S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

When Isaiah wrote his prediction of the coming of the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6), he was spurring Israel to remember their Messiah was indeed coming to establish His Kingdom (Isaiah 9:7). I...

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September 19 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that Jesus is our Wonderful Counsellor?

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 Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A counsellor gives counsel or advice. When on earth did Jesus Christ provide excellent counsel? In the Bible, we read that "crowds were astounded at his way of teaching" (Matthew 7:28). He is a wise and empathetic Counselor, with an extraordinary understanding of human nature. His counsel is not restricted to reprimands or chastisement. More often, it is in the form of instruction and loving advice. Jesus' counsel is terrific because it is always wise, perfect, and infallible. When followed, it leads to everlasting life.​—John 6:68.

Jesus can act as "Wonderful Counsellor," providing guidance and direction, because he received and followed counsel from his Father and has the Spirit of God. (Isa 9:6; 11:2; Joh 5:19, 30) This emphasises that if counsel is to be beneficial, it must consider Jehovah. Any advice that stands in opposition to the Most High is valueless. It is no counsel at all.​—Pr 19:21; 21:30.

Consider, for example, Jesus' wise counsel on how to deal with anxiety about material things, as stated in Matthew chapter 6. "Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear," Jesus advises us. (Verse 25) Food and clothing are necessities, and it is only natural to be concerned about obtaining these.

How can we avoid anxiety? Jesus counsels us: Continue to give God priority in our lives. Those who do so can be confident that all their daily needs "will be added" to them by their heavenly Father. (Verse 33) Finally, Jesus gives a most practical suggestion​—take one day at a time. Why add tomorrow's anxieties to those of today? (Verse 34) Besides, why worry unduly about things that may never happen? Applying such wise counsel can spare us much heartache in this stressful world.

The counsel Jesus provided is as practical today as it was when it was given nearly 2,000 years ago. Is that not evidence of wisdom from above? Even the best advice from human counsellors tends to become outdated and is soon revised or replaced. The teachings of Jesus, however, have stood the test of time. But that should not surprise us, for this Wonderful Counsellor spoke "the sayings of God."​—John 3:34.

Conclusion:

That Jesus is the "Wonderful Counselor" (from Isaiah 9:6) means He is an infinitely wise, miraculous, and always-available guide who provides divine direction, unparalleled understanding, and supernatural strength, going beyond human limitations to offer flawless counsel for life's deepest problems. His wisdom is incomprehensible and miraculous ("wonderful"), and He acts as a perfectly qualified King and advisor ("Counselor") who knows us intimately and leads us perfectly. 

In ancient Israel, a counsellor was often a wise king or high official who provided authoritative guidance during times of turmoil. 

Jesus possesses "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), allowing Him to give flawless advice for any situation.

As the Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus does not have "office hours"; He is available at all times through prayer and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

He leads people out of confusion, sin, and despair toward clarity and paths of peace.

He is not a distant advisor but one who "sympathises with our weaknesses" because He experienced human life and suffering. 

In Isaiah 9:6, the title Wonderful Counselor describes Jesus Christ as a divine guide who possesses supernatural wisdom and the power to perform miracles.

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