HIS NAME IS JESUS

EMMANUEL.  Such a powerful name.  Why is that you ask?  Let's take a look at what the name "EMMANUEL" means, where Jesus is concerned ...

We'll start with the verse that names Jesus as "EMMANUEL":

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matthew 1:23 KJV).

Many of us know this verse, yet there's some of us who may not, or perhaps we might not fully comprehend it's meaning.  We know this verse is speaking of Jesus, because the child named "EMMANUEL" was born of a virgin, and we know of only ONE that was ever born of a virgin ... that being Jesus.  So some of you may be giving some serious thought to what this verse says, right about now ... thoughts such as "Wait a minute here ... this verse says EMMANUEL was GOD with us.  How can that be, if Jesus was GOD'S SON"?  I'll try to explain so you'll understand. 

When Jesus came to this earth, born of Mary, a virgin, the Bible tells us that He Himself was (and is) God, who came in (was born of) the flesh, to show man a better way ... to literally (by His death upon the Cross) save man from his sin, upon man's acceptance of Jesus as Savior (the name SAVIOR meaning GOD).  Taking this a step further, let's look at another scripture verse.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14a KJV).

Now here adds yet another powerful insight, the word  ..."WORD".  And, of course, it's meaning is most powerful, as well ... WORD meaning GOD.  Remember now ... the Bible tells us that the Word became flesh (i.e. Christ became flesh), and dwelt among us.  By now some of you may be reeling from confusion.  I hope to clear that up for you!  Let's take a look at a couple of other scriptures which will help to explain all of this.  The selection of verses you are about to read have to do with Jesus disciple, doubting Thomas (because he doubted Jesus).  Thomas is making a statement to Jesus, of "how were the disciples to know the way" (to eternal life).  Let's look at this story, and Jesus answer to Thomas:

Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.  Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.  Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father?  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.  Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake (KJV).

Here's another verse which speaks of Jesus as GOD, or FATHER:

I and [my] Father are one (John 10:30 KJV). 

And one last verse:

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (John 17:21 KJV).

Now I'll attempt to give you some understanding of all that is being said here.  All of these verses point out that Jesus was God who had come to earth in the form of flesh.  It's a mystery we will probably live with here in this world, until the day comes, we see Him face to face.  Some of you may have already heard this story, but it's the best way I know of to explain the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  Let's think about an egg just now.  Envision that egg sitting in the palm of your hand.  What do you see?  An egg, right?  One egg?? Yes, you see, and are holding one egg, however, let's now break that egg, and what do you see?  A shell, the white, and the yoke of that "one" egg.  There are actually three parts to that "one" egg.  It is like that with God.  The Bible tells us this:

Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there [am] I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.  Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I [am] the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go (Isaiah 48:16-17 KJV)

Here speaks of Christ Jesus (our Reedemer) in the very beginning, being sent by God, and by His Spirit.  Again, one can look at an egg, and understand though that egg is one substance, there remains with that egg, three parts to it.  Thus with the Godhead ... (the Father, the Son ... the Holy Spirit), it is the same.

One last example: You and I are "one person" ... right?  When I look at myself in the mirror, I see just me ... one person, yet like the example of the egg, I too am actually made up of three parts.  I am spirit, soul and body, just as it is with God, according to the scriptures we've looked at today.

Let's pray ...

Lord, I bring before you all who might read todays "treasure" lesson, and ask that You impart to each one, the needed understanding, that they might perceive the fullness of the Godhead (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).  I thank You Father, that You are able to unfold the great mysteries of Your Kingdom to each one of us who seek after You  It is in Your Son Jesus' name I pray ... amen!

Be blessed as you grow in the knowledge of almighty God!  In Him ... Marcia