Daily Devotionals

Matthew 1:21–25｜The Name of Jesus and the Presence of God

Kermit Wu

— 2 min read

I. Passage Overview

Matthew 1:21–25 (ESV)

*“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: *
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”

This passage explains the mission of Jesus, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the meaning of Immanuel.

II. Background and Exegesis

1. What does it mean that Jesus “will save his people from their sins”? What does this mean for us?

  • The name “Jesus” (Yeshua) → literally “Yahweh saves.”
  • The problem → Humanity’s deepest need is not political freedom, economic stability, or physical health, but freedom from sin—the root cause of separation from God.
  • The mission → Jesus came not merely to rescue Israel from Rome but to rescue all people from sin’s guilt, power, and eternal penalty.
  • Our significance →
    • Salvation is personal: “his people” → those who trust in Him.
    • Salvation is spiritual and eternal: more than fixing circumstances, it restores relationship with God.
    • This reminds us: we don’t just need a helper; we need a Savior.

2. What does it mean that Jesus’ birth “fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet”?

  • Reference to Isaiah 7:14 → “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son…”
  • “Fulfill” in Matthew’s Gospel → not only a direct prediction coming true, but God bringing Old Testament patterns and promises to their ultimate completion in Christ.
  • Implication →
    • Jesus’ arrival is no accident; it is God’s long-planned salvation story.
    • Every step of Jesus’ life aligns with God’s covenant faithfulness to Israel and to the world.
    • Our faith rests on a trustworthy God who keeps His promises.

3. How is Jesus as “Immanuel — God with us” different from God’s presence in the Old Testament? Why does this matter?

  • Old Testament “God with us”
    • God’s presence was seen in the tabernacle, temple, cloud, and fire — symbolic and mediated through priests and sacrifices.
    • God was near, but access was limited and often fearful.
  • New Testament “God with us” in Jesus
    • God took on flesh and lived among His people (John 1:14).
    • Presence is personal and permanent, not just symbolic.
    • No veil, no barrier: in Christ, God walks with us, suffers with us, and saves us.
  • Why this matters
    • We no longer have to go through rituals to approach God → Jesus Himself is our access.
    • God’s presence is not just over us or around us, but with us and in us by the Holy Spirit.
    • This assures us that no circumstance is too dark or distant for God’s nearness.

III. Summary

  • Jesus’ mission → to save His people from their sins, meeting humanity’s greatest need.
  • Jesus’ birth → fulfillment of prophecy, proving God’s plan is intentional and trustworthy.
  • Jesus as Immanuel → God personally present with us, offering direct fellowship and eternal hope.
Our Savior is not only mighty to save but also near to walk with us.
He delivers us not merely from earthly troubles but from the deepest bondage of sin.
And because He is Immanuel, we are never alone.

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