SERIES: CHRISTMAS
TEXT: ISAIAH 9:6; MATTHEW 1:21-25
A name is the title by which one person is distinguished from another. It is a way for us to tell people, places and things apart. In our day, names do not hold much significance. William Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name I would smell just as sweet.” For us names are just a way to tell things apart.
In the Old Testament times, a name stood for a person’s reputation, their fame and their glory. Parent often gave children names that described the parent’s hopes and future expectation regarding that child. In the Old Testament a “name” meant “A mark or a brand.” People were given the names they were given for a reason.
A study of Bible names often reveals much about the personality of the people mentioned in the Bible. For instance, David means “beloved,” Abraham means “Father of multitude,” Jacob means “Trickster,” Goliath means “splendor.” All these people proved true to their names!
Today let us look at the name mentioned in Matthew 1:21-23. There must be something special about the name JESUS. It was the name given to Him by His FATHER GOD-Matt. 1:21; Luke 1:31. The name Jesus is the name that has been exalted by the Father-Phil. 2:9-11.
When the name JESUS is mentioned, men should bow before Him and confess Him as Lord.
His name is a special name!
Today I want to preach on the subject “JESUS”- WHAT A NAME? Let us see why the name “JESUS” is the name above all other names in heaven on earth and under the earth:-
HIS NAME REVEALS HIS PERSONALITY:
Emmanuel-God with us
- It reveals a supernatural baby.
- He is not just another child, but God in human flesh-John 1:1, 14; Phil. 2:5-8.
- It reveals a supernatural birth-Not a normal birth, but a virgin birth-Isa. 7:14 which produced a child without a sin nature-1st Peter 2:22.
- It reveals a supernatural battler.
- Why would God enter this world? He came to fight a battle that humanity could never wage or win.
- He came to do battle with satan and sin-Eph. 6:10-18; 1st 17:47.
HIS NAME REVEALS HIS PURPOSE.
Jesus-Jehovah is salvation
It speaks of His desire.
- The name Jesus reveals a God with a desire to save sinners.
- We are told that Jesus came into this world not to condemn the lost, but to save them-John 3:16-18.
- This was not a new desire, but it was the heartbeat of God even before the world was formed-Rev. 13:8; 1st Peter 1:18-20.
- God’s plan was conceived in eternity and consummated in time.
It speaks of His deliverance.
- The name Jesus reminds us that He came into this world for the sole purpose of setting the “captives” free-Luke 4:18. He came for the redemption of the lost-Titus 2:14.
It speaks of His death.
- The name Jesus reminds us of the fact that He came into this world to die for our sins.
- The only way that the sin problem could have been dealt with is through the shedding of blood-Heb. 9:22.
- Jesus came that He might die on the cross to set us free from sin!
- It was “for us” He died-Gal. 1:4, It was “for me”-Gal. 2:20.
HIS NAME REVEALS HIS POWER.
“His name shall be called.” The singular name Jesus displays all the following characteristics at the same time.
- Jesus is the supernatural one-Miracle, supernatural, secret and extraordinary-Judges 13:18.
- Jesus is the miracle man. He cannot comprehend Him but He can be believed on by the smallest child. He is wonderful!!
He is the supervising one.
- This word means “To advice, counsel, purpose, device and plan.”
- The name “Jesus” refers to His role as the leader and guiding force of our lives.
- Jesus is wonderfully qualified for this job.
- Jesus is the planner of the path-Psa. 37:23; Job 23:10.
- Jesus is the giver of grace-2nd 12:9.
- Jesus is the worker of wonders-Rom. 8:28; 2nd 4:17.
He is the sovereign one.
- He is the “Hero” the one who is strong, mighty and invisible.
- He alone is worthy to be our hero for He has defeated all our enemies-1st 15:57; 2nd Cor. 2:14. He alone is worthy of our worship.
- Jesus is “everlasting.” There was never a time when He was not and there shall never be a time when He is not.
- Jesus is the great “I AM.” He is the eternal self-existent one! Our lives are directly tied to His. Because He lives, we live!!
He is the satisfying one-“Prince of peace.”
- This refers to “a state of happiness, wellbeing and prosperity.”
- The word “prince” speaks of a captain, a steward and keeper.”
- He is the creator and sustainer of our peace.
- He accomplished peace with God when He died on the cross-1st John 2:2; Rom. 5:1.
- He extends His peace to all who receive Him by faith-John 14:27.
- He provides peace to all those who trust Him in the valleys of life-Phil. 4:6-7.
- He is the keeper of our peace and the guarantee of continued peace throughout eternity.
CONCLUSION
- In the name “JESUS” there is everything. He is the desire of all nations.
- His name is the source of our salvation.
- His name is the hope of our hearts.
- His name breaks the sin’s bondage and lifts the greatest of burdens.
- His name opens the doors of heaven.
- His name comforts all the broken hearts.
- His name saves, keeps and satisfies.
- “There is a name I love to hear”-Jesus.
The following two tabs change content below. Rev, Dr. Willy Mutiso is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Athiriver. He is widely known for his practical and dynamic teaching style which helps people apply the timeless truths of Scripture to their everyday lives.