word is where we get our English word for dynamite (explosive power). ‌ Looked on = Grk. epiblepo - to look on someone with favor. ‌ Our Mighty God looks with favor on those who know they are weak. ‌ Luke 1:50–52 ESV 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; ‌ His mercy is for those who fear him = God gives mercy to those who fear/respect Him. Fear in this context is about reverence—holding God in the highest regard. ‌ Our Mighty God opposes the proud and lifts up the humble. ‌ Luke 1:53–54 ESV 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, ‌ Filled the hungry = God gets involved in our suffering. ‌ Helped his servant Israel = God uses His power to help those who are being oppressed by their enemies. In Mary’s day, Israel was being oppressed by Rome and they were powerless to do anything about it. ‌ Our Mighty God uses His power for the powerless. ‌ Conclusion Of all the things God could do with His power, He chooses to act on our behalf for our highest good. Why would we ever reject a God this good? Why would we ever put anything before Him? What is stopping us from devoting our lives totally to our Heavenly Father?