This is the final post in the series “His Name Shall Be Called…” I pray the series has been a blessing to you leading up to this “most wonderful time of the year.”
Although it wasn’t prophesied in the Old Testament that the Savior’s name would be Jesus, the angel that appeared to Joseph declared that is what his name would be called (Matthew 1:21).
Jesus
Jesus means – “Jehovah is salvation.” His name is Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins.”
According to Philippians 2:5-11 this name “Jesus” is a name above every other name.
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
What’s Special About The Name Of “Jesus?”
- There is power in the name of Jesus. In Acts 4:10 when Peter was asked “By what power or what name did you do this?” (Those asking were referring to the crippled beggar being healed). Peter replied: “Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead.”
- The name of Jesus provoked rulers to prohibit believers from speaking it. Those in authority were so upset that the beggar was healed in the name of Jesus that they prohibited the believers from even speaking it. “So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18)
- People rejoice to suffer for the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is so powerful and special that the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. “The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” (Acts 5:41)
- People are baptized in the name of Jesus. “So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Afterward Cornelius asked him to stay with them for several days.” (Acts 10:48).
- Demons must obey the name of Jesus. After several days of a demon possessed girl following Paul and Silas around, Paul became weary of it and in Acts 16:18 he spoke to the demonic spirit and said: “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.
- Unbelievers oppose the name of Jesus. Before Paul was converted he felt he had an obligation to oppose the name of Jesus. In Acts 26:9 he declares: “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene.
The name of Jesus is a special, wonderful, and powerful name. It is a name above all others. It is a name that will bring us the light of God’s truth.
Isaiah 9:2 – “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
That light is Jesus the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, and Immanuel, God with us; He is Jesus, He is Jehovah salvation. He is our Savior!
Is Jesus your Savior?
— Keith Fife
Podcast: His Name Shall Be Called… (Length 30 min.)
Reminds me of how privileged I am to know Him, Jesus. Thanks for a great series of sermons.