Who is Emmanuel and does Jesus fit the description?

A Muslim disputing asked if Jesus is prophesied as Emmanel, why does nobody address Him as Emmanuel? Thomas addressed Jesus as "My Lord and my God" in John 20:28, it can be seen as an expression that aligns with the concept of Jesus being "Emmanuel," which means "God with us."

1. Thomas' Declaration:

John 20:28 states:

"Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'"

In this moment, Thomas acknowledges the divinity of Jesus, recognizing Him as both his Lord and his God. This is one of the clearest declarations of Jesus' divine nature in the New Testament, highlighting the belief that Jesus is indeed God in the flesh.

2. Connection to Emmanuel:

Emmanuel means "God with us":

Because of this, LORD JEHOVAH God will give you a sign; behold, the virgin has conceived and she gives birth to The Son and his Name shall be called Ammanuyel. [Isaiah 7:14, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated]

“And she shall bring forth a Son, and she shall call his name Yeshua, for he shall save his people from their sins.” Now all this happened, that the thing which was spoken from THE LORD JEHOVAH by the Prophet would be fulfilled: “Behold the virgin shall conceive, and she shall bear a son, and they shall call his Name Emmanuail, which is translated, 'Our God is with us'“. [Matthew 1:21-23, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated]

The name "Emmanuel," prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and applied to Jesus in Matthew 1:23, signifies that Jesus is God incarnate—God present among His people. Thomas' exclamation directly acknowledges this reality by affirming Jesus' divine identity.

Thomas' Recognition:

When Thomas calls Jesus "My Lord and my God," he is effectively recognizing Jesus as "God with us," which is the essence of the title "Emmanuel." This declaration by Thomas is in perfect harmony with the concept of Jesus as Emmanuel, the fulfillment of the prophecy that God would dwell among His people.

3. Theological Implications:

Affirmation of Jesus' Divinity:

Thomas’ declaration is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divinity, confirming the belief that Jesus is not only a prophet or a teacher but God Himself. This aligns with the understanding of Jesus as Emmanuel, which encapsulates the idea that God has come to dwell with humanity through Jesus.

Worship and Adoration:

In addressing Jesus as "My Lord and my God," Thomas is worshipping Jesus, something that would only be appropriate if Jesus is indeed divine. This act of worship reflects the reality of Jesus as Emmanuel—God present with us, deserving of worship and adoration.

4. Conclusion:

Thomas' exclamation, "My Lord and my God," can indeed be considered as calling Jesus "Emmanuel" in a theological sense. Although Thomas does not use the specific term "Emmanuel," his recognition of Jesus' divinity and his personal relationship with Jesus as his Lord and God encapsulates the meaning of "Emmanuel"—God with us.

Thus, this moment in the Gospel of John serves as a powerful affirmation of the Christian belief that Jesus is Emmanuel, the fulfillment of the prophecy that God would come to dwell with His people in the person of Jesus Christ.