Scripture to Read: Matthew 1:21
In our American culture today, we do not investigate the mean- ings behind names. 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 Tes- tament, 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 very common name. Even the historian Josephus, who lived in Christ’s days, mentions twelve men named “Jesus” in his writ- ings. But Jesus is the name that God the Father had supremely blessed. We know this because God clearly laid this out 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 tells us through His Word 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, 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, and why is His name so powerful?
• How will you share Jesus with those around you this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!