Jesus as ‘Mighty God’: The Prophecy of Isaiah and the Revelation in John’s Gospel
Willow Creek | November 1, 2024
Isaiah 9:6: The Promise of a Powerful Savior for Israel
In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah released the prophecy about the coming Messiah being “Mighty God.” This prophetic passage came during a time of significant turmoil for the Kingdom of Judah, as it faced threats from powerful empires like Assyria amidst internal political instability.
Understanding ‘Mighty God’ in the Context of Jesus’ Divinity
Historically, the Israelites were looking for a powerful leader who could deliver them from oppression and restore peace. The designation “Mighty God” emphasizes the divine strength and authority of the coming Messiah, highlighting that He would not only be a political leader but also a figure embodying God’s power and presence among His people.
In the context of Isaiah’s audience, the title of “Mighty God” reassured the Israelites that God was actively involved in their history and would provide a savior who would demonstrate both strength and divine intervention. This prophecy of “Mighty God” foreshadowed who Jesus would be on earth—affirming His divine nature and authority as the embodiment of God’s power on earth.
John 1:1-14: Jesus as the Divine Word (Logos) and Creator
Finding Jesus as “Mighty God” was powerfully prophesied by Isaiah, but there are tracings found throughout Scripture ascribing power to God in similar tones. John 1:1-14 lays a foundational understanding of Christ’s identity, purpose, and relationship with humanity.
John’s Gospel was likely written around 90–100 AD, making it one of the last New Testament writings. By this time, the early Christian community was grappling with various theological questions about the nature of Christ and his relationship to God.
The opening verses establish that “the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This affirms Jesus’ preexistence and His full divinity, highlighting that He is not merely a prophet or teacher but the eternal Creator with inherent power. The passage states that “through Him all things were made.” This emphasizes Jesus’ active role in creation, showcasing His power as the source of all life and existence. Jesus is portrayed as sovereign over the universe, capable of bringing forth creation by His will. How is Jesus both God and man in the Bible?
The context of John 1:1-14 implies that Jesus has the power to bring salvation. The reference to “children of God” in verse 12 emphasizes that through belief in Him, individuals are granted the status and privilege of being part of God’s family, highlighting the redemptive power of Jesus. This passage highlights God’s revelation through Jesus in a unique and personal way.
In ancient Greek, the term for “Word” is “Logos”. The term “Logos” reflects Hellenistic philosophical thought, which viewed the Logos as a divine principle of reason and order. By employing this concept, John sought to bridge Jewish theology with Greco-Roman philosophical ideas, making the message of Christ accessible to a broader audience.
The Incarnation: ‘The Word Became Flesh’ and its Significance
Verse 14, “the Word became flesh,” is central to the doctrine of the Incarnation—that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. What is the meaning of ‘the Word became flesh’ in John 1? In John 1:14, ‘the Word became flesh’ describes the Incarnation, where God took on human form in Jesus, bridging the gap between God and humanity.
This passage underscores the belief that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, bridging the gap between God and humanity. John sought to explain this theological doctrine in a way that both Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences could grasp.
The Light of the World: How Jesus Embodies ‘Mighty God’
At the end of this passage, “We have seen His glory” points to the transformative experience of encountering Jesus, suggesting that He embodies the fullness of God’s presence. The imagery of light in the passage represents the truth and life that Jesus brings to a world often characterized by darkness, sin, and misunderstanding. This theme of light overcoming darkness is central to John’s Gospel—ultimately displaying Jesus as “Mighty God.”
What does this mean for you this Christmas?
At Christmas, we celebrate the Christmas story: Jesus not only as a child born in Bethlehem but as the prophesied ‘Mighty God,’ the embodiment of God’s strength and salvation coming to humanity. This means He isn’t just a humble baby but a mighty, powerful God able to do the miraculous in your life!