以马内利的含义

开场

圣诞节的临近会激发我们重新去实现耶稣基督的诞生；每年此时教会都会再度去思想那马槽中婴孩的诞生。我们都清晰耶稣基督降生意味着什么，虽然也许不是那么的全面，但我们多多少少都明白。他的到来意味他将来的拯救作为。但是若我们先不谈论耶稣基督的受死和复活，单单他的降生对我们来说到底意味着什么？

在耶稣降生前，天使在约瑟的梦中显现，他说：

【太1:21】她将要生一个儿子，你要给他起名叫耶稣，因他要将自己的百姓从罪恶里救出来。”

【太1:22】这一切的事成就，是要应验主藉先知所说的话，

【太1:23】说：“必有童女怀孕生子，人要称他的名为以马内利。”（“以马内利”翻出来就是“　神与我们同在”。）

耶稣基督的降生就意味着以马内利，神与我们同在；但是神究竟是如何与我们同在呢？这对我们又意味着什么呢？今日的信息我会以主题的方式来讲述以马内利在圣经中的含义。“以马内利”一词一共在圣经中出现过三次，其中有两次出现在旧约的以赛亚书中，第三次则是出现在新约之中，正是我们刚才看到的经文，其实新约中的也是引用以赛亚书里面的。虽然“以马内利”一词出现的次数并不多，但是“以马内利”的含义“神与我们同在”却贯穿了正本圣经。让我们进入经文一一来查看。

“以马内利”意味着上帝对万事的监察

我首先想要提到的是出现在以赛亚书中出现“以马内利”的两段经文，他们分别是在以赛亚书7：14

【赛7:14】因此，主自己要给你们一个兆头，必有童女怀孕生子，给他起名叫以马内利（就是“　神与我们同在”的意思）。

这一节的预言和经文我想留在和新约的经文一起来讲；除了这个之外，还有一处在以赛亚书第8章出现，以赛亚书的第7章和第8章的背景是连贯在一起的；但是如果我们仔细看以赛亚书第8章的经文，你会非常自然的意识到，此处的“以马内利”与其他经文出现的“以马内利”所代表的含义是极为不同的；这一点或许很多没有意识到。让我们来看一下经文：

【赛8:5-8】耶和华又晓谕我说：“这百姓既厌弃西罗亚缓流的水，喜悦利汛和利玛利的儿子；因此，主必使大河翻腾的水猛然冲来，就是亚述王和他所有的威势，必漫过一切的水道，涨过两岸；必冲入犹大，涨溢泛滥，直到颈项。以马内利啊，他展开翅膀，遍满你的地。”

让我跟大家先说明一下此处经文的背景，这件事情发生在以色列被分裂为南国和北国，北国的王一直在变化和更替，常常有谋权篡位者上位，而南国犹大一直以来都是由大卫家的子孙掌权；而这些在王位的大卫子孙中，有极为少数的几位效法大卫所行的道；但绝大部分都偏离了神的道，走进了偶像的崇拜，抛弃了他们的真神；很可惜，亚哈斯正是这些恶贯满盈的王之一，甚至是其邪恶程度上能得上前几名的一位。南国和北国分裂已经200多年的时间，这几百年期间，他们有时联合，有时彼此为敌。这时北国的时间走到了尽头，大约在主前734年，北国以色列王比加联合了亚兰王利讯一起来进攻南国犹大。

亚哈斯的恶行尽数列在了历代志下的28章，他建造偶像，甚至焚烧自己的儿女给假神；而在他的后期他更加邪恶，甚至下令封闭了神的殿毁坏了圣殿中的器皿。亚哈斯并不是一个行正道的王；当他面对以色列和亚兰大军之时，他怎么也没有想起真神，也完全没有求助真神的意思。但是因着神的恩慈，祂仍然要施与犹大国拯救，这不是因为亚哈斯值得被拯救，乃是因为神与大卫所立的约。所以以赛亚书7章里，神就差遣以赛亚向亚哈斯宣告：他不必害怕以色列王和亚兰王的进攻，他们所谋的比不得逞。神知道亚哈斯王对神毫无信心，所以神让以赛亚对他说：

