Jesus: Name Above All Names

Jesus is the central theme of Holy Scriptures.  We find the likeness of Him in every book of the Bible.  The Old Testament foretells of His first advent.  The New Testament testifies of His life incarnate, His continuing work and second coming.  Without Christ, we do not have hope.  In the days to come, I am writing a series of post about the different title’s that Scripture gives to Christ.  Starting with the name of Jesus, the name given to Him at the pronouncement of the incarnation.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Jesus was a common first-century name.  Why was it special?  What did it symbolize that the people wanted to associate with so much?  Matthew gives a basic interpretation of the salvation – salvation.  More specifically, Jesus (Greek: Ἰησοῦς, Iēsoûs), is defined as, “The LORD is salvation” or “a savior.”  It means the same in the Hebrew translation, Joshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ, Yᵉhôwshûwaʻ).  It was a reminder of the Joshua who led Israel into the promised land after Moses died.

So, what is the difference between this Jesus and the others who share the same name at this time?  He is God’s Son.  Jesus alone could atone for sins, and He alone could defeat death by death.  His name was more than a memorial to a paragon of Judaism.  His name foretold what He would do because of who He is.

After the death and resurrection of Christ, the Holy Father exalted Him and placed Him decreed Him as Lord of all.  The Lord of our Salvation.  Philippians 2:9-11 declares this pictures,

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

It is this Jesus, the Lord of our salvation that Peter preached in Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Jesus, there is something about that name.  No matter how it is pronounced, refers to the one who was able, and still able, to save.  Call out on the LORD of our salvation.  Repent and turn from your sins.  Be saved today.

Romans 10:9-13

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.