Learning on the Way
Sermon Summary:
This sermon explores the profound significance of the two names given to Jesus in Matthew 1:18-25: Jesus (meaning “God saves”) and Emmanuel (meaning “God with us”). Through these names, Matthew reveals both who Jesus is and what He came to do. The angel’s announcement to Joseph declares that Jesus will save His people from their sins – not from external enemies like Rome, but from the real enemy within: our own sin. The name Emmanuel fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy and demonstrates that God didn’t just send help – He came Himself, entering into human history through the Incarnation. These two names bracket Matthew’s entire gospel, establishing the ongoing reality that Jesus saves us and remains present with us always, even to the end of the age.
Key Points:
- The name Jesus means “Yahweh saves” or “God is salvation” – every time we say His name, we declare that God saves
- Jesus came to save us from our sins, not from external circumstances or enemies – sin is our greatest problem
- Emmanuel means “God with us” – Jesus is fully God and fully man, entering into our world to bring us back to God
- The theme of God’s presence runs throughout Matthew’s gospel from beginning (Emmanuel) to end (“I am with you always”)
- Jesus saves us from sin’s penalty (justification), purifies us from sin’s power (sanctification), and empowers us for service
- We are never alone – Jesus is present with us in every circumstance, empowering us by His Spirit
- The same Holy Spirit who brought Jesus into Mary’s womb brings Jesus into our hearts when we believe
Small Group Questions:
When you hear the Christmas story, how does knowing that the name “Jesus” literally means “God saves” change your understanding of who He is? How does saying His name become an act of worship and proclamation?
The sermon emphasizes that Jesus came to save us from our own sins, not from external enemies or circumstances. Why is it so much easier to focus on external problems rather than dealing with our own sin? Share an area where you’ve struggled to see your own sin as the real issue.
Matthew quotes Isaiah’s prophecy about Emmanuel, “God with us,” to show that God didn’t just send help – He came Himself. What does it mean to you personally that God entered into human history as a baby rather than remaining distant and sending a message or messenger?
The sermon points out that many first-century Jews were disappointed that Jesus came to save them from their sins rather than from Rome’s oppression. In what ways do you sometimes want Jesus to save you from your circumstances rather than from yourself? How does this affect your prayers and expectations?
Jesus promises in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The sermon describes specific situations (health crisis, marriage struggles, financial uncertainty, grief, addiction) where God’s presence matters. When have you most tangibly experienced the reality of Emmanuel – God with us – in a difficult season?
The sermon explains that Jesus saves us from sin’s penalty (justification), purifies us from sin’s power (sanctification), and empowers us for service. Which of these three aspects of salvation do you need to be reminded of most right now, and why?
The sermon concludes by challenging us to “stop acting like you’re alone” and “stop trying to carry burdens He never meant for you to carry alone.” What specific burden or struggle are you trying to handle by yourself instead of leaning into Jesus’ presence and power? How would your approach change if you truly believed Emmanuel is with you?
Key Verses:
Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 18:20, Matthew 28:20
Application On The Way:
This week, practice the presence of Emmanuel. Each morning when you wake up, say aloud: “Jesus, You are with me today.” Throughout the day, when you face challenges, pause and remind yourself: “I am not alone. God is with me right now.” Journal about how this awareness of His presence changes your responses to difficulties, decisions, and interactions with others.
Want to Go Deeper:
John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-11, Colossians 1:15-20, Hebrews 2:14-18, Romans 8:1-4, 1 Timothy 1:15, Hebrews 7:25, Romans 5:8-10, Psalm 46:1, Joshua 1:9 Read Hebrews 2:14-18, which describes why Jesus had to become fully human. How does understanding the Incarnation – that Jesus took on flesh and blood, experienced temptation, and suffered – help you trust Him with your struggles? What does it mean that He can sympathize with your weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, yet without sin?
The sermon mentions that “the same Spirit who brought Jesus into Mary’s womb is the Spirit who brings Jesus into your heart when you believe.” Read John 14:15-17 and John 16:7-15. How does the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit continue to make Jesus present and real in your daily life? In what areas of your life do you need to invite the Spirit’s work more fully?
Reflect on this question from the sermon: “Do you know this Jesus? Not just about Him, not just the story – do you know Him?” What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Him personally? How would you describe your relationship with Him right now – distant, growing, intimate, struggling? What one step could you take this week to deepen that relationship?