In this blog we are going to consider the meaning of the name Jesus. We are also going to think about the significance of this name. The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew Yeshua. It means "the Lord is salvation" or "the Lord saves". In Matthew 1:20-21, we read the angel's commandment to Joseph. The angel said Mary would give birth to a son and that Mary and Joseph were told: "to give Him the name Jesus because He will save His people from their sins”. Jesus' name aligned with His role on earth; to be the Savior of the world, and to carry away the weight of sin. John 3:17 reminds us again of Jesus' calling: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." Jesus is the gateway to salvation and it is through Him that we are saved. In John 14:6 Jesus says: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
The birth of Jesus shows us the unfolding of God's plan over hundreds of years. Matthew's gospel lists Jesus' family line in this way: "Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah." Matthew 1:16Isaiah 9:7 reminds us that: "He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever." The fact that He would be from David's line was foretold hundreds of years before Jesus' birth.
There are over 200 different names for Jesus in the Bible. Below are a few of the more well-known examples. Wonderful Counselor Isaiah 9:6 Mighty God Isaiah 9:6 Everlasting Father Isaiah 9:6 Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 Alpha and Omega Revelation 1:8 Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith Hebrews 12:2 Bread of Life John 6:35 Bridegroom Matthew 9:15 Chief Cornerstone Ephesians 2:20 Emmanuel (God with us) Matthew 1:23 Firstborn over all creation Colossians 1:15 Good Shepherd John 1:10 Lamb of God John 1:29 In Revelation 22:16 Jesus says, "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” I can't even wrap my head around this. He is before and after all things, the root and the offspring at once, and the hope in the morning. If you have time now, why not read through a few of these verses about these wonderful truths about Jesus? Ask Jesus to reveal new truth to you today about who He is.
Have you ever looked up the meaning of your name? In the Bible, names have great significance. There are several examples of God changing someone's name. God changed Abram's name to Abraham as a sign of the promise God made to Him. "As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham." (Gen 17:4-5) Abram meant "exalted father" and Abraham meant "father of many", so God gave Abram a new name to represent his new destiny. Revelation 2:17 says: "To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it." Receiving a new name can be like cementing our destiny, or agreeing with a promise in our life. In John 1, Jesus changes Simon's name: "Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter)." Peter means rock. Later in Matthew 16:18, Jesus says, "I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church."
Acts 4:8-12 reminds us that "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
When we pray "in the name of Jesus", we align our will and our petitions with His. John 14:13 says; "I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
We ask for healing in the name of Jesus. Mark 16:17-18 reminds us; "In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;... they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
Philippians 2 is a wonderful passage, showing again the way that the Kingdom of Heaven is never what we expect. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation, the first and the last, and yet, He humbled himself, stepped down to earth, and took on flesh to be "God with us". And because of this, the Scripture says; "God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow." Jesus, the One who saves, is before all and after all. Alpha and Omega. Friend and King. Finally, let us pray together. "Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for the wonderful truth of Your name and who You are. Thank You that You stepped down to earth to bring salvation for many. Speak to me about my name today. Show me what it means. Show me what heavenly name You have for me, and the plans and purposes You have for my life. Thank You for the truth and power of Your name in every area of my life. Thank You that Your name is above every other name, and those names include sadness, loneliness, illness and discouragement. May I know the truth of this today. Amen We hope this blog has encouraged you. Have a look at our other blogs here. Photos by Clay Banks on Unsplash
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