5 December 2011

What Does the Name Jesus Mean?


The name Jesus means "Savior." It is the same name as Joshua in the Old Testament. It is given to our Lord because "He saves His people from their sins." This is His special role. He saves them from the guilt of sin, by cleansing them in His own atoning blood. He saves them from the dominion of sin by putting in their hearts the sanctifying Spirit. He saves them from the presence of sin, when He takes them out of this world to rest with Him. He will save them from all the consequences of sin, when He shall give them a glorious body at the last day.

 Jesus is a very encouraging name to weighted-down sinners. He, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, might lawfully have taken some more high-sounding title. But He does not do so. The rulers of this world have often called themselves great, conquerors, bold, magnificent, and the like. The Son of God is content to call Himself Savior. Those seeking salvation may draw near to the Father with boldness, and have access with confidence through Christ. It is His role and His delight to show mercy. "For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him" (John 3:17).

 Jesus is a name, which is especially sweet and precious to believers. It has often done them good. It has given them what money cannot buy - that is, inward peace. It has eased their wearied consciences and given rest to their heavy hearts. The Song of Solomon describes the experience of many, when it says, "Your name is oil poured forth" (Song of Solomon 1:3). Happy is the person who trusts not merely in vague notions of God's mercy and goodness, but in "Jesus."

Adapted from The Gospel of Matthew by J.C. Ryle (Chapter 1).

2 comments:

  1. Hi Afsoon and Shapour! It's good to hear from you again! I love your post for today. The name of Jesus is so precious and Powerful. I always like to remind people as well of Acts 4:10-12: (10) This is from the Amplified Version Let it be known and understood by all of you, and by the whole house of Israel, that in the name and through the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, [but] Whom God raised from the dead, in Him and by means of Him this man is standing here before you well and sound in body.

    (11)This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone].

    (12)And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.

    Sometimes I don't think people really understand who Jesus is, or how important He is. We cannot expect to be saved and have an eternity in heaven just because "we are good people." It is an absolute condition that we have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. To Live for Him, to Love Him to Listen and abide by His Word. We must do this to be saved and live eternally with God, so thank you for bringing His name to the forefront of peoples minds and hearts.

    God Bless.

    PJ

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  2. Good to see you back again with these encouraging words. His name is indeed salvation to as many as received Him! Blessings and peace to you and your family this wonderful season!

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