The Outworking of Redemption
The sermon highlights the significance of the name Immanuel, which signifies Jesus' divine presence among humanity and promises his ever-present presence among his people.
Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of the name Immanuel, meaning 'God with us,' as the foundation of redemption initiated by the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. He highlights the humble beginnings of this divine event, witnessed only by a few shepherds, and how Jesus embraced his identity as both God and Man. The understanding of Immanuel deepened after Calvary and Pentecost, becoming a cherished truth for believers who recognize Jesus' promise of his continual presence. This assurance of being accompanied by God throughout life is a profound aspect of the Christian faith.
Text
"They shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us." Matthew 1:23
The whole outworking of redemption activities was initiated by this coming of the Babe to Bethlehem. It illustrates in a supreme way the quiet and apparently small character of God's beginnings. Only a few humble shepherds were called in to witness this unique addition to the human race by which the eternal Son of God was thereafter able to claim to he the Son of Man.
Jesus himself adopted this description of himself and seemed to delight in it, though truly God, he was now truly Man. The title of Immanuel was never fully understood while Jesus was on earth and was probably never used by those nearest to him. Since Calvary and Pentecost, however, believers have claimed it as one of the most precious of his many names. He set his own seal on it when he assured his adoring apostles, "Lo, l am with you always." Since he added "unto the end of the age," we too can claim him as our ever-present Immanuel.
Sermon Outline
- The Quiet Beginning of Redemption
- The Significance of Immanuel
- The Claim of Immanuel
- Claimed by Believers After Calvary and Pentecost
- Sealed by Jesus' Assurance to His Apostles
Key Quotes
“They shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us.” — Watchman Nee
“Lo, I am with you always.” — Watchman Nee
Application Points
- We can claim Jesus as our ever-present Immanuel and rely on his promise to be with us always.
- The title of Immanuel reminds us of Jesus' humble beginnings and his willingness to identify with humanity.
- We should acknowledge Jesus' divine presence in our lives and seek to understand the significance of his name Immanuel.