Jesus and Emmanuel: The Mystery and Mercy of the Incarnation
Matthew 1:18-25 gifts the church two plain and glorious truths: the Lord Jesus took our nature upon Himself, and His birth was miraculous. Mary, a virgin, bore the Son of God. J. C. Ryle reminds us that these are depths beyond our finite reason. Don’t try to dissect the ocean with a teaspoon. We ought instead to receive these mysteries with reverent faith, trusting “with Him who made the world nothing is impossible.” The Apostles’ Creed puts it simply and safely: Jesus Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. That is enough for worship.
Below, I’ll try to follow Ryle’s lead: sober exposition, pastoral application, and a few plain questions to help these truths settle into the heart.
Two foundational truths (and why mystery is a mercy)
- Incarnation: the eternal Son took human nature. Second 2. Miracle: His conception and birth were supernatural. Ryle cautions us against overreaching explanations. These are not puzzles for human cleverness; they are gifts for humble faith. The Christian posture here is not proud argument but thankful wonder: God stooped to become man so that man might be lifted to God.
Joseph: an example of godly wisdom
Ryle lingers over Joseph’s conduct, and rightly so. Faced with what appeared to be disgrace, Joseph did not rush. He did not explode in public accusation or make a scandalous judgment. He waited, prayed, and trusted God to reveal the truth. That patience, “he who believes shall not be in haste,” is practical holiness.
Two pastoral lessons from Joseph:
- When circumstances look worst, don’t act first and pray later. Prayer is not an optional backstop; it’s the first response.
- Wisdom often looks like restraint. The faithful person tempers zeal with tenderness and waits for God’s guiding word.
Two names: JESUS and EMMANUEL
Matthew gives us two names that point in two directions:
Jesus the office: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:21, ESV)
This is the gospel in a name. “Jesus” tells us what He came to do: rescue sinners. Ryle rightly emphasizes the full sweep of that salvation from guilt (atonement), from the dominion of sin (sanctifying grace), and ultimately from the presence and power of sin (final glorification). Salvation includes suffering and struggle in this life, but it ends in final victory.
Emmanuel the person: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” that is, God with us. (Matt. 1:23, ESV)
This name affirms the astonishing truth that God is not remote. He is with us in our flesh. Ryle presses us to hold both realities together: Jesus is fully God and fully man. Lose either, and the gospel collapses into error.
Why both natures matter for the soul
If you need assurance, gaze on the divinity of Christ. He who saves is Almighty. None can pluck you from His hand. If you need comfort, gaze on the humanity of Christ. He knows hunger, grief, temptation, weariness, and tears. He has felt what you feel.
Ryle encourages two habits:
- Keep the Savior’s divinity in view for strength and confidence.
- Keep His humanity before you for tenderness and sympathy.
From doctrine to devotion — practical ways to live this week
- Pray with Joseph’s calm. When you’re tempted to rashness, stop and bring the matter before God. Ask for clarity and the grace to do what’s right, not what’s impulsive.
- Call on the name Jesus. When conscience condemns or sorrow presses, say the name that saves and mean it: “Jesus, Savior.” Let that name shape your hope.
- Draw near to Emmanuel. In suffering, remember God is not distant. Speak to Him as one who understands flesh and heartache. He is “God with us.”
Reflection questions
- When a circumstance tempts you to hurry or judge, how does Joseph’s patience challenge your usual response?
- Has your view of Christ leaned more heavily toward His divinity or His humanity? How might balancing both change your praying or your courage?
- In what ways do you need to call on Jesus as “Savior” this week: for guilt, for power over sin, or for final hope?
- Where do you most need the comfort of “God with us,” and how will you tell Him about it in prayer?
- What practical step can you take this week to show restraint and trust in a difficult relationship or decision?
A closing word of encouragement
Ryle’s pastoral heart beats through this passage: celebrate the mystery, imitate Joseph’s godly wisdom, and rest in the double consolation that Christ is both Savior and Emmanuel. Let these truths shape your worship and steady your soul. Feed on them by faith, and thank God that the One who rules the universe is also the One who draws near to the weary.
A short prayer to end: Lord Jesus, Savior and Emmanuel, deepen our reverence for the mysteries of your incarnation. Help us to wait on You with Joseph-like patience, to cling to You as our only hope, and to find comfort in the truth that You are God with us. Amen.
