“Immanuel, God with us,” is without question one of the most beautiful, life altering, hope inspiring phrases in the entire world of words. It was an Old Testament prophecy foretelling of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14), a fulfilled reality testified to in the New Testament (Matthew 1:20-23), and it has been our church's theme the entire month of December. It is also one of my favorite names of Jesus.
Did you know that some scholars have located over 700 different titles and names in the Bible for God's one and only Son?
Of course these names weren’t all recorded on Jesus’ official birth certificate or frequently used to personally address Him. His childhood friends didn’t ask if the “Prince of Peace” could come out to play. His siblings didn’t call Him “Faithful and True”. And I’m confident that “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” would not have been written on His business card. So, what’s with all the names and titles?
As you might imagine, names were very important in ancient times, often reflecting the hopes and dreams of one’s parents. They often referred to the purpose, character, and descriptive characteristics of the person named. When it comes to the hundreds of names and titles given to God's Son, they each describe some aspect of Who He is and what He does. It’s as if one name just couldn’t capture the magnitude of His magnificent character and ways.
So...what is so special about the name Immanuel?
IMMANUEL/EMMANUEL
First, is it Immanuel or Emmanuel? What’s up with two different spellings? People always spell my name wrong since there are multiple ways to spell Vickey. That’s not what was happening with Immanuel/Emmanuel. The different spellings are a result of parts of the Bible originally being written in different languages and of our modern versions varying in how they translate those languages. However you spell it, Immanuel is one of my favorite names of Jesus because of what it means.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”
(which means “God with us”).” - Matthew 1:23, NIV
Even now, as I type that verse, I can feel my ears filling with tears. I mean seriously, let the above meaning sink in…
God. With. Us.
May we never get over the supernatural gift of those words and their ramifications for our life. Ever.
Think about it. God, the All-Knowing, All-Powerful, Great I Am left His paradise to come to Earth and have someone else change His diapers. Inconceivable!!! He, who is called Wonderful Counselor, allowed others to teach Him to walk and talk and spell His given name. He chose to leave angels who constantly worshiped at His feet to be harassed, abused, misunderstood, slandered, whipped, stripped, mocked, beaten beyond recognition and ultimately sacrificed by a sin-stained people who had no inkling of His magnificence. Why?
To be with us.
“Immanuel” isn’t the name that people called Jesus when they were trying to get His attention, but it describes His very nature. He physically came to earth and His presence indwells His followers now. And one day He will physically come again. Oh yes, as the title of the beloved hymn proclaims,”O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.”
Meet the Author!
Bible teacher, author, inspirational speaker and disciple-maker, Vickey Banks is passionate about helping women connect the dots between God’s Word and their everyday lives. She loves serving as Women’s Ministry Director at Council Road, celebrating her people, playing with her puppy and getting lost in a good story.