Session 1
WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
Big Idea
Jesus can be trusted to lead our lives.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
Ice Breaker
Have you ever been lost on a road trip before? Share your best, worst, or weirdest
road trip story.
Introduction
When you are lost on a road trip, one of the worst things that can happen is to get
bad directions. Bad directions can make you even more lost than you were before.
Even our beloved mapping resources like Google or MapQuest have been known to
give bad directions. Sometimes they are wrong altogether and sometimes they take
us on the longest route possible. Like a road trip, life can feel like a journey with
unclear directions. We look to receive sound direction for our toughest choices, but
they can be hard to find.
1. From whom or what do you usually receive the best advice for important
decisions and/or moral choices in your life?
2. What is it about that source that makes the advice good rather than bad?
3. Have you ever received bad advice with regard to moral choices or a direction
in life? What happened?
Receiving bad counsel in life is often what keeps us from trusting. If we’ve been
“burned” once, it’s hard for us to trust others ever again. We may even feel this way
with God! But in John 14:1, Jesus reminds his disciples, “Do not let your hearts be
troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” The amazing thing about Jesus is that we
can rest assured that He always has our best interests at heart. That doesn’t mean
that we never experience hardships, pain, or trouble. But in the midst of those times
we can know that He loves us. We can trust Him.
4. Has there ever been a time in your life when your trust in a good friend was
compromised?
5. What are some characteristics of the friends you can trust?
6. Have you ever questioned your trust in God? If so, why?
In Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah prophesied that the coming Messiah, Jesus would be called a
“Wonderful Counselor.” For some people, it may seem strange to imagine Jesus like
a counselor. We think of counselors today as people who ask you la lot of questions,
try to give good advice, and charge you money. But for the most part, what a
counselor offers is simply that—counsel. You have the option to take that counsel or
leave it. The way Isaiah describes this Messiah is different. In his time, “wonderful
counselor” was a royal term designated for kings, a king would “counsel” or lead his
people in all things. Of course, the difference is that one did not treat the king’s
counsel as a “take it or leave it” sort of thing. His counsel was law and was superior.
According to Isaiah, so is the counsel of Jesus, the Messiah.
7. How have you discovered Jesus’ counsel on matters with regard to moral
choices or your direction in life?
a. The Bible
b. Prayer
c. The counsel of a Christian brother or sister
d. Other:_______
8. Share about a time when you really had to listen to the counsel of God on a
matter of great concern for you?
9. Why do you think people sometimes ignore God’s counsel?
10. How would your life look different if you fully trusted in Jesus as a Wonderful
Counselor?
What’s Next?
On a separate sheet of paper, write down at least one area of your life where you
have not yet trusted in Jesus as a wonderful counselor. It could be over a personal
dilemma. It could be a sin that you have not yet realized or are unwilling to give up.
It could be a decision on which you have not yet decided. Write down one area that
you need to trust Jesus with this week and then find at least one other person who
will pray with you about it.
Session 2
MIGHTY GOD
Big Idea
Jesus came to rescue us from sin.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
Ice Breaker
What is your favorite action movie? What is the cheesiest action movie you ever
saw?
Introduction
Heroes are usually the most common element in the things that we watch and read.
Many fairy tales tell of valiant knights in shining armor. Comic books portray the lives
of interesting superheroes. Movies star action heroes like Bruce Willis and Arnold
Schwarzenegger, who beat up on terrorists and aliens. Everyone loves a hero.
Either we want to be one, or we want to have one.
In the Old Testament, the term Mighty God was the title for a hero or warrior who
came to rescue and save people from their enemies. In the ancient world, the phrase
was used to describe a person who was not only a military leader but also a king who
saved the people from dangerous enemies. Isaiah uses this same phrase to
describe the Messiah, Jesus. He would be a great hero!
There is a story in Matthew 8 where Jesus and his disciples took a boat on the Sea of
Galilee. While on the water, a torrential storm sweeps by and threatens to topple the
boat. The disciples in fear yell “Lord, save us! We're going to drown!” So Jesus
stands, rebukes the wind and it became calm. Suddenly, the disciples are rescued.