【赛7:11-12】“你向耶和华你的　神求一个兆头，或求显在深处，或求显在高处。”亚哈斯说：“我不求；我不试探耶和华。”

“以马内利”的称呼

首先，我想先去解释一个可能困扰大家的问题；当天使说预言实现，人们要称呼耶稣的命为以马内利；但是天使说这婴孩的名字应该叫为耶稣，耶稣就是(Yushua)，是雅威拯救的含义。这也的确是耶稣来到世间最重要的工作。许多人都听说过耶稣的名字，但是极少有人听说过以马内利；门徒也不常称呼耶稣为以马内利。那么天使所说这句话到底有什么含义呢？

God With Us: The Profound Meaning of Immanuel

Bible Passage: Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 8:8, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 18:20, John 14:26–27

Summary: The theme of Immanuel, meaning 'God with us', emphasizes God's presence among His people, as first foreshadowed in Isaiah and fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to recognize and embrace the reality of God's presence in their lives, especially during times of loneliness or trials. It fosters a sense of hope and assurance, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that the concept of Immanuel is central to the Christian faith, as it signifies that God chose to dwell with humanity in a tangible way through Jesus, providing comfort, guidance, and salvation.

How this passage could point to Christ: The idea of Immanuel points directly to Jesus Christ as God incarnate. Throughout Scripture, we see God desiring to be with His people, culminating in the advent of Christ, who fulfills this promise and ultimately restores our relationship with God through His death and resurrection.

Big Idea: God's promise of Immanuel assures us of His continuous and intimate presence in our lives, offering us hope and strength to face life's challenges.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider diving into the historical context of Isaiah's prophecy and its fulfillment in Matthew. Exploring the original Hebrew and Greek words for 'Immanuel' could provide deeper insights. Additionally, reviewing commentaries on each passage in your Logos library can help clarify the theological implications of God's presence throughout biblical history.

1. Manifestation of God's Promise

Matthew 1:23

You could explore the announcement of Jesus' birth as the fulfillment of the Immanuel prophecy. By focusing on this passage, suggest how this demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promise and His intimate involvement in human history. The arrival of Jesus as Immanuel assures us that God chooses to dwell among us, providing comfort and redemption. Emphasize how this reality can transform our understanding of God's presence in our present-day lives, bringing us hope and guidance.

2. Promise in Prophecy

Isaiah 7:14

Perhaps delve into the original prophecy of Immanuel given to King Ahaz. This point could illustrate how God offers signs of His presence during times of crisis. Highlight the consistency of God's commitment to His people amidst their fears and uncertainties. By linking this promise to the eventual birth of Jesus, connect the Old Testament hope with New Testament fulfillment, reinforcing the enduring nature of God's presence across generations.

3. Presence in Challenges

Isaiah 8:8

Maybe unpack the imagery within this passage regarding God's sweeping presence and its implications for Israel. Suggest how the mention of Immanuel serves as a reassurance of divine oversight and protection even amidst the turmoil. This can be related to modern believers, encouraging them to recognize God's sovereignty and nearness despite the challenges they encounter. The enduring message is that God is with us in both peace and chaos.

4. Perpetual Presence of Christ

Matthew 28:20

You could discuss Jesus' assurance to His disciples that He will be with them always. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the perpetual presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit. Illustrate how this ties back to the promise of Immanuel and is crucial for Christians facing modern-day struggles. This ongoing presence offers guidance and strength, enabling believers to fulfill the Great Commission with confidence.

5. Presence in Community

Matthew 18:20

Perhaps highlight the communal aspect of God's presence, where Jesus promises to be among even two or three gathered in His name. Encourage believers to see how this promise underscores the importance of fellowship and unity in faith communities. God's presence becomes tangible and transformative in community, offering collective strength and mutual support. Emphasize how this can be lived out in church life, bringing solace and strength.

6. Promise of the Spirit's Peace

John 14:26–27

Maybe explore the role of the Holy Spirit as the Helper and continuance of Jesus' promise to be with us. This passage effectively connects the Immanuel theme with the personal experience of peace, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. Present this as an assurance for Christians that they are never alone—the Spirit guides, comforts, and teaches them. Such an understanding deepens the appreciation of God's intimate involvement in every personal struggle and journey.