What does it mean that Jesus is 'God with us'?

TL;DR:

: Jesus' title "Immanuel" means "God with us." It signifies the profound truth of the Incarnation, when God became human and lived among us. After His death and resurrection Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell within His followers.

what does the bible say?

Isaiah 7:14 contains the prophecy that the Messiah would be born of a virgin and would be called Immanuel, which means "God with us." That prophecy was fulfilled in Matthew 1:21-25 when Jesus Christ was born to Mary. The name Immanuel (God with us) signifies the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ.

Jesus, who is God (John 1:1; 10:30), dwelt with people during His time on earth (John 1:14). After His death and resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with His followers (John 14:16-17; 16:7).

Jesus asked His apostles a question that everyone today must answer rightly: “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Peter answered correctly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus is God incarnate, and to miss that point is to undermine the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:6-7).

from the old testament

The prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 says that the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel (which means "God with us").

from the new testament

The prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 is fulfilled in Matthew 1:21-25 when Jesus Christ was born. The name Immanuel is directly associated with Jesus, affirming His divine nature and His role as God dwelling among humanity.
Paul wrote to the Colossians about “the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ” (Colossians 2:2). He also warned them, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:8-9). Believers must guard against those who deny Christ’s divinity.Jesus, who is God (John 10:30), came to earth and dwelt with people (John 1:14). After His death and resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with His followers (John 14:16-17; 16:7).
Thomas called Jesus “My Lord and My God!” (John 20:28), and Paul wrote to Titus of believers “waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

implications for today

Jesus is the embodiment of God who dwelt on earth in human form. Thus, Jesus truly is "God with us." In fact, all three Persons of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—can be said to be with us. God sustains His creation. Today, the Holy Spirit indwells His believers. One day, all those who have trusted in Jesus will be with God.

Not all who profess to be believers acknowledge Jesus’ divinity, though. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Unitarians, and Muslims are among the religious groups today that deny Jesus as God. But the Bible attests that He is. Our role as believers is to share that truth with those who deny it. Only the sinless, incarnate Son of God is sufficient to cover humanity’s sin.

God came to Earth to die for the sins of humanity. One day, believers will dwell with Him forever. In describing the new heavens and new earth, John said, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God'" (Revelation 21:3). Believers can look forward to that day.

understand

“Immanuel” means “God with us,” showing God became human in Jesus.
Jesus lived among people and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers.
One day, God will dwell with all believers eternally.

reflect

How does knowing that Jesus is “God with us” change the way you view His presence in your life?
What helps you recognize the truth that God is with you?
How does understanding that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit influence the way you live and make decisions?

engage

How might others better recognize God’s presence in their circumstances by reflecting on the truth that Jesus is “God with us”?
How can we encourage each other to live in awareness of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us?
How could the promise of God dwelling with humanity shape the way believers approach relationships and community today?