Immanuel Isn’t One of Jesus’ Names
Most people have a title. Titles are important for two reasons. First, they tell what we do. Second they communicate status. There are titles that are confusing or leave us wondering. Would you guess the title “Director of First Impressions” is for a receptionist?
In the Christmas story Matthew tells us about one of Jesus’ titles, Immanuel. Some incorrectly think it’s a name, but it isn’t. Immanuel, as Matthew tells us, is literally made of the words “God with us.” It’s only found in the Bible three times Isaiah 7:14, 8:8 and Matthew 1:23.
Most of us know of this title because of the beautiful Christmas Carol “O Come O Come Immanuel.” The song is closely associated with Christmas but the implications of the title are by no means limited to Christmas.
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There are four implications of this title that have great significance to our daily lives.
4 Reasons Why Jesus’ Title Immanuel is Important to Us
- Immanuel means the Father showed Himself to us. He wants us to know Him and we can know Him. Jesus told His disciples that whoever had seen Him had seen the Father. John 14:7-9. When we read the Gospels and see what Jesus did, what He said, and how He acted He was showing us the Father. Jesus is Immanuel so we can know Him and the Father.
- Immanuel means Jesus identified Himself with us. Jesus became a man and with us He did everything men do. He was born, he ate, slept, and got tired. He experienced good and bad (such as hatred from others and temptations but not sin) in life Hebrews 4:15. He isn’t some distant far off creature. Although He is God, He is still a human like us. We can relate to Him, because He understands us.
- Immanuel means Jesus gave Himself for us. Why would the Son of God become a man? To rescue us from our hopeless plight. He became Immanuel, God with us, so He could break the power of sin and death that enslaved us Hebrews 2:14. He didn’t have to do this but He did. We can trust Him to deliver us!
- Immanuel means the Father, Son and Spirit have stayed with us. The words “God with us” describes a present reality. Jesus knew He would be leaving earth to return to heaven. He promised before He left that He would be with us until the end of the age Matthew 28:18-20. Even though He is seated at the right hand of the Father, He promises to be with us Matthew 18:20. One way that is fulfilled is by the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives John 14:16-18. This means we can rely upon Him.
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Try this today. Think about Immanuel once every hour. If you need help, ask. If you’re worrying tell Him why. If you’re doing great, thank Him. It’s a powerful truth that will change your life. That’s why He became Immanuel.
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