NOTE: DUE TO A POWER OUTAGE, THE LAST FEW MINUTES OF THIS MESSAGE WERE NOT RECORDED.

Sermon Title: He Shall Be Called: Everlasting Father
Isaiah 9:6

Main Idea:

Jesus, though the eternal Son, is called “Everlasting Father” because He lovingly rules, protects, and provides for His people forever.

Overview:

In this Advent message, we reflect on one of the more puzzling titles given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6: “Everlasting Father.” Unlike the more straightforward names—Wonderful Counselor and Mighty God—this one causes pause, especially in light of the Trinity. Yet Isaiah offers us a deeper understanding of Jesus as the One who fatherly cares for His people with eternal love, authority, and compassion. He is not God the Father, but the One who bears the Father-like character of protection and provision for His spiritual family. Jesus is the eternal source of life, the head of a redeemed race, and the everlasting King who treats His people not as subjects, but as beloved children.

Key Themes:

1. Jesus is Eternal (“Everlasting”)

• Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was not His beginning. He is the eternal Word who “was with God” and “was God” (John 1:1–3).
• “Everlasting” affirms His divine nature and eternal existence. He is the “Father of eternity,” the one through whom all things were made (John 1:3).

2. Jesus’ Spiritual Family

• Just as Adam was the father of fallen humanity, Christ is the “last Adam” and the Father of a new, eternal family (1 Corinthians 15:45).
• Colossians 1:18 describes Him as the head and beginning, the one who is preeminent in all things.
• Hebrews 1:3 declares that He is the exact imprint of God’s nature.

3. Jesus Rules with Father-like Love

• In ancient times, kings were often called the “fathers” of their nation. Jesus fulfills this role perfectly and eternally.
• His rule is not distant or cold—it is deeply personal. As Brett Baggett puts it, “Jesus is the king who treats his people more like children than citizens.”
• His love outshines even the best earthly father’s love “like the Sun outshines a candle.”

Scripture Insights:

• Isaiah 9:6 – The promised Messiah carries divine titles, including “Everlasting Father.”
• John 14:9 – “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”
• John 5:19 – The Son does what the Father does; they are one in purpose and essence.
• Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and exact imprint of His nature.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – “We will be with the Lord forever.”

Application:

➤ You are part of God’s family through faith in Jesus.

By grace, through faith in His life, death, and resurrection, we are adopted into an everlasting family. This is the greatest Christmas gift.

➤ You are never alone.

Earthly rulers fail. Earthly fathers grow old. But Jesus never fails. He is eternally committed to His people. If you are His, you are secure—forever.

➤ You have an eternal future in Christ.

No more sickness, pain, or parting. Jesus’ family is an everlasting one. We look forward to the day when we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thess. 4:17).

Closing Thought:

This Christmas, remember: Jesus is not just a baby in a manger. He is your Everlasting Father—eternal in being, infinite in love, and unshakable in His care for you. If you belong to Him, you are safe, loved, and never alone. What about you? Do you know Him as your Everlasting Father today?