In Matthew’s gospel the Lord Jesus is described as... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

They shall call his name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us.
Matthew 1:23.

In Matthew's gospel the Lord Jesus is described as the King of Israel. But another thought is also found throughout this gospel, namely, that God wishes to be with His people. In eternity there will be a new heaven and a new earth; then God will dwell with men (Revelation 21:1.3). But even in the present age He wants to be with those who belong to Him.
In the first chapter we read why He wishes to be with mankind: "He will save his people from their sins" (v. 21). The name "Jesus" translated actually means "The Lord is salvation". Jesus Christ came to earth to settle the matter of our sins. He did not come to judge us, but to undergo the punishment for our sins. As Immanuel He was prepared to suffer and die for us.

In chapter 18 we read when and where the Son of God particularly wishes to be among people: "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there in the midst of them" (v. 20). An assembly or local church is given this assurance even if only two or three persons are gathered "in His Name". We might have expected such a promise to be for a sizeable gathering. Incidentally, whereas the Jews had a geographical locality for their temple service, Christians have no building as their centre, but a Person.

In the final chapter of Matthew's gospel the Lord states how long He will be with His own: "always, even to the end of the age" (v. 20). "All authority has been given" to Him "in heaven and on earth" (v. 19), and He will be with us, so long as believers are on earth and the gospel is being preached to all nations.

Today's reading: Daniel 9:15-27 · Acts 3:12-18