Immanuel, God With Us

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means God with us). Matthew 1:22–23 ESV

It is easy to identify with people who are similar to us. I have empathy for the young mom with babies and toddlers because I’ve been there. I recall the fatigue of sleepless nights. A friend requests prayer for her grown child, and as we pray I remember my own prayers for my children through their young adult years. As a wife, I know that compassion and patience is needed to keep a marriage going. I listen to a woman share her joys and her frustrations with her spouse. I share what I’ve learned through nearly thirty-nine years of marriage, and glean from her knowledge as well.

I’m so thankful that the God of the universe chose to identify with us. In mankind’s inability to comprehend God and to keep His Law and statutes, God promised to be with us. He did so by sending our Savior Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the prophecies that foretold His birth.

Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 NKJV

…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 that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20b–21 ESV

Why was Jesus was not actually called Immanuel? “According to Hebrew usage the name does not represent a title but a characterization, as in…Isaiah 9:6.” ⁱ

Jesus came as a humble baby so we could approach Him. He grew up experiencing life with all of its challenges and temptations, but he did not sin. Fully God, He became one of us, fully man, putting aside His glory and power of heaven.

Jesus identifies with us! He experienced poverty, homelessness, and was a refugee. (Matthew 8:20; Matthew 2:13–15). Jesus was mocked; even His birth was ridiculed (John 8:41). His family misunderstood Him (John 7:5). Joseph probably had died since he is not mentioned in Jesus’ adulthood, so Jesus knew the pain of losing His foster father as well as other loved ones. Friends abandoned him. Jesus was threatened and eventually murdered after an unfair trial.

Jesus Christ experienced all of this to destroy the power of death and the devil (Hebrews 2:14–15). He became like us so He could be our example. He is a patient Teacher. He intercedes to the Father for us as our merciful high priest, as the writer of Hebrews explains:

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 ESV

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore boldly come to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14–16 NKJV

I’m grateful that God is with us. When Jesus ascended into heaven to intercede for us, the Heavenly Father sent the Holy Spirit to live in those of us who believe that Jesus died for our sins and came to save us.

Immanuel, God with us.

Is He within you? Do you have that relationship with Jesus? I pray that you do.

It’s Christmas time. Let’s reflect on what it means to have God with us as we celebrate the season, and throughout the year to come. Please share how you experience Jesus in daily life.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the precious gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the ability to come to Your throne of grace because of the salvation Jesus provided for us. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who lives within believers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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i The New Scofield ® Study Bible New King James Version. 1989. Thomas Nelson Publishers. Footnote to Matthew 1:23.

Scriptures marked ESV are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV): Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD

Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV): Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Merry Christmas! Thank you for reading my devotional. Devotionals post about every second Thursday.