Christ the Son

August 12, 2012

Lesson: Isaiah 9:1–7

Key Verse: Isaiah 9:6

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Introduction

The promise of reconciliation to our Father and Creator is established in “the Only Begotten Son” of the Triune Godhead. The Lord himself has given us a sign that was promised to Israel, saying, “Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). “To this must be added,” wrote Calvin, “that the return from the captivity in Babylon was the commencement of the renovation of the Church, which was completed when Christ appeared; and consequently there is no absurdity in an uninterrupted succession. Justly, therefore, does Isaiah teach that they ought not to confine their attention to the present benefit, but should consider the end, and refer everything to it? ‘This is your highest happiness, that you have been rescued from death, not only that you may live in the land of Canaan, but that you may arrive at the kingdom of God.’”

Unto us a child has been born, unto us a Son has been given. The virgin has conceived. “Christ the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin” (S.C. #22). Truly His name is Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23). He is the only Redeemer of God’s elect people; for there is only “one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 2:5). It is this Son who has “delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14).

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A Great Light—Isaiah 9:1–5

The Lord is the consolation of Israel. They would “look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness” (Isa. 8:22). Within the darkness of captivity would come a comforting ‘Light.’ Grace would enter in, “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all; and his tender-mercies are over all his works” (Ps. 145:9–10). They were driven into bondage because of their disobedience and transgressions. Now they would be delivered from the bondage of Babylon. But more so, they would be delivered from the guilt and punishment of their sin, and returned to their Lord. This redeeming picture is given to Matthew (4:15–16): “The land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Those in such darkness would hear Jesus preach, “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17).

Those who “dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined!” Israel was physically brought back from captivity and reconciled to their Lord. Deliverance from darkness to light would also be for the Gentile, the “Galilee of the nations.” Calvin understood this, teaching, “Nor must it be viewed as referring to outward misery only, but to the darkness of eternal death, in which souls are plunged, till they come forth to spiritual light; for unquestionably we lie buried in darkness, till Christ shine on us by the doctrine of his word.” Jesus is the true light, “which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). For “In him was life; and the life was the light of men” (1:4). He is the Good Shepherd who promised, “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (10:28).

Isaiah speaks of their joy in captivity and after their return, saying, “Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy; they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.” The Lord multiplied their number while in captivity. Their joy came in their deliverance. True joy comes when we are reconciled to our Father in heaven through Christ Jesus, our Redeemer. We have a new home. The Lord has prepared a place for us in the household of God by going to His cross at Calvary. The prophet gives us a picture of this new relationship, writing, “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).

The joy of the harvest is twofold. First, is deliverance from the enemy; for the Lord “hast broken the yoke of his burden.” The Lord has brought confusion to the adversary. Second, The Lord has promised a pure and plentiful harvest. Christ teaches us, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37–38). Let us be faithful in His Word, knowing that it is His work and His harvest that we are seeing as He adds to the church those He has ransomed by His precious blood.

Discussion: What does it mean to have Christ as our Light?

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A King is Born—Isaiah 9:6–7

The ultimate reason for the deliverance of His people is that we might see God, the Triune Creator, in all His glory. His majesty and tender mercies are revealed in The Son. The Son is declared to be the magnificent King of kings, the ruler of His people on earth and through eternity: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder …Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth ever forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

The Son of God, who took upon Himself our flesh, is the one who is our King, our Sovereign. The God-Man rules by covenant promise, sitting upon the throne of David. By divine edict, the Son has been ordained to this eternal throne: “Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee” (Psa. 2:6–7). Government and peace shall be His rod and scepter. He bears the burden of the office of Supreme Magistrate in His Kingdom. It will be pure in justice and righteousness. It will be without avarice. It will be of peace because He, as Messiah-King, will be the Advocate between His Father and His people. His governing His Church speaks of “His singular love and care for his elect” (G.B. notes).

His “NAME” reveals His nature and His ability to accomplish that which He has set out to do in and with His congregation, His ‘called out’ people. He shall be “called!”—proclaimed, with deafening and undeniable clearness, revealing His attributes as the King and kings. He shall be called “Wonderful!” “Wonderful” speaks of our Savior’s glorious works. The Psalmist declares, “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember thy wonders of old” (Psa. 77:11). Another essential attribute of Christ is that of “Counselor.” As Counselor, Christ reveals the wisdom of God. In Christ we “have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Eph. 1:11). He is called “The Mighty God.” Strength and authority belong to Him. In Him is the majesty of the Godhead. He is able to save and to protect us from the evil one. He is also “The Everlasting Father.” Those who honor Him, honors the Father. For he that believeth on the Father who sent Him, “hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:23–24). Another attribute of our Savior is revealed in these words, “Prince of Peace.” Calvin wrote that the “general meaning is, that all who submit to the dominion of Christ will lead a quiet and blessed life in obedience to him. Hence it follows that life, without this King, is restless and miserable …Thus will these titles confirm us more and more in the faith of Christ, and fortify us against Satan and against hell itself.” As “Prince of Peace,” Christ reveals the only way to God, which is through the shedding of blood, Christ ransoming our souls by taking upon Himself our sins, and paying its just rewards on our behalf. Therefore, Christ is our ‘Priest’ after the order of Melchisedec, establishing ‘peace’ between us and God.

A King has been born! This Christ is able to save, to deliver us from sin and protect us from evil. He has come by promise of the Father; for He has commended His “love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved through him” (Rom. 5:8–9). His singular love is demonstrated and assured. Come, therefore, now to Christ, confessing your sins and receiving Him as He has revealed Himself to you.

Discussion: What does it mean for us to have Christ as our King and Savior?

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Lessons are based on the International Sunday School Lessons for Christian Teaching, copyright © 2012 by the Committee on the Uniform Series.