Immanuel

Sermon Text

Matthew 1:18-25

Christ Born of Mary

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

24 Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

• Matthew introduces Jesus not merely by a personal name but as the Christ—the promised, anointed King from David’s line whose kingdom will endure forever.
• Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit and birth from the virgin Mary reveal God’s unique and miraculous intervention: the eternal Son truly came in human flesh.
• Joseph’s response shows that biblical justice includes mercy, restraint, and love rather than a desire to expose Mary to shame.
• The angel calls Joseph “son of David,” tells him not to fear, and directs him to receive Mary and name her child Jesus as his legitimate heir.
• The name Jesus points to the Lord as Savior: this King came to rescue real people from the guilt, penalty, and power of their sins.
• Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s promise of Immanuel—God with us—because God Himself came to bridge the separation caused by human sin.
• Mary and Joseph accepted misunderstanding and shame in faith, while their Son would bear the far greater shame of the cross to redeem His people.
• From the cradle to the cross, resurrection, present reign, and promised return, Jesus remains the King of kings and the believer’s source of joy, hope, and peace.

• Why does Matthew place Jesus’ birth immediately after the genealogy from Abraham through David?
• What does the title Christ teach us about Jesus’ identity and kingship?
• How does the virgin conception display both the uniqueness of Jesus and God’s initiative in salvation?
• What can Joseph’s initial plan teach us about the relationship between justice, mercy, and self-control?
• What fears about reputation or misunderstanding did Joseph have to overcome in order to obey God?
• Why was Joseph’s act of naming the child Jesus significant?
• What does it mean that Jesus saves His people from their sins rather than merely improving their circumstances?
• How does the name Immanuel answer the separation from God caused by sin?
• How does the movement from Christ’s cradle to His cross shape the way Christians understand Christmas?
• Do Christ’s coming, present reign, and promised return presently give me joy, hope, and peace?

Christ

A title meaning the Anointed One or Messiah; Jesus is the promised King descended from David.

Son of David

A royal title connecting Jesus to God’s promise that a descendant of David would reign forever.

Betrothal

A legally binding marriage commitment in Joseph and Mary’s setting, more formal and consequential than a modern engagement.

Virgin conception

The unique work of God by which Jesus was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit, apart from ordinary human generation.

Incarnation

The eternal Son of God taking a true human nature while remaining truly God.

Jesus

The divinely appointed name related to Joshua and the truth that the Lord saves His people from their sins.

Immanuel

“God with us,” the name from Isaiah’s prophecy that identifies Jesus as God present with His people.

Justice and mercy

Joseph’s righteousness was expressed through faithfulness to what is right together with restraint, compassion, and concern for Mary.