Matthew
6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in
heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily
bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For
thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
As we get near to Christmas is
appropriate that we start with the book of Matthew. We will cover first the introduction to Matthew and follow up with the
genealogy of Christ and during the next two weeks we will of course cover the birth of Emanuel and other important issues
that occurred because of his birth. Yes this is the same sermon from last year but when you have a great story then retelling
it just makes sense.
The
Sermon for This Week is: Jesus And Immanuel - Matthew 1:18-25 - Now the birth of Jesus
Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child
of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her
a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which
is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall
save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,
saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being
interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto
him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
INTRODUCTION
1. In Matthew 1:18-25, we have Matthew’s
account of the birth of Jesus...
a. Matthew tells the story with a focus on Joseph
b. Whereas Luke centers on Mary
2. Noble qualities of Joseph are certainly seen
in this passage...
a. His tender consideration for Mary
b. His willingness to bear ridicule
-- Little else is known of him, for it is his
adopted son who is the primary interest in Matthew’s gospel
3. The word “gospel” means “good
news”, and hints of just how good that news is occurs in this passage...
a. Especially when one contemplates the names
by which the son of Mary was to be called
b. Such names as Jesus and Immanuel
4. In this lesson, we shall consider more closely
these two names...
a. One which describes His office (what
was He to do?)
b. One which describes His nature (who
was He?)
[First we note that in his dream, the angel
of the Lord tells Joseph concerning the child to be born of Mary...]
I. “YOU SHALL CALL HIS NAME JESUS”
A. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS OF THIS NAME...
1. A very common Jewish name, often given in
memory of Joshua (the Hebrew form of the name, Jesus)
2. It is interesting to compare these two figures
of history
a. Joshua led the nation of Israel into the
promised land (Canaan)
b. Jesus leads the people of God into the Promised
Land (Heaven)
B. SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS NAME...
1. Jesus (Joshua) means “God is Savior”
2. The son of Mary was rightfully called that,
because “he shall save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21 - And she shall bring forth
a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
3. This Jesus would do by saving them...
a. From the guilt of sin
1) By offering His blood as the atonement for
their sins - cf. Romans 5:8-9a - But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood,
2) When one is washed by the blood of Jesus,
He truly is their Savior
b. From the power of sin
1) By sending His sanctifying Spirit to help
His people break sin’s dominion
2) Paul writes of this in Ro 8:1-2,12-14
c. From the consequence of sin
1) I.e., the wrath of God to come
2) Cf. Romans 5:9 - Much more then,
being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. - 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - For they
themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living
and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus,
which delivered us from the wrath to come.
d. Ultimately, from the presence of sin
1) I.e., when we depart to “be with the
Lord”
2) Cf. Revelation
7:13-17 - And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence
came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation,
and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and
serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more,
neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne
shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
4. And so the name of Jesus should be...
a. A very encouraging name to heavy-laden sinners
1) Souls which desire salvation may draw near
to the Father with confidence through Christ
2) For it is His office (function, work)
to show mercy - John 3:17 - For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
but that the world through him might be saved.
b. A very sweet and precious name to believers
1) For He continues to intercede in our behalf,
to save us from our sins
2) Cf. Hebrews 4:14-16 - Seeing then
that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto
the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. - Hebrews 7:24-25 - But
this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able
also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
[As stated in a popular hymn, “There
is a Name I love to hear...” and that name is Jesus ! It may have been common in the days of Jesus, but should
be very special now to all those seek to be saved from their sins! As Matthew recounts what the angel told Mary, he adds that
the birth of Jesus also fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah in which it is said...]
II. “THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL”
A. HISTORICAL ASSOCIATIONS OF THIS NAME...
1. Isaiah’s prophecy concerning this name is found in - Isaiah 7:14 - Therefore
the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
2. In which a virgin would give birth to a child
who would be called “Immanuel”
B. SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS NAME...
1. Immanuel literally means “God is with
us” - cf. Matthew 1:23 - Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall
call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
2. This name describes the Messiah’s nature;
i.e., that He is Deity!
a.. Other passages expound upon this aspect
of Christ’s nature
1) He is “Mighty God, Everlasting Father”
- Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
2) He is “God”, possessing the “glory
of God”; the Great “I AM”, who shared in the glory of the Father prior to His incarnation - cf. John
1:1-3 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning
with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. - John 1:14 - And
the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full
of grace and truth. - John 8:56-59 - Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and
he saw it, and was glad. Then said the Jews unto him,
Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily,
I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went
out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. - John 17:5 - And
now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. (cf.
Isaiah 42:8 - And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which
I had with thee before the world was.)
3) Declared to be “the Son of God with
power” by virtue of His resurrection - Romans 1:3-4 - Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was
made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with
power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
4) He was “equal with God” who willingly
humbled Himself - cf. Philippians 2:5-11 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in
the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form
of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every
name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that
every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
5) In Him “dwells all the fullness of
the Godhead bodily” - Colossians 2:9 - For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
b. Human minds, finite and feeble, wrestle with
this great mystery, but Jesus was “God manifested in the flesh”! - 1 Timothy 3:16 - And without controversy
great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the
Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
CONCLUSION
1. Would you have a strong foundation for your
faith and hope...?
a. Then keep in constant view your Savior’s
name “Immanuel” (“God with us”)
b. For having become flesh, God understands
our human plight - cf. Hebrews 2:17-18 - Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining
to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able
to succour them that are tempted.
2. Would you have sweet comfort in suffering
and trial...?
a. Then keep in constant view your Savior’s
name “Jesus” (“God is Savior”)
b. For in sending His Son to die, God has offered
a propitiation for our sins - 1 John 4:9-10 - In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God
sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that
he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
So they called the Child born of a virgin and
raised by a carpenter. By His resurrection from the dead, He proved true to His name. Are you willing to obey Jesus as One
who was “God with us”, and through whom “God is Savior”? - Matthew 7:21-23 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth
the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have
we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will
I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Amen.
Prayer: Mark 16:15-16
- And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. - Lord I truly thank You for giving the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You
will keep them in Your blessings and accept them into Your heart - this I pray
in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen
Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from
God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus
Christ in sincerity. Amen. - Ephesians
6:23-24
This sermon is in the Public Domain
- Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.
