MEMORY VERSE: ‘And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was made manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the gentiles, believed on in the world received up into glory.’ 1 Timothy 3:16.
LESSON AIM: To show that Jesus, while on earth, was indeed our God with us.
‘In Christ Jesus is a revelation of the glory of the Godhead. All that the human agent can know of God to the saving of the soul, is the measure of the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, to which he can attain; for Christ is He who represents the Father. The most wonderful truth to be grasped by men is the truth, “Immanuel, God with us.” Christ is the wisdom of God. He is the great “I AM” to the world. As we contemplate the glory of the divine character as revealed in Christ, we are led to exclaim, “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” This wisdom is displayed in the love that reaches out for the recovery of lost and ruined man.’ Signs of the Times, December 12, 1895.
1. How did Isaiah prophesy the name of the Child whom a virgin would bring forth? Isaiah 7:14.
NOTE: ‘Reports were brought to the rulers that Jesus was approaching the city attended by a great concourse of people. In trepidation they go out to meet Him, hoping to disperse the crowd by means of their authority. As the procession is about to descend the Mount of Olives, it is intercepted by the rulers. They inquire who and what is the cause of all this tumultuous rejoicing. As they, with much authority, repeat their question, Who is this? the disciples, filled with a spirit of inspiration, are heard above all the noise of the crowd, repeating in eloquent strains the prophecies which answered this question. Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the woman that shall bruise the serpent’s head. Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is Melchisedek, King of Salem, King of Peace. Jacob will tell you, He is Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. Isaiah will tell you, Immanuel, Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Jeremiah will tell you, The Branch of David, the Lord, our righteousness. Daniel will tell you, He is the Messiah. Hosea will tell you, He is the Lord God of Hosts, the Lord is His memorial. John the Baptist will tell you, He is the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. The great Jehovah has proclaimed from His throne, This is My beloved Son. We, his disciples, declare, This is Jesus, the Messiah, the Prince of Life, the Redeemer of the world. And even the Prince of the powers of darkness acknowledges Him, saying, “I know Thee who Thou art, the Holy One of God.”’ Spirit of Prophecy, volume 2, page 395.
2. How did Matthew interpret the name ‘Emmanuel’? Matthew 1:23. [Immanuel is Hebrew; Emmanuel is the Greek equivalent in the New Testament. They are the same.]
NOTE: ‘His name shall be called Immanuel, God with us.” “The light of the knowledge of the glory of God” is seen “in the face of Jesus Christ.” From the days of eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was “the image of God,” the image of His greatness and majesty, “the outshining of His glory.” It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God’s love, to be “God with us.” Therefore it was prophesied of Him, “His name shall be called Immanuel.” By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels.’ Desire of Ages, page 19.