1) v1 Look how needed he is. 2) v1 Look how delightful he is. 3) vv2-3 Look how unexpected he is. 4) v4 Look how successful he is.

Part of our series in An Ancient Christmas: The coming of Christ in Isaiah.

I am indebted to my OT seminary professor, Dr. Ralph Davis, for his insights into Isaiah.

The Coming of the Messiah in Isaiah. 1) v1Where's He From? 2) vv2-3 Can He Do the Work? 3) vv3-5 What's His Governing Philosophy? 4) vv6-9 What's His Vision For Our Future If He's Successful?

A child is born, a son is given, who brings 1) vv1-2 light into darkness, 2) vv3-5 liberation to the oppressed, and 3) vv6-7 leadership to the kingdom.

I. God's Plan: The Scriptures are fulfilled in Jesus' suffering II. Jesus' Prayer: His priestly intercession for his enemies.

I. The context is his pain, v26 II. The content of his preaching, vv27-30. III. His closing proverb, v31

I. Exoneration of Jesus by Pilate. II. Enmity against Jesus by the crowd. III. Exchange of Jesus for the wicked.

How does Jesus comfort and counsel his people amidst their suffering? I. Jesus does not tie their sins and suffering together. II. Jesus points us to himself. III. Jesus will never take us where he has not been. IV. Jesus knows and can stop our suffering but sometimes chooses not to. V. Jesus has a heavenly and eternal perspective on our suffering. VI. Jesus knows the end of our sufferings. VII. Jesus promises that Christians will never face the worst suffering.