#1411. Matthew 1:22-25 - Call Him Immanuel (18/12/25)
- Matt Beaney
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series.
From Matthew 1:22–25, let’s be strengthened by this unshakable truth: Jesus is Immanuel - God with us.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below:
1. Call Him Immanuel
‘All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).’ (Matthew 1:22-23)
Continuing with the account of Gabriel coming to Joseph, we read that, ‘ All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet…’ The events of this first Christmas - Jesus’ incarnation - were the result of God’s promise and sovereign grace. Jesus’ coming was always in God’s mind and plan. The promise in Isaiah reads:
‘“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”’ (Isaiah 7:14)
In verse 21 Joseph is told to name the child Jesus - “Yahweh saves.”Now Matthew adds that this Child is also Immanuel - “God with us.”
These two names reveal Jesus’ identity and mission:
i. Jesus was ‘God with us’ in His earthly ministry.
God Himself stepped into our world - not to condemn, but to save.
ii. Jesus is ‘God with us’ now.
Through the forgiveness He won and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christ is present with His people every moment.
iii. Jesus will be ‘God with us’ fully and forever.
This promise finds its ultimate fulfilment when He returns and restores all things. The world will once again be filled with God’s glory - His peace will reign!
2. He gave Him the name Jesus
‘When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.’ (Matthew 1:24-25)
Joseph responds with swift and costly obedience. He believes God’s word, protects Mary, honours her purity, and publicly names the child Jesus - declaring faith in God’s promise that this Son - born of the Spirit- will save His people from their sins.
Joseph’s obedience is a model for us: true faith leads to action.
Response - God is with us!
Do we genuinely call Him Jesus and Immanuel?
Do we trust Him as the One who saves us and the One who stays with us?
Whatever we face today — weakness, fear, uncertainty, temptation — we do not face it alone.
Let’s hold onto Jesus’ wonderful promise:
‘Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”’ (Matthew 28:20)
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
This week, we continue in our Christmas Series - Holy Night.
Our message on Sunday from Luke 1:76–80, was Prepare the Way.
In Zechariah’s prophecy regarding his unborn son, we see that John was born to prepare the way for Jesus, and the church continues to prepare the way for Jesus.
Please read Luke 1:76-80 and discuss:
Personal Reflection – What struck you, or what did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
From this text, what do we learn about John’s ministry? And how does this inform the church's mission?
What do we learn about our message?
How was John prepared by God, and how is God preparing you right now?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How do these verses inspire and help us when we think about reaching others with the gospel?
Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?
Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
