TEACHING NOTES ‌ Introduction In this series, we’ve learned that Isaiah 9:6 tells the names of the Messiah. In the Old Testament context, names reveal a person’s purpose. The names of Messiah found in Isaiah tell us the character and purpose of the Messiah. Today we will focus on two names in Isaiah: (1) Prince of Peace (2) Immanuel. These two names are connected and explain each other. ‌ 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. ‌ Prince of Peace = Heb. sar shalom - His authority will bring peace/rest. A prince is a ruler with great authority over a kingdom. In the ancient world, princes and rulers are often violent in their quest to maintain control and expand their influence. But this Prince will be a ruler who will bring peace. He will use His authority to make peace rather than war. Human use force to expand their kingdoms, but God uses peace to spread His kingdom. ‌ Psalm 72:7 speaks of the Messiah, “In his [the Messiah’s] days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!” ‌ Isaiah 11:6-9 speaks of what the Messiah would accomplish, “6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. 9 They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” ‌ Isaiah 7:14 ESV 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. ‌ Immanuel = In Hebrew this means “God with us.” This name “Immanuel” helps us understand “Prince of Peace” because if God is with us we have peace with God that overflows to others. ‌ The Old Testament foretells the Prince of Peace. ‌The New Testament reveals the Prince of Peace. ‌ Luke 2:8–9 ESV 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. ‌ The shepherds began peaceful, but are now very afraid. ‌ Luke 2:10–12 ESV 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” ‌ Good news, great joy, for all people = If the Gospel being preached does not cause great joy for all people, it must be a false gospel and not good news. ‌ Luke 2:13–14 ESV 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” ‌ Peace = Grk. eirene - peace, harmony, tranquility, rest. ‌ Among those with whom he is pleased = Who is God pleased with? How do we become a person with whom He is pleased? By faith, that is giving Him our allegiance. ‌ Hebrews 11:6 ESV 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. ‌ Matthew 11:28–30 ESV 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ‌ I will give you rest = The Greek word for “rest” here is anapauo, which means to stop and gain relief or regain strength. Jesus wants to give us relief/rest from all that is wearing us out and weighing us down. Jesus wants to give us relief/rest from our habit constant striving. ‌ Those who rest (trust) in Jesus have true peace. ‌ Romans 5:1–2 ESV 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ‌ Peace with God = The problem with sin is that it pushes us farther away from God and directs our worship toward created things. The result of sin is a fractured relationship with God. Instead of being His children, we become His enemies. Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us the opportunity to be justified (made right) by faith (allegiance) in the work of Christ. ‌ When God’s enemies are made right with Him, His enemies become His family. ‌ Ephesians 2:13–14 ESV 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ‌ He himself is our peace = Christ made us right with God to give us peace with God so He could become our personal peace. This is not about being socially connected to a religion about Christ, but a personal relationship with Christ. ‌ John 3:16–17 ESV 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. ‌ God the Father gave the Son, not to condemn but to rescue those who were already condemned. ‌‌ Conclusion ‌Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus by declaring our allegiance (faith) to Him and remembering all that He has done for us through Communion. We pray that every day we will live in worship and celebration of Christ.