------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference:** #Gods_name, #divine_revelation, #biblical_theology, #theology --- ## The Name of [[Jesus]]: [[Yahweh Saves]] The name “[[Jesus]]” is central to understanding who the [[Son of God]] is and what His mission on earth was. Though it was a common name in [[first-century Palestine]], the significance of its meaning—**“Yahweh saves”**—points to the heart of Jesus’ identity and mission. Let’s unpack the theological depth behind this name and explore how it shapes our understanding of [[Christ’s role]] in the [[Salvation]] of humanity. ### "You Shall Name Him [[Jesus]]" *Matthew 1:21* In *Matthew 1:21*, the angel tells [[Joseph]], *“You are to give him the name [[Jesus]], because he will save his people from their sins.”* This declaration gives us immediate insight into why [[Jesus]] came into the world—His mission was not political or social reform but **spiritual salvation**. His very name, "[[Jesus]]," meaning **"Yahweh saves,"** points to His role as the one who would deliver humanity from the [[bondage of sin]]. > The name of [[Jesus]] reminds us that **salvation** is initiated by [[God]]. The mission to rescue humanity from sin is God’s act of grace, and [[Jesus]] is the vessel through which that [[Salvation]] comes. In the [[Hebrew tradition]], names often carried deep significance, reflecting the character, mission, or destiny of a person. The name “[Jesus]” ties His identity to the work of [[God]] throughout history, reminding us that [[Jesus’ life]], death, and resurrection are part of a larger **divine plan** to redeem humanity. #### Application: Knowing that [[Jesus’ name]] means “Yahweh saves” should inspire **gratitude** and **trust**. We can rest assured that our salvation is secure because it is God who saves, not our own efforts. Reflect today on how this truth changes your perspective on faith and reliance on God’s grace. ### "You Will Name Him [[Jesus]]" *Luke 1:31* In *Luke 1:31*, the angel [[Gabriel]] announces to [[Mary]], *“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him [[Jesus]].”* This angelic announcement connects the significance of [[Jesus’ name]] to His **miraculous conception**. From the very beginning, [[Jesus’ identity]] and mission are **divinely ordained**. [[Mary’s obedience]] in naming her child “[Jesus]” underscores the fulfillment of [[God’s plan for salvation]], long foretold in the [[Hebrew Scriptures]]. > The act of naming in this context is not just a formal designation; it reflects [[God’s purpose]] and promise. The name “[Jesus]” is a **revelation** of His **divine mission**, aligning with the **prophetic declarations** that the [[Messiah]] would come to redeem [[Israel]]. This announcement to [[Mary]] also emphasizes the **humility** of [[Jesus’ incarnation]]. Though He was the **eternal Son of God**, He was given a **common name** in [[Israel]], highlighting the humility with which He entered the world. He was, in many ways, “just another [[Joshua]],” but in truth, He was the **ultimate fulfillment** of what the name Joshua represented—a deliverer who would lead His people to true **salvation**. #### Application: How does the humility of [[Jesus’ common name]] speak to you? [[Jesus]], the [[Son of God]], chose to come into the world in a lowly and relatable way. As we reflect on this, consider how we are called to follow His example of humility and service. ### The Name and Mission of [[Jesus]] The meaning of the name “[Jesus]” connects deeply with the **mission** that He came to accomplish. The name is a combination of "**Yah**" (short for [[Yahweh]], the name of [[Israel’s God]]) and "**yasha**," meaning **"to save."** This combination highlights that [[Jesus]] is the **embodiment** of **God’s saving action**. This is no ordinary name—it is a **declaration** of God’s intention to **rescue humanity** through the person of His [[Son]]. - **Jesus as the True [[Joshua]]**: The name [[Jesus]] is the **Greek form** of **Joshua** (*Yeshua*), and just as [[Joshua]] in the [[Old Testament]] led [[Israel]] into the [[Promised Land]], [[Jesus]] leads us into the **ultimate Promised Land**—**reconciliation with [[God]]** and **eternal life**. In this sense, [[Jesus]] fulfills the meaning of the name [[Joshua]] in a way that no one else could. > Paul writes in *Galatians 4:4–5*, *“But when the set time had fully come, [[God]] sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”* [[Jesus’ mission]] to save was not a spontaneous event—it was part of God’s **eternal plan**. This mission was not just to liberate [[Israel]] from external enemies, as some expected of the [[Messiah]], but to bring **salvation** from the greatest enemy—**sin**. The angel's words to both [[Joseph]] and [[Mary]] make it clear that [[Jesus’ mission]] would be to **save people from their sins**, a task that only [[God]] could undertake. #### Application: [[Jesus’ name]], and thus His mission, reminds us that **salvation** comes not through **human effort** but through **divine intervention**. How can this truth shape the way we view our spiritual life? Are there areas where you are relying on yourself instead of trusting in [[Jesus' saving power]]? ### Jesus of Nazareth: The [[Humble Savior]] Though [[Jesus]] is referred to as “[Jesus, son of Joseph]” in derision (*John 6:42*) and sometimes as “[Jesus, son of David]” in honor of His **royal lineage**, His most common title in the [[Gospels]] is **“[[Jesus of Nazareth]]”**. This designation highlights both His **humble beginnings** and the reality of His [[Incarnation]]. [[Nazareth]] was a small, insignificant town, and calling [[Jesus]] a [[Nazarene]] was, in many ways, an expression of His humility. [[Jesus]] did not come into the world with the **trappings of royalty** or **power**, but as a humble man from an unremarkable place. Yet, it was this same [[Jesus of Nazareth]] who would be revealed as the **Christ**, the **Anointed One** of [[God]]. > [[Jesus’ association with Nazareth]] reminds us that [[God]] often works in **unexpected ways**, choosing what is humble and lowly to accomplish His purposes. #### Application: Are there areas in your life where you feel inadequate or insignificant? Remember that [[God]] delights in using what seems small or humble to accomplish great things. Just as [[Jesus of Nazareth]] was the **Savior** of the world, [[God]] can use our humble circumstances to bring **glory** to His name. ### "Jesus Christ": The [[Anointed One]] The early Christians often referred to [[Jesus]] as “[[Jesus Christ]]” or “[[Christ Jesus]].” The title **“Christ”** (from the Greek *Christos*, meaning **“anointed one”**) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term **[[Mashiach]]** or **"[[Messiah]]."** To call [[Jesus]] “[the Christ]” was to affirm His role as the **long-awaited anointed king** who would bring **salvation** to [[Israel]] and the world. - **Jesus the [[Messiah]]**: This title is significant because it points not only to [[Jesus’ divine nature]] but also to His **kingly role** in [[God’s redemptive plan]]. As the **Christ**, [[Jesus]] is the **one anointed** by [[God]] to reign forever, fulfilling the promises made to [[David]]. > This title is not just an add-on to [[Jesus’ name]]—it encapsulates the **full scope** of His **mission** as the one sent by [[God]] to redeem, rule, and restore. #### Application: How does the title "[[Christ]]" change the way you view [[Jesus]]? He is not only your **Savior** but your **King**. Reflect on how you can more fully submit to His reign in your life, recognizing that He is both your **Redeemer** and your **Lord**.