Name Above all Names

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

Jesus Christ is a well known name throughout history and across the globe. Believers and many non-believers alike recognize the significance of the name.  Christians all across the world seek to share the name of Jesus with others. According to Wycliffe, the Bible has been and is being translated into over 3,000 languages, so that others may learn and know the saving power of the name of Jesus.

Today, the name Jesus prompts many to think of the Bible and Christianity. But, in the time of Mary and Joseph, the name was just as familiar as Jim, Mike, or Sarah might be today. Jesus was a common name. It was the Greek translation of the Hebrew name Joshua. The name Jesus had a special meaning but it didn’t always mean a special person. The name Joshua, in Hebrew, and Jesus, in Greek, means “Yahweh saves” or “Jehovah is our salvation.” It was a reminder of God’s promise to save his people.

So, when Mary and Joseph were told that the son to be born to them was named Jesus, it wasn’t the name that was shocking, it was Gabriel’s further description. Gabriel told them that the boy was given this name because “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This message would have immediately made a connection for Mary and Joseph. Jesus Christ is the name given to the Son of God because he is the fulfillment of the name and he alone is our salvation. It wasn’t just a special name, it is who he is. He wasn’t just a great teacher, a miracle worker, or a theologian. He is God and he is our salvation.

Through his birth, life, death and resurrection, “Jesus” became more than a name. As Pastor Kevin DeYoung says, “ The power in the name is the person behind the name.” Jesus Christ became the name above all names because he alone is our Savior. He is the promised Messiah through whom we are forgiven. As Acts 4:12 says “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” When we believe in who he is and what he has done for us, we receive forgiveness and grace. By believing in the name of Jesus, we are given new life and our hearts are transformed (John 20:31).

So, when you hear the name of our Savior this week, pause and take a moment to reflect. How has believing in Jesus Christ changed your life? Who in your life needs to hear about and know Jesus?

Prayer

Dear Lord, We thank you for sending your son to save and redeem us. We are humbled by his love and the sacrifice he made so that we might have life. May our belief in his name truly transform our lives. We pray that every step we take, and every word we say brings glory and honor to his name; the name that is above all names. Open our eyes to people who may not know you and show us opportunities to share the name of Jesus with those around us. It is in his name we pray, Amen.

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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