Scripture to Read: Matthew 1:21
Today, we really do not take into consideration 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, that fits their family, that does not sound hokey, or even that does not remind them of someone they do not like. In the Jewish culture, in the Old Testament, and the day’s of Christ, a name meant so much more. The name “Jesus” means “The Salvation of Yahweh/Jehovah.” But the name “Jesus,” in the day that Jesus lived, was pretty ordinary. Even the historian Josephus, who lived in the day of Christ, mentions 12 different men named “Jesus” in his writings. But, Jesus is the name that God the Father, has supremely blessed. We know this because we find that God’s Word says in Acts 4:12, “for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Again we find 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!