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.

 

Similar Posts

  • Jesus, My Savior

    Jesus isn’t just the Savior, He’s my Savior. Christ died for my sins. He was buried for my sins. He was raised on the third day so I could spend eternity with him. This week’s name is Savior, and I can’t let it pass without telling you who Jesus is to me. I grew up in a church-going household, and I don’t think I’ve…

  • Bridegroom

    And a voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.” 6 Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns….

  • Prince of Peace

    The prophet Isaiah tells us of the promised Prince of Peace in this familiar verse. For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace On the throne of David and over his…