Hello Beloved,
Let us continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus as “Mediator.” This month, as we move into Jesus’ birth names and the start of the Christmas season, we will consider Jesus as “Immanuel.”
The name “Immanuel” means “God with us.” Ever since I was a little child, there has been something magical about the name of “Immanuel.” Of course, when I discovered that the name was connected to Jesus, especially at Christmas time, the name seemed to be much more meaningful to me. However, it was when I understood the origins of the name that my appreciation for “Immanuel” truly deepened.
In the birth narrative of the gospel of Matthew, Jospeh was visited in a dream by an angel who connected the name of “Jesus” with that of “Immanuel.” The angel stated of Mary, Joseph’s betrothed; “‘She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).” Matthew 1:21-23 (ESV)
I wondered which prophet Matthew was referring to. A quick glance at the footnote in my Bible communicated that Matthew was citing Isaiah 7:14. As I studied this second passage, I became confused because its meaning did not seem clearly apparent at first sight. But as I spent time in the Scripture, I soon discovered the value that comes from mining the jewels in God’s Word. It turns out that during the reign of Ahaz in Judah, both Israel and Syria were planning a military campaign against this tiny nation. Ahaz, who had issues with faith in God, was checking his water supply when the prophet Isaiah met him. Isaiah communicated that God had given Ahaz what one might call a “blank check,” and to ask any sign from God for confidence in Him. Ahaz gave a note of religiosity, in a misapplication of his claim not to test God. In reality, Ahaz simply did not believe God. Isaiah told Ahaz that God would give him a sign. He states:
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. Isaiah 7:14-16 (ESV)
It turns out that there would be an immediate sign of deliverance for Ahaz and Judah from the nations of Syria and Israel, exhibited through a child that would be born to a “then” virgin in Israel. The identity of this woman is debated, but I think it is Isaiah’s wife from what we read in Isaiah 8. However, the greater and more important fulfillment came in the birth of the true Deliverer or Savior, Jesus, who is God with us.
The name “Immanuel” or “God with us” signifies the Incarnation of Jesus in that God the second person of the Trinity became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory (John 1:14). During the Christmas season, we celebrate that God, who made His presence known to the people of Israel through His Shekinah glory in the tabernacle, also made His presence known in a similar way through His Son who became flesh.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
His name is called Emmanuel.
God with us, revealed in us,
His name is called Emmanuel.
(by Bob McGee)
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”