In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
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God With Us
Immanuel (Hebrew), Immanuel (Greek)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:13-17, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 28:19-20, John 1:10-18, Revelation 21:3
Description
The name Immanuel, or “God is with us,” appears in the book of Isaiah in key prophecies predicting the coming of the Messiah. The name carries a sense of nearness, including intimate knowledge of the needs, struggles, and hopes of humanity. When Isaiah prophesies about the virgin birth, he says that her child will be called Immanuel. This is not a proper name as much as it is a description of what the Messiah would be like.
In Matthew, an angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus, because “He will save His people from their sins” (Mt 1:23). This name describes what Immanuel would do. Together, the names Immanuel and Jesus mean “God will be with His people and He will save them from their sins.” God saves His people and is close to them.
Emphasis
God’s nearness to and presence with His people
Reflection
What does this name teach me about God?
God with us- this means so much to me not only now in a time of such uncertainty, but always, when times were good, when I’ve felt invincible and strong He was always with me. I find such peace knowing that He is not only with me but that He goes before me. He makes my path straight so I know that everything will work out for the good. Thank You Jesus ❤️
Thank you for being a God that chooses to be near his people. thank you for residing with me so I can have rest and confidence in who you say you are.
God is always near, the one who created the incredible and complex world we live in also created an intricate and intentional plan for my life.
This is amazing! God is such a loving and caring God, he loves us so dearly that he plans out his desire so intricately for us.
Although God is Lord and above all else, He chose to become close to us—to be personal and intimate with us. What an incredible truth and comfort to know that He is always with us.
I think it is amazing how Jesus was prophesied from the very beginning! We get to experience His presence and closeness in such a way that directly affects our daily lives. I am so thankful to know I am a child of God according to John 1:10-18
I’m thankful that God is with me always.
It’s amazing that even in Jesus’ ministry on earth, we see that He chose to associate himself with sinners. The Pharisees didn’t understand this because they thought surely God Almighty would never associate with sinners. However the irony is if they just studied the name of Immanuel given in the Old Testament (something these religious leaders would’ve been very very familiar with), they would have understood. God with us. US. Beings consumed in sin desperate to get help. He came to help us not to shun us. It’s amazing! I hope we all let the gravity of this miracle sink into our lives.