“And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:25b (NIV)
Names are very interesting. They are the things that identify us, initially. Some people are named to honour relatives and friends, some are named because of what the name represents, and some people are named because of the popularity of the name. There is an actual discipline of the study of names called Onomastics. Mary and Joseph were both instructed by the angels to give their newborn son the name Jesus. The name Jesus means “saviour.” It is the same name as Joshua in the Old Testament. And it is given to our Lord because, “He saves His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The word “Christ” further signifies His person and mission. Christ means “Anointed” and anointed is the Greek word for the Hebrew “Messiah.” It is linked with Jesus. He is the promised Messiah or Anointed one of Israel, prophesied in the Old Testament. Praise God for the name Jesus. It is the “sweetest name I know!”
Prayer: As we start a new day, help us to remember what the name Jesus means. It is the name that identifies the Season we are in. Jesus truly is the “Reason for the Season.” Thank you that we have forgiveness in Him, new life in Him and victory in Him. His name is truly the “Name Above All Names.” (Philippians 2:9) Thank you Jesus – Amen
