Today’s devotion is based on Week 5 of “He Shall Be Called: Jesus -He saves you! (WATCH HERE)
What’s in a name?
For the month of December we have been reflecting on the names that Isaiah gave to Jesus…Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace and Emmanuel. Each of these names carry tremendous meaning and significance as we consider the life and work of Jesus.
But might we consider these slightly different than his actual name? He was “called” these things because he embodied and carried out each of those things which Isaiah foretold.
But his NAME was “Jesus.”
The angel told Joseph: Matthew 1:21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Eight days after his birth at his circumcision ceremony, Joseph did as the angel of the Lord had commanded and gave the boy born to Mary the NAME, Jesus.
Luke 2:21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.
This was the way he would be known to his parents. Every time he would need to come in from playing outside to have dinner, “Jesus, it’s time to eat!” Every time it was time to call it a day and go to bed, “Jesus, it’s time for bed.” Every time it was time to wake up and begin the day, “Jesus, time to get up!” Every time Joseph needed a tool in his shop, “Jesus can you bring me the hammer.”
Sure he was called, “Teacher.” He was called, “Rabboni.” He was even called “Beelzebub.” But his NAME was Jesus.
It was a name that was divinely chosen for the specific purpose he came to this earth.
“To save his people from their sins.”
Every time the name “Jesus” was said by his parents, his friends, his disciples, and yes, even his enemies it was a confession, known or unknown, of what his purpose of being born was: to Save his people from their sins.
To be sure, he is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace and Emmanuel, but to Mary and Joseph he was Jesus. To us, he is Jesus.
The descriptors Isaiah is inspired to write are theologically rich, divinely true, and significant characteristics of the boy born in the manger of Bethlehem. But his name Jesus is significantly personal. He is one we know and he is one who knows us. We are on a first name basis. John 10:3 He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
Here is the deep, personal significance of knowing Jesus and being on a first name basis. Like a child who is in trouble calls out, “Mom!” or “Dad!” looking for help and to be delivered from a predicament, so we are invited to use the name of Jesus for the very purpose of calling out to him to be saved from the consequence of our sin, “Jesus! Save me.”
Here’s the glorious promise and power of the name of Jesus, prophesied by Joel, fulfilled by Jesus and proclaimed by Peter:
Acts 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
Enjoy being a first name basis with Jesus. Enjoy your relationship with him and call on him often!
Apply: As we come to the end of the year, evaluate your relationship with the Lord Jesus. How has it been a blessing? How could it be better in 2025?
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing not just your name, but your work with us so we might always be certain we are saved from the punishment our sins deserve. AMEN.