...and you shall call His name Jesus...

Perhaps you are familiar with a little book entitled, What's In a Name? that gives meanings behind popular names. This last week we have been studying the titles and names given to the Messiah, and the significance behind those names. This being Christmas day, it is most appropriate to conclude with the direction given to both Joseph and Mary to call the name of the Child born in Bethlehem, Jesus.

What's in this name? Of all the names, why Jesus? What is involved in this name? In a word, everything!

The word itself is a form of the Hebrew name Joshua, and around the time of Jesus it appears to have been widely used among the Jewish people. Very simply, the name means savior.

The reason this name was given to the Christ is revealed to us in Matthew 1:21 where Joseph is told, "for He will save His people from their sins." The natural and appropriate name for One who will save people is savior. The truth of Jesus being a Savior is revealed over and over in the "Christmas story" and in the New Testament as well:

Zacharias, the father of John the Baptizer said that the Child born in Bethlehem would "... give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission (forgiveness) of their sins..." Luke 1:77

The angels announced to the shepherds, "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Simeon declared, when he saw the Child, "For my eyes have seen Your salvation..." Luke 2:30

Peter quotes from the Old Testament in reference to Jesus when he says, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:21

Paul told the Philippian jailer, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved..." Acts 16:31

If you have been following along all week until today, the celebration of Lord's birth, then the picture should be clear. A promise was given that a Child would be born and a Son would be given. In every way, the prophecies proclaimed, He would be fully God. In fact, He was declared to be Immanuel, God with us, who would be a ruler of His people. He was promised to be a Wonder of a Counselor; He was declared to be the only, true, Mighty God, the One who is beyond time, the Father of Eternity. And He came to bring everlasting peace as the Prince of Peace. This will be all be accomplished because today is born for you, Jesus the Savior.

"I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it
more abundantly."
John 10:10