Emmanuel: The Promise and Presence of Christ

 

Summary

In this evening's gathering, we explored the profound significance of Jesus as Emmanuel, God with us, through the lens of the beloved hymn "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" by Charles Wesley. This hymn, written shortly after Wesley's conversion, serves as a theological reflection on the incarnation of Christ. It invites us to ponder the peace and reconciliation between God and sinners, the glory of the resurrection, and the gift of new birth. The heart of the hymn, however, lies in its second stanza, which focuses on Christ as Emmanuel, the incarnate deity who dwells among us.

We delved into Matthew 1:23, where the promise of Emmanuel is fulfilled. This promise, given 700 years prior through the prophet Isaiah, assured God's people of His unwavering commitment to redeem them. Despite the turmoil and threats faced by King Ahaz and the people of Judah, God's promise of a virgin birth was a sign of His faithfulness. The virgin birth is a testament to God's resolve to redeem His people through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Understanding Jesus as Emmanuel requires first knowing Him as Savior. The name Jesus signifies His role in saving us from our sins, while Emmanuel emphasizes His divine nature. Our greatest need is not geopolitical or socio-economic but spiritual, as we stand condemned before a holy God. Jesus, the God-man, is our only hope, bridging the gap between humanity and divinity.

The presence of Emmanuel is a source of comfort and strength for believers. While we long to see Jesus face to face, we are reminded of His spiritual presence with us through the Holy Spirit. This presence empowers us in our ministry and daily lives, assuring us that we are never alone. As we serve in various capacities, we are encouraged by the promise that Christ is with us always, even to the end of the age.

Finally, we looked forward to the glory of Emmanuel, as depicted in Revelation 21 and 22. In the new creation, God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear and sorrow. Worshiping Emmanuel by faith now prepares us to worship Him by sight in glory. The hymn "The Sands of Time Are Sinking" beautifully captures this anticipation, reminding us that our focus should be on Christ, our bridegroom, rather than the temporal things of this world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Promise of Emmanuel: God's promise of Emmanuel, given through Isaiah, assures us of His unwavering commitment to redeem His people. The virgin birth is a sign of God's faithfulness, reminding us that He always keeps His word. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus, who is both Savior and Emmanuel, God with us. [12:07]

2. Knowing Jesus as Savior: To truly understand Jesus as Emmanuel, we must first know Him as Savior. Our greatest need is spiritual, as we stand condemned before a holy God. Jesus, the God-man, bridges the gap between humanity and divinity, offering salvation and reconciliation. [13:19]

3. The Presence of Emmanuel: While we long to see Jesus face to face, His spiritual presence with us through the Holy Spirit is a source of comfort and strength. This presence empowers us in our ministry and daily lives, assuring us that we are never alone. [19:39]

4. The Glory of Emmanuel: Revelation 21 and 22 depict the ultimate fulfillment of Emmanuel, where God will dwell with His people in the new creation. Worshiping Emmanuel by faith now prepares us to worship Him by sight in glory, focusing on Christ rather than temporal things. [23:09]

5. The Purpose of Christmas: The true purpose of Christmas is to draw our attention to Emmanuel, our Savior and Lord. While traditions and carols are meaningful, they ultimately point us to the hope we have in Christ, encouraging us to lock eyes with Him, our bridegroom. [26:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Introduction and Hymn Reflection
- [01:11] - The Reformation and Hymnody
- [02:13] - Charles Wesley's Conversion and Hymn
- [03:07] - The Significance of Hymnals
- [04:34] - Theological Reflection on the Incarnation
- [06:06] - Understanding Emmanuel
- [08:22] - The Promise of Emmanuel
- [10:53] - The Virgin Birth as a Sign
- [12:44] - The Work of Emmanuel
- [14:58] - Jesus as Savior and Emmanuel
- [17:02] - The Presence of Emmanuel
- [19:39] - Emmanuel's Comfort in Ministry
- [22:31] - The Glory of Emmanuel
- [24:37] - The Hope of Emmanuel
- [26:25] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Jesus as Emmanuel

