The Savior We Welcome: Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 9:6, Colossians 2:3, Matthew 11:28-30

During the Advent season, we reflect on the names for Jesus foretold by Isaiah, which proclaim the coming of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 9:6 gives the Messiah four royal names that define His nature and character:

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; the government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is 9:6)

The first of these titles for Jesus is Wonderful Counselor.



What Makes Jesus a Wonderful Counselor?

This name is composed of two powerful Hebrew words:

• Wonderful (Pele): This word is not merely a description of something pleasant, like a "wonderful pecan pie." In Hebrew, Pele conveys the idea of the supernatural or that which exceeds human understanding. It tells us that the baby Jesus would not be a normal human, but a divine and miraculous person.

• Counselor (Yahatz): This means one who advises, determines, guides, and plans.

When combined, the name Wonderful Counselor means Jesus is the One who provides supernatural counsel, mixing miraculous power with the perfect skill of giving wise direction and instruction.

The Authority of the Designer

Why is Jesus the most excellent Counselor you could ever have? Because He is the ultimate Authority on life. (Mt 7:28-29)

When Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, the crowds were astonished because He taught "as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." This is because Jesus is the Author of all things. As the Creator, He knows the very blueprint of the existence of everything, even ourselves. (Jn 1:3; Col 1:16)

Omniscience and Wisdom: Jesus possesses the omniscience of God, meaning He is all-knowing (Jn 16:30) and possesses perfect wisdom; He sees the whole picture and knows the perfect path forward. (Col 2:3; Rom 11:33)

• Creator's Instruction: When Jesus gives direction—when He tells us to forgive, or not to worry, or to love our enemies—He is not offering mere suggestions. He is providing the Creator's instructions for a life that truly works.

Therefore, the wisest thing we can do is to listen to His voice and to follow His guidance. (Jn 14:15; Jas 1:22)

Your Guide Today: The Holy Spirit

The counsel of Jesus did not end at the cross. After His resurrection and ascension, He sent the Holy Spirit—the Spirit of Truth—to live inside everyone who trusts in Him. (Jn 14:16–17; Acts 2:33) The Holy Spirit acts as the Wonderful Counselor in our lives today, guiding us into all the truth (Jn 16:13).

The challenge we face is that our human nature often wants to maintain personal sovereignty. (Jer 17:9; Rom 8:7) We may ask for His guidance on the "big decisions" (whom to marry, what job to take), but we often resist His authority over the everyday, moment-by-moment ways we live our lives.

Jesus, your Wonderful Counselor, knows:

• The talents He gave you. (1 Cor 12:4–7)

• The passions He has placed in you. (Ps 37:4)

• The purpose He has designed you for. (Eph 2:10)

Seek Him first and say "yes" to His leading, and you'll discover true joy and lasting fulfillment in walking with the One who knows and loves you best. This Advent, welcome His counsel and let His Spirit guide you in His perfect will today.