About 700 years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah revealed that Jesus would receive some incredible titles. By exploring these names of Jesus, students will better understand his unique identity. They’ll also be challenged to commit themselves more deeply to their relationship with him.

Lesson Objectives

1. WHAT: Long before Jesus was born, he’d already been given some amazing titles that revealed his extraordinary identity.

2. WHY: Each of Jesus’ prophetic titles in Isaiah reveals who he is and, as a result, how we are to respond to him.

3. HOW: Students will compare Isaiah’s prophetic titles for Jesus to the New Testament revelation about the meaning and power of Jesus’ names.

Primary Scripture: Isaiah 7:14, 9:2, 9:6-7

Secondary Scriptures: Matthew 1:18-24 and Philippians 2:9-11

We’ll go back and forth between some Bible verses so we can explore some incredible titles Jesus was given long before his birth.

1. Jesus’ titles reveal important things about his identity

In Isaiah 7:14, what prediction does Isaiah make about the Messiah’s birth?

Why would this be a sign from God? What does it indicate?

Why would this child be called “Immanuel”?

Now look at Isaiah 9:6-7. Why is it surprising that a child would have these titles?

What are some things that “Wonderful Counselor” might mean?

How could a baby be called “Mighty God” or “Everlasting Father”?

What would someone have to do to earn the title “Prince of Peace”?

What Isaiah predicted about the coming Messiah was astonishing, especially to people in Old Testament times. God is the only one who truly deserves such titles. So for Isaiah to bestow them on a child yet to be born indicated that the coming Messiah would have an extraordinary identity—and an extraordinary mission.

2. Jesus’ titles show us why he would be born

Seven centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah spoke about the Messiah who would someday come to save people. In Isaiah 9:2, why did Isaiah say the people needed a Savior? What do you think this meant?

During Isaiah’s day, some kings followed God but many rejected God and committed terrible atrocities. Isaiah himself was probably killed by one of these kings. Look at Isaiah 9:7. What kind of ruler did Isaiah predict the Messiah would be?

How big would the Messiah’s kingdom be, and how long would it last? What does this tell you about Isaiah’s vision of the coming Messiah?

Who would the Messiah descend from? Why is this important?

Who would guarantee that all this would happen? Why is this important?

The titles Isaiah gave to the coming Messiah led people to look for a king like David, who would begin an all-powerful, never-ending kingdom. After 700 years, now under the rule of another empire—Rome—many people had lost hope and had even forgotten about this promise.

3. Jesus’ titles lead us to respond to him somehow

Read Matthew 1:18-24 together as a group. Consider dividing verses among your students so several people have a chance to read.

In what ways are Isaiah’s prophecies fulfilled here?

How does knowing the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus’ titles deepen your understanding of his birth?

What are some reasons that Jesus deserves the name “Immanuel”?

Why must we either accept or reject Jesus? Why is there no middle ground?

BGroup Questions

1. What are some things you discovered today about the Messiah?

2. How do your insights or learnings from today make you want to respond to Jesus?

3. Pick one of Jesus’ titles—Immanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—and think of three ways you can honor that title this week.

TAKE ACTION: Memorize this Scripture this week! “Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names” (Philippians 2:9).

**Leaders, leave 3-5 minutes for prayer at the end of your group time.