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 1:18-23

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the significance of the name "Emmanuel" as mentioned in Matthew 1:23, and how does it relate to the prophecy given by Isaiah? [08:04]

2. How does the sermon describe the historical context in which the prophecy of Emmanuel was given to King Ahaz? [09:15]

3. According to the sermon, what are the two names given to Jesus in Matthew 1:21-23, and what do they signify about His role and nature? [13:03]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the presence of Jesus with believers today, even though He is not physically present? [19:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does understanding Jesus as both Savior and Emmanuel deepen one's appreciation of His role in the believer's life? [13:19]

2. In what ways does the promise of Emmanuel provide comfort and assurance to believers facing difficult circumstances, as illustrated by the story of King Ahaz? [10:53]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between worshiping Emmanuel by faith now and worshiping Him by sight in the future, as depicted in Revelation 21 and 22? [23:09]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of recognizing Jesus' spiritual presence in our daily lives and ministries? [19:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed. How can the promise of Emmanuel, "God with us," change your perspective in similar situations? [19:39]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need to know Jesus as Savior before understanding Him as Emmanuel. How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus as your Savior this week? [13:19]

3. Consider the ways in which you currently experience Jesus' presence in your life. What practices or habits can you adopt to become more aware of His spiritual presence daily? [19:39]

4. The sermon mentions the anticipation of worshiping Emmanuel by sight in glory. How can you cultivate a heart of worship now that prepares you for that future reality? [23:09]

5. How can the message of Emmanuel influence the way you approach Christmas traditions and celebrations this year, focusing on the true purpose of Christmas? [26:09]

6. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's faithfulness, as King Ahaz was encouraged to do. What steps can you take to rely on God's promises this week? [10:53]

7. Identify one person in your life who might be struggling with feeling alone or distant from God. How can you share the message of Emmanuel with them in a meaningful way? [24:37]

Devotional

Day 1: God's Faithfulness in the Promise of Emmanuel
The promise of Emmanuel, "God with us," was given through the prophet Isaiah as a sign of God's unwavering commitment to redeem His people. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose virgin birth serves as a testament to God's faithfulness. Despite the challenges and threats faced by the people of Judah, God's promise remained steadfast, reminding us that He always keeps His word. Jesus, as both Savior and Emmanuel, embodies this promise, offering us peace and reconciliation with God. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the profound truth that God is always with us, guiding and redeeming us through His Son. [12:07]

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

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's faithfulness in your life, especially during times of uncertainty or challenge? How can you hold onto the promise of Emmanuel in your current circumstances?


Day 2: Understanding Jesus as Savior and Emmanuel
To truly grasp the significance of Jesus as Emmanuel, we must first recognize Him as our Savior. Our greatest need is spiritual, as we stand condemned before a holy God. Jesus, the God-man, bridges the gap between humanity and divinity, offering salvation and reconciliation. By understanding Jesus as both Savior and Emmanuel, we see the fullness of His mission: to save us from our sins and to be with us always. This dual role emphasizes the depth of God's love and commitment to His people, inviting us to trust in His redemptive work. [13:19]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as both Savior and Emmanuel change your perspective on your relationship with God? What steps can you take today to draw nearer to Him?


Day 3: The Comforting Presence of Emmanuel
While we long to see Jesus face to face, His spiritual presence with us through the Holy Spirit is a source of comfort and strength. This presence empowers us in our ministry and daily lives, assuring us that we are never alone. As believers, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit, who guides and sustains us in all circumstances. The presence of Emmanuel is a constant reminder that God is with us, providing the support and encouragement we need to fulfill our calling. [19:39]

John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance? How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Emmanuel's presence in your daily routine?