1. Share about a time when you were in a dangerous or scary situation?
2. Imagine yourself as one of disciples on that boat during the storm. What might
be your response in that situation?
a. I would panic and jump from the ship.
b. I would be paralyzed in fear.
c. I would assess the situation calmly and find a solution.
d. I’d like to think c, but the truth is both a and b are equally probable.
e. Other:_____
3. Why do you think the disciples cried out to Jesus? What did they probably
believe Jesus might do for them?
4. Share about an incredible rescue story that you have experienced, witnessed,
or heard about.
5. Why do you think people are so fascinated with stories of rescue?
6. Have you ever experienced a storm in life when you had to rely on Jesus as
“Mighty God?” Share about that.
The phrase “Mighty God” also carries the understanding of divinity. This messiah,
whom Isaiah prophesied, was not only a hero, but he was also deity. In Matthew
1:20, the angel said to Joseph, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary
home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will
give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his
people from their sins.” Jesus’ name means “The Lord saves.” From the day he was
conceived, he was a “Mighty God!” Ironically, Jesus didn’t save the world as many
warriors do— by strength and valor. He saved the world by becoming like us, and
even becoming our servant, dying on the cross. He saved us by sacrifice.
7. How does it make you feel to know that the God of the universe humbled
himself by becoming human so that he could sacrifice himself for you?
8. Romans 5:8 says this: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Sometimes, we get saved
without even knowing we need to be saved. Did you ever wonder why you
needed to be rescued by Jesus?
9. What keeps a person from accepting Jesus’ rescue from sin? How might a
person allow Jesus to rescue him or her?
READ Colossians 1:15-16 (NIV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him
all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by
him and for him.
What’s Next?
Jesus Christ has mighty authority over all creation. This week, identify a strong and
difficult situation that you are facing from which you can trust Jesus as the Mighty
God to rescue you. Have someone pray with you this week about that situation. If
you are not sure if you are a Christ-follower, take the time this week to talk with one
person you are sure is following Jesus, and discuss how you can take your next step.
Session 3
EVERLASTING FATHER
Big Idea
Jesus is the ultimate provider, a loving father who can counted on.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
Ice Breaker
Pick an object in the room that best reveals an aspect of your personality. Explain.
Introduction
“All the world’s a stage.” “It’s raining cats and dogs.” “You’re the apple of my eye.”
Metaphors are great. They help us explain and give attributes to things in our world
that are otherwise unexplainable. It is the same with titles. They help us put people
into categories that carry associations. Things like gender, race, and levels of
education often carry with them assumptions.
1. What is a current “title” that you have which you enjoy (i.e., Mrs., Dr.,
Engineer, Teacher, Parent, etc). Explain.
2. What is a title that is restricting either for you or for others?
The prophet Isaiah, who prophesied about Jesus, lived in a time of turmoil and
confusion, when people wondered especially about who God was and how he was
involved in their lives. Isaiah referred to the Messiah as the Everlasting Father. That
could have been confusing in itself. Isn’t God the “Father?” But Isaiah isn’t calling
Jesus Father as a replacement for God the Father; he's saying this Messiah who
would come would have the qualities of the Father, because he would reveal the
Father to the world. The New Testament writers further developed this idea that
Jesus represents God the Father.
READ John 14:8-11 (The Message)
Philip said, "Master, show us the Father; then we'll be content."
“You've been with me all this time, Philip, and you still don't understand? To
see me is to see the Father. So how can you ask, 'Where is the Father?' Don't
you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I
speak to you aren't mere words. I don't just make them up on my own. The
Father who resides in me crafts each word into a divine act.
"Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can't believe
that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not
only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the
Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can
count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am
and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is
in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I'll do.
