Scripture to Read: Matthew 1:21
In our American culture today, we do not investigate the meaning behind a name; that’s not to say that parents do not labor over what they will name each child because they do, but for most parents, it’s picking a name that sounds right, fits their family, does not sound hokey, or does not remind them of someone they do not like. In the Jewish culture, in the Old Testament and in the days of Christ, a name meant so much more. The name “Jesus” means “The Salvation of Yahweh/Jehovah.” Now, the name “Jesus” at the time that Jesus was born was a pretty common name. Even the historian Josephus, who lived in the days of Christ, mentions 12 different men named “Jesus” in his writings. But Jesus is the name that God the Father had supremely blessed. We know this because God clearly defined this for us in Acts 4:12, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Again, God’s Word tells us in Philippians 2:9–11, “…God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Our Lord Jesus is the only One who can save mankind from their sins.
Challenge & Application
· What did God teach you today about Jesus’ name?
· What Good News will you share about Jesus’ name with those around you this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!