What does the name Immanuel mean to you? It means “God with us.” Today, let’s explore Passage Emmanuel.
Passage Emmanuel. It is not merely a passageway. It embodies a profound spiritual message. Immanuel represents God’s presence. God’s presence is with humanity.
The name Immanuel appears in the Bible. It appears four times. Three times in Isaiah. Once in Matthew. The word comes from Greek. It renders two Hebrew words. “Immanu” means “with us.” “‘El” means “God.”
Matthew tells readers Jesus’ birth fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy. The prophecy speaks of a virgin conceiving a son. They will name him Immanuel. This means “God with us”. Jesus fulfills the prophecy. He will save people from their sins. God being with His people continues through Matthew. It culminates in the Great Commission. The last verse says, “I am with you always.” It extends to the end of the age.
The name Immanuel is important. It points to God’s presence with His people. “God with us” embodies God’s promises. It includes Israel. It also includes all who trust in Him. Through sacrifice and mercy, God makes a way. He wants to be with His people. This includes Israel in the Old Testament. It includes the church in the New Testament. It all leads to Revelation 21:3. “God himself will be with them as their God”.
Jesus fulfills this theme. He identifies with humanity. He became a man. He died on the cross for sin. Immanuel embodies the meaning of Christmas. Jesus’ birth, the Holy One, the Messiah, has made a way. God can be WITH us.
In Isaiah, God speaks through the prophet. He speaks to Ahaz, king of Judah. Ahaz was afraid. The northern kingdom joined forces with Syria. They wanted to destroy him. God tells him, “It shall not stand.” Ahaz does not believe. God gives him a sign. “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son. She shall call his name Immanuel.” God gave Ahaz a sign. A woman conceiving a son. Naming him “Immanuel.” God was “with” His people.
Consider Immanuel’s meanings. It includes the everlasting God. It includes Almighty God. It includes the one God. It includes the one true God. It connotes extreme strength and power. The names describe the very Child to be born.
The Son from Matthew fulfills the son in Isaiah. God offered King Ahaz a divine sign. He wanted to reassure him of His power. Ahaz refused. He appealed to Assyria’s king. God’s word remains infallible.
Step into Passage Emmanuel. Remember its name. “God with us.” It echoes through history. It echoes through faith. It is a promise. God is always with us.