Day 4: The Glory of Emmanuel in the New Creation
Revelation 21 and 22 depict the ultimate fulfillment of Emmanuel, where God will dwell with His people in the new creation. This vision of the future offers hope and assurance that God will wipe away every tear and sorrow. Worshiping Emmanuel by faith now prepares us to worship Him by sight in glory, shifting our focus from temporal things to the eternal presence of Christ. As we anticipate this glorious future, we are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. [23:09]

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "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. 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.'"

Reflection: How does the promise of God's future dwelling with His people impact your current priorities and decisions? What changes can you make to live with a more eternal perspective?


Day 5: The True Purpose of Christmas
The true purpose of Christmas is to draw our attention to Emmanuel, our Savior and Lord. While traditions and carols are meaningful, they ultimately point us to the hope we have in Christ. This season invites us to lock eyes with Jesus, our bridegroom, and to focus on the eternal significance of His coming. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the profound truth that God is with us, offering us salvation and a relationship with Him. This understanding transforms our celebration, encouraging us to live in light of the hope and joy that Emmanuel brings. [26:09]

Titus 2:11-13 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How can you intentionally focus on the true purpose of Christmas this year? What specific actions can you take to keep Christ at the center of your celebrations?

Quotes


The heart of this carol is found in the second stanza, where Wesley focuses on the work of Christ as Emmanuel. Look again at the second stanza: Christ by highest heaven adored, Christ the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the virgin's womb, veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the incarnate deity, pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. [00:05:12]

We realize that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, that Christ is the gift of Christmas. But what does it mean, dear friends, to know Jesus as Emmanuel? We sing it in the carols, but do we understand what it means to know Christ as Emmanuel? [00:05:55]

The promise of Emmanuel is that God always keeps his word. He promised to send his son as a savior, and he has promised to send his son again as a conquering king. And dear friends, God always keeps his word. [00:12:18]

Jesus is given the name Savior, Jesus, because he comes to save his people from their sins, and he is also given this name Emmanuel because he is God with us. And these two things are important to keep in mind. [00:12:44]

The arrival of Jesus into the world is a statement to us that our greatest need in the world is not geopolitical. The greatest threat in the world is not socioeconomical. The greatest problem in the world is your moral rebellion against God, is that we are sinners, and we stand condemned in the presence of a holy God. [00:13:43]

And so God, in his mercy, perforates space and time and sends his only begotten son into the world to redeem his people as their savior. And so when we remember the child in the manger, we understand that the son of God became something that he was not, a man, and yet he remained what he always was, the glorious son of God. [00:14:53]

You see, you will never know God as Emmanuel unless you first know Jesus as Savior. And dear friends, I have no idea what brought you here tonight. Perhaps you've come because it's a glorious tradition, perhaps you simply wanted to get out of the house, maybe you love taking part of the regal tradition and the beauty and the wonder of Christmas. [00:15:52]

The presence of Emmanuel: Oh, wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to be with Jesus face to face? Wouldn't it be extraordinary? Certainly, the more I grow as a Christian, the more I long to behold Christ with my own eyes, face to face. We long for the physical presence of Christ, do we not? [00:17:06]

And Matthew helps us. Have you ever noticed that Matthew begins his gospel focusing our attention on Emmanuel, and he also ends his gospel focusing our attention on Emmanuel? When you go home, I want you to go to Matthew 28, and I want you to look up the Great Commission. [00:18:10]

I will be with you as Emmanuel. I won't be with you physically; I will be with you spiritually. I will pour out my spirit on my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. And so as you go to do my work, you are empowered with my presence and my spirit, and you know I will never leave you. [00:19:36]

The glory of Emmanuel: The last text I want you to look at when you go home tonight is actually two chapters, Revelation 21 and Revelation 22. The very last two chapters in all of the Bible, and John, in his vision of the apocalypse, ends the entire Bible with a message of Emmanuel, God with us. [00:22:37]

Worshiping Emmanuel by faith here on earth is preparing to worship Emmanuel by sight in glory. But if you do not know Emmanuel here, you will never know Emmanuel there. And the precious truth of Emmanuel is that if you are in Christ, dear friend, you are never alone. [00:23:57]

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