The Name that is Above Every Name
“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.” (Matt. 1:21)
In Bible times, and still sometimes today, names were given to communicate something significant about the child. Typically, the name is chosen by the parents. The first chapter of Matthew reveals how the name of Jesus came about.
Joseph and Mary were engaged to be married. Mary was pregnant. And Joseph knew that he certainly wasn’t the father. Joseph, being a faithful and merciful man, had decided to “divorce her quietly” but his plan was interrupted by a visit from an angel of the Lord in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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.” (Matt. 1:20-21)
The truth about the child to be born was revealed to Joseph … and he believed. The angel told Joseph what to name the child – Jesus – because He will save His people from their sins. Jesus is Greek for Joshua which means “the Lord saves”. Jesus is the long-anticipated Messiah and He will save His people from their sins.
Immediately following this, Jesus is given another name. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matt. 1:22-23) Jesus is “God with us”. Jesus is God taking on human flesh and “making His dwelling among us”. Jesus is “the Name that is above every name” because He has come to rescue us from our sins.
Have you received and believed the revelation about Jesus? Jesus is “God with us” and the Savior of all who will put their faith in Him. Remind yourself today – and tell someone else – about the wonder, majesty, and saving power that can only be found in the Name that is above every name, the Name of Jesus.
