Lesson One
Wonderful Counselor

I enjoy watching the television show “Shark Tank.” One of the “sharks” has given himself the nickname “Mr. Wonderful.” Self-imposed nicknames do not count, and it is clear from his co-hosts that he is not viewed that way by them.

1. What nicknames have you had?

One of the names given of the Messiah (Jesus) is “Wonderful Counselor.” Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus was and is wonderful. He is extraordinary, exceptional, and distinguished. Scripture records numerous times of Him being miraculous. He gave sight to the blind, the lame walked, and He even raised the dead back to life. He is the real “Mr. Wonderful.”

Years before Isaiah called the Messiah the “Wonderful Counselor,” Jesus appeared as “the angel of the Lord” to Samson’s dad, Manoah. Judges 13:18 records an insightful conversation, “And the angel of the Lord said to him, ‘Why do you ask my name, seeing it is wonderful?’” Whether you call Him the Messiah, the angel of the Lord, or Jesus; He is wonderful!

2. What is a “Christophany”?

Jesus has existed forever, and He appeared at times even before He was “born.” That is amazing, awesome, and wonderful.

He not only possesses the trait of being wonderful, but His skill combines with His skill of counseling. He gives wise advice, helps those contemplating as they make plans, and gives counsel. We need to listen to this authoritative One. He knows the future and what is best for us. He is the “Wonderful Counselor.”

3. What thoughts come to mind when you think of Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor”?

One of the best scenarios I obtained through my counseling classes, was to ask three questions.

What is the problem?

The first question sounds pretty basic, “What is the problem?” However, it often is not what the individual thinks. A person struggling with depression might be able to help their emotional well-being through routine exercise, a proper diet, and some sound sleep (I am not saying this will solve all depression, and I am not anti-medication). They are saying the problem is depression, but it is really life choices.

4. What are some examples where you have heard someone describe their problem, but you know it has deeper roots?

The Bible describes man’s biggest problem – sin. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Not only is sin the problem, but it gets worse. Romans 6:23 adds, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Sin is the problem, and it leads to death, Hell, and the Lake of Fire. Fortunately, “Christ Jesus our Lord” is the “Wonderful Counselor.” He not only revealed the problem, but He also provided the solution in Himself. Romans 5:8 says, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus not only knows the cure; He is the cure. He died for us. Finally, Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”Salvation comes from Jesus alone!

 Charles Spurgeon said it so well, “I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.”

 The problem might appear as a poor self-image; the cure is found in Jesus.

The problem might appear as fear; the cure is found in Jesus.

The problem might appear as anger or hatred; the cure is found in Jesus.

The problem does not matter as much as the cure is the “Wonderful Counselor.”

5. What struggle have you had that the “Wonderful Counselor” cured

What have you done about it?

I used to ask about the problem and then immediately tried to solve it. I have learned that there are times when my wife or children just need support and a sounding board. It is not much different from a counselor. I am learning not to immediately jump in with advice.

This second question is so important, “What have you done about it?” They need to take some ownership of their life and growth.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Paul boldly states that he can be victorious in life through the power of Jesus Christ. This is true of all believers. If they have given their lives to Jesus, then the Holy Spirit dwells within them. They can move from victim to victorious!

6. Do you tend to immediately try to solve the problems of others?

7. How can it be wrong for us to immediately try to be the solution to someone else’s problem?

David knew his spiritual, physical, and emotional strength came from the Lord. He wrote in Psalm 16:7 saying, “I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.” David needed direction, and He found it in the Lord.

8. Where do you first go when you need counseling?

David found counsel in the Lord. His son, Solomon, also knew He wanted the wisdom and counsel that only God could supply. He wrote in Proverbs 8:14, “I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.” I love the confidence that jumps off the page as he boldly proclaims what he has in the Lord.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

9. What does this passage say about counseling?

10. What is promised in this passage?

Finally, Romans 11:33-34 reminds us of what we have in Jesus, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?’”

What do you need from me?

After we decipher what the actual problem is and we empower them in the Lord, then it is time for us to find out how we fit into the solution. Scripture does not reprimand people for seeking counsel from others.

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” It is wise to approach wise counsel from those who live in righteousness.

11. How can others help us in counseling?

As counselors, we need to remember that our main objective is to point people to the Lord. Colossians 2:3 reminds us Jesus is the treasure chest, “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

12. How can we help others in counseling?

Jesus is the “Wonderful Counselor.” Isaiah stated it in Isaiah 9:6 and reiterated it later, “This also comes from the Lord of hosts; he is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom” (Isaiah 28:29).

13. Knowing Jesus is the “Wonderful Counselor,” how should that affect our lives?

“You don’t realize Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.” Tim Keller