God with Us

ByCarolyn E. Jacobs

This week’s name is Immanuel, means God with us. Matthew bookends his gospel with this promise.

When Jesus was born, the Jews had been waiting over 700 years for the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14. How was his coming announced?

Joseph, a godly man, found himself betrothed to a pregnant woman. Not what he expected. He intended to put Mary away (divorce her) quietly UNTIL:

20 But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. 22 Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WILL  CONCEIVE AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM  IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” – Matthew 1:20-23

Joseph must have recognized the prophecy the angel was referring to. He was not just any ordinary observant Jew. He was heir to David’s throne. He would have been very familiar with this prophecy that had to be fulfilled through David’s line. After this confirmation from the angel, he knew Mary was telling the truth about her baby being conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Fast forward to Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus’s disciples had been on a roller coaster. Jesus died, and their hopes died with him. He rose, and they were astounded. Elated. Remember Mary Magdalene at the tomb? She was holding on to him, not wanting to let go. But he couldn’t stay. Jesus lets them know he’s going to go to Heaven.

Imagine you were one of Jesus’s followers in Galilee as he was laying out his final instructions. You’d lost him once. And now he says he’s leaving you behind? But then this happens.

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus was and is and always will be Immanuel, God with us.

 

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