Jesus And His Name! Series

What an exciting thing to talk about. . . the Name of Jesus! There are so many songs that describe his name as lovely, beautiful, sweet, but also powerful and to be used with authority. The most important verse is when Joseph was told to take Mary and "She shall bring forth a son and shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

History shows that name "Jesus" was well known in the day as it was one of the most popular names. Joshua in the OT was a common name. God told Moses to chose one person from the 12 tribes and he was to spy on the Canaan. He was called the son of Nun, Hoshea, meaning "salvation." Salvation in the OT did not mean going to heaven, but being delivered from danger and threats from the enemy.

As Jesus comes He is given "Jesus" meaning salvation to His people. When He came to temple to be circumised he was given the name Jesus by his parents. But there is more. . . "He will be great, He will be called the Son of God the Most High. He will rule His people forever." He did not live in castles, but lived in poverty. He owned nothing as every thing in His life was borrowed. . . a manger, a donkey, and a grave!

Why did Jesus come to our world? To be a preacher? No! to be a teacher? No! To be a Healer? No! Jesus came to fulfill His Father's will --- TO SAVE! The name Jesus is mentioned 258 times in the Bible. In many ways Jesus is described as Savior --- Savior of the Lost, Shepherd of His sheep, Redeemer of our souls, the Lover of our souls, our Bridegroom of the Church. He is our True and Living One.

JESUS --- The only name that people will swear by! The only name that people will use in vain. The only name people want to take out of the schools and courts of justice. The only name people will use in expressions of excitement in a movie or TV show! The only name that says you said the appropriate prayer in an audience. Ah. . . but yes, it is the only name that will stir you to love your neighbor and even your enemy.

JESUS --- The only name that will save you! The only name that will transform you! The only name the angels love! The only name that Satan hates! The only name that people will DIE for! The only name that open the door of heaven for you! The only name that will keep you pure! The only name that is to be called Reverend!

The lovely name of JESUS! He is the veracity of the truth! He is the velocity of love! He is Victory of Grace! He is the Visibility of God! He is Honey to the taste of goodness! He is the Harmony to the ear! He is the Healing to the soul.

CONCLUSION: JESUS! the mere mention of His name can calm the storm, heal the broken, raise the dead. At the name of Jesus, I've seen sin hardened men melt, derelicts transformed. At the name of Jesus, hatred and bitterness turn to love and forgiveness and arguments cease. YES< there is something about name, JESUS! Amen.

Presented By Larry L. Vollink, retired chaplain/pastor, Cedar Springs, Mich. (616) 655-4129 lawrenceV@comcast.net