These notes accompany the sermon found here.

Introduction:

• Today’s Text:  Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7-8.

Immanuel in the New Testament

• Christians see at least three-fold significance in the designation of Jesus as “Immanuel,” “God with us.” He came to dwell in human flesh (John 1:14), he forever dwells in us by his Spirit (John 14:17), and forever dwells among us as his people (Matthew 18:20).   (See Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5; Luke 1:26-38.)

Immanuel in Isaiah

• Context of Isaiah 7-8: Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the king of Israel (aka Ephraim, the northern kingdom) laid siege to Jerusalem around 735 BC during the reign of Ahaz king of Judah.  Ahaz and the city are afraid, but Isaiah’s message from God is one of encouragement that he will stop the attack – hence, “God with us.”
• Despite the Lord’s message to Judah that Syria and Ephraim would not succeed, Judah reached out to Assyria for their help against Syria and Ephraim. Of course this did not work, and Assyrian attacked Judah as well.
• Maher-shalal-hash-baz means, “The spoil speeds, the prey hastens.”

How it applies to us

• The coming of Jesus represents his presence to conquer by righteous judgment and to save by abounding grace. God is with us to save and to conquer.  Which side are we on?  O, Immanuel!
• This also teaches us about our savior – that he can sympathize, represent, lead, and save because he is God with us!
• Do not trust in the things of this world as Judah did, Isaiah 8:10, as it will come to nothing. Drink from the calm waters of Shiloah, Isaiah 8:6, the living water, Jesus Christ.