Introduction

–         The ‘Emmanuel Prophecy,’ originally delivered by the Prophet Isaiah and quoted by Matthew contains a dual-fulfillment as God’s Redemptive Plan unfolds:

1)      The Crisis Faced by King Ahaz and the People of God

2)      The Crisis Faced by Joseph and the People of God

I. The Promise of God’s Presence Foreshadowed – Isaiah 7-8

1.  King Ahaz and Judah’s Military Crisis

• King Ahaz was an incredibly wicked ruler who was one of David’s physical descendents in Judah (cf. 2 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 28)
• ‘Syro-Ephraimite’ Coalition – King Pekah of Israel (aka ‘Ephraim’) and King Rezin of Syria attempted to force Ahaz to join their coalition against Assyria by replacing the Davidic King with the “son of Tabeel” (v. 6)
• Ahaz is in a state of panic when Isaiah finds him (v. 2)

2.  God’s Sign to Ahaz and the Kingdom of Judah

• God offers a sign to Ahaz to remind him of the promises of God’s Covenant (cf. Genesis 3:15; 2 Samuel 7)
• The sign promised is the birth of a little boy with the title “Emmanuel” = “God is with us”
  • The birth of this child would signal the destruction of Ahaz’ enemies (Syria and Ephraim)
  • The sign is fulfilled through the birth of Isaiah’s second child, Maher-shalal-hash-baz (8:1-4)

3.  Ahaz’ Response to God’s Offer

• Ahaz gives a seemingly pious, but insincere answer: “I will not put the Lord to the test!” (7:12)
• Ahaz rejects God’s sign, because he has already made his own scheme:  an alliance with Assyria! (2 Kings 16)

II.  The Promise of God’s Presence Fulfilled – Matthew 1:18-25

1.  Joseph and Judah’s Spiritual Crisis

• A Severely Disciplined Judah was under Roman Occupation without a King to sit on David’s Throne

1. Appeared on the surface that the serpent was winning the battle (Gen 3:15)
2. Had God’s promise failed??

• Joseph was facing a personal crisis:  His fiancée Mary was pregnant and he was seeking a divorce (vv. 18-19)

2.  God’s Sign to Joseph and to the People of God

• Mary’s child was conceived of the Holy Spirit (v. 20)
• Matthew declares that the virgin birth of Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the ‘Emmanuel’ Prophecy of Isaiah 7:14
• The first “Emmanuel” indicating the presence of God with His people (Maher-shalal-hash-baz) provides a picture of the ultimate “Emmanuel” – God in human flesh!

3.  Joseph’s Response to God’s Sign

• Joseph abandons his plans to “fix” his crisis through human wisdom and instead trusts God’s Word
• The difference between Joseph and Ahaz??  Faith in God’s promise!

III. Conclusion

1.  Meaning of Christmas:  Jesus our Emmanuel!

• God promised the Redeemer would come through the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15)
• God foreshadowed the Redeemer through the birth of Isaiah’s son (Isaiah 8:1-4)
• God Himself became the Redeemer in the person of Jesus Christ – the ultimate “Emmanuel” (Matthew 1)

2.  Now that “Emmanuel” has come in the person of Jesus Christ, how will you respond?

• Are you an “Ahaz” who struggles to trust and rest in the promises of God’s Word?
• Are you a “Joseph” who exercises faith and obedience in response to the promises of God’s Word?