A Name That Saves
05/11/2025
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
—Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
What’s in a name? In our culture, names can be chosen because they sound nice, honor a loved one, or reflect something meaningful to the parents. But in Scripture, names often carried profound significance, describing character, purpose, or destiny. And no name is more powerful or meaningful than the one given in Matthew 1:21: Jesus.
This moment in Matthew’s Gospel captures the angel’s message to Joseph, a man wrestling with confusion and fear. Mary, his betrothed, was expecting a child that wasn’t his. But God interrupted Joseph’s doubts with a divine declaration: the child she carried was from the Holy Spirit. And the name he was to bear, Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew, means “The Lord saves.”
Think about that: before Jesus even took His first breath, His mission was made clear. He came not to rule with an iron fist, but to rescue with grace. Not to condemn, but to redeem. Not just to save His people from Roman oppression or political turmoil, but from their sins, the deepest and most dangerous captivity of all.
Many hoped for a warrior. God sent a Savior.
Jesus’ name was a promise fulfilled. It tied into centuries of prophecy, woven through the Old Testament, pointing to a coming Messiah who would bear the weight of humanity’s rebellion and offer restoration and relationship with God.
This verse reminds us that salvation isn’t something we earn, it’s something we receive through a Person. Jesus doesn’t just bring salvation; He is salvation. His name is our hope. His life is our rescue. His cross is our bridge back to the Father.
And just like Joseph, we are invited to respond in faith, to trust that God is working His plan even when circumstances seem uncertain. To believe that Jesus truly does save.
Here are some things you can do to help you further in your journey.
Speak His name in prayer today, Jesus, and thank Him for His saving grace in your life.
Reflect on the sins He’s saved you from, and offer Him gratitude for your rescue.
Share the story of your salvation with someone this week. Jesus’ name is too powerful to keep to ourselves.
Live like someone who has been rescued. Let the name of Jesus be not only on your lips, but lived out through your love, kindness, and courage.
Jesus, thank You for coming to save us, not just from hardship, but from the power and penalty of sin. Your name is precious and powerful. Help me never to take for granted the gift of salvation You’ve offered. May I live each day in awe of what You’ve done and with a desire to share Your name with others. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
—Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
What’s in a name? In our culture, names can be chosen because they sound nice, honor a loved one, or reflect something meaningful to the parents. But in Scripture, names often carried profound significance, describing character, purpose, or destiny. And no name is more powerful or meaningful than the one given in Matthew 1:21: Jesus.
This moment in Matthew’s Gospel captures the angel’s message to Joseph, a man wrestling with confusion and fear. Mary, his betrothed, was expecting a child that wasn’t his. But God interrupted Joseph’s doubts with a divine declaration: the child she carried was from the Holy Spirit. And the name he was to bear, Jesus, or Yeshua in Hebrew, means “The Lord saves.”
Think about that: before Jesus even took His first breath, His mission was made clear. He came not to rule with an iron fist, but to rescue with grace. Not to condemn, but to redeem. Not just to save His people from Roman oppression or political turmoil, but from their sins, the deepest and most dangerous captivity of all.
Many hoped for a warrior. God sent a Savior.
Jesus’ name was a promise fulfilled. It tied into centuries of prophecy, woven through the Old Testament, pointing to a coming Messiah who would bear the weight of humanity’s rebellion and offer restoration and relationship with God.
This verse reminds us that salvation isn’t something we earn, it’s something we receive through a Person. Jesus doesn’t just bring salvation; He is salvation. His name is our hope. His life is our rescue. His cross is our bridge back to the Father.
And just like Joseph, we are invited to respond in faith, to trust that God is working His plan even when circumstances seem uncertain. To believe that Jesus truly does save.
Here are some things you can do to help you further in your journey.
Speak His name in prayer today, Jesus, and thank Him for His saving grace in your life.
Reflect on the sins He’s saved you from, and offer Him gratitude for your rescue.
Share the story of your salvation with someone this week. Jesus’ name is too powerful to keep to ourselves.
Live like someone who has been rescued. Let the name of Jesus be not only on your lips, but lived out through your love, kindness, and courage.
Jesus, thank You for coming to save us, not just from hardship, but from the power and penalty of sin. Your name is precious and powerful. Help me never to take for granted the gift of salvation You’ve offered. May I live each day in awe of what You’ve done and with a desire to share Your name with others. Amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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