4 Characteristics Of The Messiah

In Scripture names often carry weight. Someone’s name describes what that person is like. In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet describes who the Messiah would be like by the names He will go by. 

Isaiah says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be on his shoulder, and his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) By using these names, Isaiah describes the character and nature of the Messiah. This coming King was not like earthly kings who come and go and use and abuse their people; this King would make things right.

 This text outlines four distinct characteristics of the Messiah and how He will relate to His people. 

Wonderful Counselor:

In Isaiah’s time, kings were seen as sources of wisdom. However, the major limitation of kings was that they were human, fallible, and prone to selfishness. When Isaiah calls the Messiah a “Wonderful Counselor” he is not only saying that this King has wisdom to share, but this King also has His people’s best interests at heart. And every answer He gives is always the right answer. 

It’s one thing for a counselor to be wise, it is another thing for that counselor to be able to empathize with you. Over the past year, I started seeing a counselor. As I walked through pastoral ministry and transitioned to the role of a lead teaching pastor at my church, I realized that I needed someone to be able to talk about the differing situations in my life. What I love about my counselor, is that he is a wise Christian man who was a pastor for many years of his life. Not only does he understand how to interpret Scripture, he understands and empathizes with where I am. 

Scripture says “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.” (Heb. 4:15 ESV). When you approach Christ with your burdens and temptations, you don’t find a cold counselor who rolls his eyes and says, “When are you going to get this?” You find a counselor who says, “I get it; I have been there.” He is a Wonderful Counselor. 

Mighty God:

The second name that Isaiah lists is Mighty God. Back in Bible times, kings would often go into battle with their armies. If the battle was not going as expected, and the king became afraid, then he could rally the troops and retreat to safety. When Isaiah says, “Mighty” God here, he is saying that the King who is coming will be different from earthly kings. Not only will he never become afraid during battle, but victory will never be in question; He will lead His people to victory. 

In John 16, we see Jesus speak to His disciples and say, “In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Not only is our Messiah someone who can relate and give advice to our pain and vices, but He is also a God who can provide victory. 

Everlasting Father:

The third name Isaiah uses is the Everlasting Father. I think all of us could agree that a Mighty God and Wonderful Counselor sound great, but in our mind all things are temporary. I have had mentors enter my life and leave my life due to varying circumstances. I have had friends enter my life and leave my life for just as many circumstances. Isaiah reveals with this name that this Messiah’s rule will be eternal. Not only will He be powerful while He reigns—He will never stop reigning. And no one can break His rule. 

Colossians 1 illustrates this point, “He [Christ] is before all things and in him, all things hold together…He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent” (Colossians 1:17-18). Our Messiah is steady and constant, unchanging forever. 

Prince of Peace:

As Isaiah closes out the description of the coming Messiah, he uses the title, the Prince of Peace. In other words, when the Messiah takes the throne, the world could be categorized as “peaceful”. I think for us, a world at peace is hard to picture. Imagine a world with no war, or reporters showing footage of missiles and bombings. Or imagine a world without cancer, divorce, car accidents, and chaos. 

Yet, this is the world that the Messiah is bringing. Already the seeds of this world can be seen. We gain spiritual peace with God when we accept Christ as the Savior of our sin (Romans 8:1). We are offered continual peace as we walk throughout our lives by resting in God’s promises even though the world around us is chaotic (Philippians 4:4-7). And one day when Christ returns and sets up His kingdom, we will see peace reign through all of creation. 

He is a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace, and He bids you come. Will you welcome Him?