Why is Jesus called Jesus instead of Immanuel in the New Testament?

In the New Testament, Jesus is primarily referred to by the name Jesus rather than Immanuel, despite the prophetic reference to Him as Immanuel in the Old Testament. To understand why this is the case, it is essential to delve into the meanings and contexts of these names, as well as the theological implications they carry.

The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), which means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This name was given to Him explicitly by divine instruction. In the Gospel of Matthew, we read about the angel's message to Joseph regarding the naming of the child:

"She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21, ESV)

This verse highlights the salvific mission of Jesus. His name directly points to His role as the Savior of humanity, emphasizing the purpose of His incarnation and ministry. The name "Jesus" encapsulates His mission to bring salvation to the world, aligning perfectly with the central theme of the New Testament.

On the other hand, the name "Immanuel" comes from the Hebrew עִמָּנוּאֵל (Immanu'el), meaning "God with us." This name is found in the prophecy of Isaiah:

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)

Matthew's Gospel makes a direct reference to this prophecy when describing the birth of Jesus:

"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)." (Matthew 1:22-23, ESV)

While "Immanuel" is not used as a proper name for Jesus in the New Testament, it serves as a powerful theological statement about His nature. The name "Immanuel" signifies that in Jesus, God has come to dwell among His people. It underscores the incarnation, the mystery of the Word becoming flesh (John 1:14), and the presence of God in the person of Jesus Christ.

The dual significance of these names—Jesus and Immanuel—provides a comprehensive understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. "Jesus" highlights His role as the Savior, while "Immanuel" emphasizes His divine presence with humanity.

Moreover, the New Testament writers, particularly the Gospel authors, were intentional in their use of names and titles to convey theological truths. The name "Jesus" was common in first-century Jewish culture, which made it relatable and accessible. By using the name "Jesus," the Gospel writers connected Him to His Jewish heritage and underscored His role as the promised Messiah who fulfills the expectations of the Old Testament.

The name "Immanuel," although not used as a personal name, is woven into the narrative to reveal the divine nature of Jesus. It is not uncommon in ancient Jewish literature for names to carry symbolic meanings rather than serve as literal identifiers. In this case, "Immanuel" functions as a title that communicates a profound truth about Jesus' identity.

Additionally, the Gospel of John provides further insight into the nature of Jesus and His divine mission. John emphasizes the pre-existence of Christ and His divine nature:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men." (John 1:1-4, ESV)

John later states:

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)

Here, John echoes the concept of "Immanuel" by affirming that Jesus, the Word, took on human flesh and lived among us, thereby manifesting the presence of God.

In Christian theology, the names and titles of Jesus are not merely labels but are rich with meaning and significance. Each name reveals a different aspect of His character and mission. The name "Jesus" is used predominantly because it directly addresses His mission to save humanity from sin and death. The title "Immanuel" is used to highlight the incarnation and the mystery of God becoming man.

The early Christian community, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized the importance of these names and used them in ways that communicated the fullness of who Jesus is. While the name "Jesus" was His given name, "Immanuel" serves as a theological affirmation of His divine nature and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Furthermore, the New Testament writers were keenly aware of their Jewish audience and the importance of connecting Jesus to the Hebrew Scriptures. By referencing the prophecy of Isaiah and the name "Immanuel," they demonstrated that Jesus was the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. This connection would have been significant for Jewish readers who were familiar with the prophecies and were awaiting the Messiah.

In conclusion, Jesus is called "Jesus" in the New Testament because it directly signifies His role as the Savior, a name given by divine instruction to communicate His mission to save His people from their sins. The name "Immanuel," while not used as a personal name, serves as a profound theological statement about His divine nature and the incarnation. Together, these names provide a comprehensive understanding of Jesus' identity and mission, revealing Him as both the Savior and the presence of God with us.