ODJ: what’s in a name?
December 25, 2009
She will have a Son, and you are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (v.21).
READ: Matthew 1:18-25
Babies may be small, but preparing and caring for one requires some big things: Fixing up his or her room. Buying a crib, baby clothes, and toys. And one biggie is deciding what to name the little bundle of joy. This is not always an easy task, for most parents want to select names that both sound good and possess special meaning. Joseph and Mary, however, didn’t have to sweat choosing the name that was just right for their first son. Joseph was supernaturally given the perfect choice: “Jesus” (Matthew 1:21).
Two names, in fact, were given to the baby: “Jesus” and “Immanuel” (v.23). Someone once said that “Jesus” describes His purpose—what He came to do; and “Immanuel” describes His nature—who He really is. Let’s take a closer look at the name Jesus.
Jesus, the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, means “Jehovah is salvation” or “The Lord saves.” Jesus was born so that He could die to save us from our sins (v.21).
When asked, “What is the meaning of Christmas?” a young woman shopping for Christmas presents sheepishly responded, “I don’t know. Is that the day Jesus died?” She couldn’t have been more wrong and right! That precious little body, fashioned by the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb (vv.18,21), would one day be “flogged with a lead-tipped whip,” exposing raw flesh and blood (Matthew 27:26). The head of that beautiful infant would one day have a crown of thorns thrust onto it (v.29). Those adorable feet would one day walk up the dusty road leading to Golgotha (vv.31-33). Those tiny hands would be pierced one day by nails driven into a cross (Matthew 27:35).
Jesus saves. What a beautiful name! —K.T. Sim
Is it right to link Christmas with Good Friday? How does Christmas find its fulfillment and full meaning in that day?
Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it-
RSS Feed
Related
ODB: expert repair
If you’ve ever tried to fix something and failed, you’ll appreciate the sign I saw outside an automotive repair shop: We Will Fix What Your Husband Fixed. Whether the problem is the car, the plumbing, or an appliance, it’s usually better off in the hands of someone who is skilled and trustworthy.So it is with [...]
today’s conversation
The glory of the young is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old. – Proverbs 20:29 NLT How do you think youth should best utilized their strength?
ODJ: guess who’s coming to dinner?
Five to ten times a year, I receive invitations to attend breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners, and to partner with various organizations. Some of these invitations spark no interest in me, while others are so compelling and close to my heart that I respond with an enthusiastic, “Yes!” Jesus once used an illustration to talk [...]
Escape From Reality
By Josh Yap, 22, Australia Feeling down, I reached for my handy music player, hoping for some music therapy. Then Boston by Augustana popped up in my playlist. The chorus echoed my melancholic thoughts: You don’t know me And you don’t even care, oh yeah And you said, you don’t know me And you don’t [...]
Christian Courses
Day Of Discovery
Discover The Word
Discovery Series
Help For My Life
My Utmost For His Highest
Our Daily Bread
Our Daily Journey
RBC Ministries
WarungSateKaMu
Manasociety
雅米