Jesus, “Immanuel”

Bible Passage: Matthew 1:22-23

I. Background of the name “Immanuel”

1. Ephraim and Syria allied together to come against, Ahaz, the king of Judah (Isa 7:2, cf. 2 Kings 15:37, app. 734-32 BC)
2.-Ahaz, king of Judah, and his people were terrified at the coalition of enemies (Isa 7:2)
3. Ahaz was planning to get help from Assyria—a wrong source for help (7:17-18)
4. God sends Isaiah to Ahaz to offer help (7:3-9)
5. But Ahaz turned down God’s offer of help but was getting ready to accept help from Assyria (10-13)
6. Consequently, Ahaz and his unbelieving people would be defeated (10-13)
7. But, God promises “Immanuel” to a remnant of people who are now among the terrified (7:14)
8. God has been “Immanuel” to His people in the face of crisis and challenges.

II. “Immanuel” in Matthew 1:22-23

1. Joseph was in similar situation as the people of Judah
a. Fear of infidelity, divorce, instability, and sense of victim in marriage relationship
b. Just as God promised to Ahaz, He promises Joseph that “He will be with him at this crisis and challenging time”
c. Unlike Ahaz, Joseph accepted God’s offer
i. Obedience without question (Matt 1:24-25)
ii. Accepted inconveniences (Matt 1:24-2:23)
d. Just as it was in other situations, “Immanuel” protected Joseph and Mary in their crisis
e. They were able to be instruments in God’s most important plan in the history of the world

Take Away

Face your situation with God’s “Immanuel”