The image of God as the all-providing and all-loving Father is found throughout
scripture. In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of God as the father who waits longingly
for his reckless, runaway son. God is so intensely interested in us that he sent Jesus
to live among us, to show us the love and compassion that God has always had for
his creation. God speaks to the people of Israel in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you,
my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”
3. How do you relate to the idea that God is a father to us?
4. What is your reaction to the fact that Jesus reveals God the Father to us?
“Nowhere in the New Testament is there an image of the human Jesus that is
compatible with attitudes of hubris, hedonism, envy, arrogance, acquisitiveness,
self-aggrandizement, hostility, or violence. Jesus is everywhere associated with
faithful obedience toward God and meek, compassionate, self-emptying service
toward other people.” Luke Timothy Johnson Living Jesus
5. How have you experienced unfailing love in your life?
6. Regardless of our background with father figures, Jesus demonstrates God as
a Father who is tender, compassionate, fair, and loving. How does seeing
God as a Father through the lens of Jesus change your relationship with him?
7. How does it change your view of yourself or your titles?
What’s Next?
Families were of the utmost importance in the ancient world. They influenced
political views, financial standing and religious future. Early Christ followers would
often risk total rejection by their families for conversion to Christianity. To become a
Christ follower is to become part of a new family, to be born again with a new Father
and with fellow believers as our brothers and sisters. You aren’t an only child! Jesus
came to reveal the Everlasting Father to us. We are part of his family. Commit this
week to connect at least once with some of your sisters and brothers in Christ. They
will help you experience giving and receiving the Father’s love.
Session 4
PRINCE OF PEACE
Big Idea
Jesus brings wholeness and completeness to our lives.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
Ice Breaker
What is the loudest or most annoying noise you have ever heard?
Introduction
Every year the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded for work in a wide range of fields,
including advocacy of human rights, mediation of international conflicts, and arms
control. Many of the winners have seen their efforts come to fruition while others
have watched them fall apart. Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk (1993 winners) saw
the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime in South Africa, while Woodrow
Wilson’s League of Nations (1919 winner) would be powerless to stop World War II.
1. How do you think about peace?
2. Why do you think often times our best efforts at peace fail?
READ John 14:27 (NLT)
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give
isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
For the biblical authors, the word peace is rich in meaning: wholeness, safety, good
relationships, prosperity, and well-being. When we think about some of the chaos in
our lives, sometimes this kind of peace feels very distant and hopeless. Yet, the
vision of the prophet Isaiah saw hope in the coming of Jesus, the Prince of Peace,
who brings the peaceful Kingdom of God into the lives of those who follow him.
Despite the hurt, loss, and fear that Isaiah and his audience were facing, the Messiah
would bring them peace.
3. In what ways does the world teach us to be afraid?
4. In what ways does Jesus give us his peace?
READ Romans 5:1-2 (NLT)
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have
peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege
where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing
God’s glory.
5. How does peace with God help us to have peace with others?
On Christmas Eve of 1914, German and British troops on the Western Front of World
War I called a truce. They climbed out of their trenches and gathered in the center of
the battlefield, to share songs, rations, gifts, free haircuts, souvenirs, and even a
soccer game. Kurt Zehmish of the 134th Saxons recorded in his diary, “Christmas,
the celebration of Love, managed to bring mortal enemies together as friends for a
time.”
READ Ephesians 2:14 (NLT)
For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by
making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used
to separate us.
Big Idea Discussion Guide: He Will Be Called Adapted From CCC Materials
Jesus wants to bring peace between races, nations, and relationships. Through
Jesus, we are to fill in and tear down any trenches or walls of hostility that have been
built. We need to climb out of our trenches and make peace with our enemies. This
might be risky, our trenches keep us safe, but they also keep us from living in peace
with one another.
6. Are there any trenches in your life that you have dug from brokenness or fear?
7. Where is Jesus calling you to fill in trenches or tear down walls?
There are all kinds of stories in the Gospels about Jesus power to bring peace.
Matthew 8 is a great example of this. In just a couple of days Jesus cures many
people from fatal illnesses, casts out violent demons, and calms a furious storm. A
line from Matthew 8:26 summarizes well what he did, “Jesus responded, “Why are
you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves,
and suddenly there was a great calm.” Jesus has the power over all the elements of
life and reality. He can make it calm for us.
8. In what area of your life are you most aware of Jesus’ calming peace?
9. In what area of your life are you most aware of you need for Jesus’ peace?
What’s Next?
What will you do this week to receive his peace? After you have prayed and received
the peace Christ offers, think through how you might be able to bring the peace of
Jesus into someone else’s life.
