TO US A CHILD IS BORN

Isaiah 9:1-7

Key Verse 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Read verse 1. Who are "those" (Isaiah 8:19-22)? What created their distress (Isaiah 8:19)? When did the Lord humble the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali (2Ki 15:29)? When did the Lord fulfill this prophecy? What did the nation of Israel look like when this prophecy was fulfilled?

Read verse 2. What is it like to “walk in darkness” and to live “in the land of the shadow of death”? What is the significance of a “light has dawned” for such people? 

Read verses 3. Describe the effects this light has on the people who were walking in darkness. Why are they celebrating?

Read verses 4-5. What is “Midian’s defeat” a reference to? What does the removal of a “yoke”, “bar” and “rod” tell us about the new life Jesus brings? 

Read verse 6. What does it mean “the government will be on his shoulders”? Describe the four tangible benefits we receive from his government?

Read verse 7. What is the future outlook of Jesus’ kingdom and of those who participate in it? How will it be established and upheld? How will it come about?

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