Exploring Emmanuel

What does it mean for Jesus to be called “Emmanuel¹”—“God with us”?

Prophecy

In the Old Testament, it was prophesied that the Messiah would come as a child, that he would be born to a virgin, and that his name would be called “Immanuel.”

[14] Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (ESV) Isaiah 7:14

Fulfillment

The Messiah came. His name is Jesus. The people didn’t accept Him. He was crucified by the very people whom he came to save. Three days later, the stone was rolled away and Jesus rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven where He now reigns forever and forever to the glory of God forever.

[6] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; [7] rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. [8] And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Philippians 2:6-8

Not only is God our Creator, He is our Savior. Christ demonstrated His love for us when He gave up His very life that we may become sons and daughters of God. He stepped down from glory into our mess so that we can live His life.

Read more about Jesus being God

Revelation

And now, what should be the constant gleam in the eye of everyone who calls themselves a Christian, the foundation of our very lives, and the source of unfailing hope despite every circumstance: Jesus is going to return for us.

[1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (ESV) Revelation 21:1–4