The Virgin Shall Conceive: Immanuel

Isaiah 7:1-17

Sermon Notes

1) The Call to Trust, vv. 1-10

2) The Refusal to Trust, vv. 10-13

3) The Consequences of Distrust, vv. 12-17

4) The Comfort amidst Distress, v.14 and Matthew 1

Reflection questions:

1. Why does Isaiah bring his son (Shear-jashub, or “a remnant shall return”) when he speaks to Ahaz? Is the idea of the remnant an encouragement, a discouragement, or a call for realism? Also see Isaiah 6:8-13.

2. Read 2 Kings 16:1-8. What kind of king was Ahaz before this moment in Isaiah 7? How does 2 Kings 16:7-8 help you understand why Ahaz declines God’s offer of a sign (Isaiah 7:10-13)? Where was Ahaz’s trust? Would that trust pay off? See 2 Kings 16:9 and Isaiah 7:17ff.

3. Would it be hard for you to believe that a virgin could get pregnant? Do you think it was hard for Mary and Joseph to believe? (Matthew 1:18-20; Luke 1:26-38, especially vv. 34, 37-38)