what's in name
Jesus has a name… we do too!
“G’day, I’m Rolly. What’s your name?” This is how I often greet a person for the first time. To warmly greet others by name is an act of kindness that people appreciate.
Your parents gave you a name when you were born. Do you know why your parents gave you that name? It may have been the name of a close family member or a dear friend. It may have been the name of a famous actor or celebrity; or simply a name they liked.
Do you know what your name means?
In the Bible, a person’s name often tells us something about the person. For example,
“Samuel” = “The Lord hears”. His mum Hannah could not have children. So she prayed desperately for a child, and the Lord heard her prayer. So the boy was named Samuel.
"Moses" comes from the Hebrew "to pull out/draw out" [of water]. The infant Moses was given this name by Pharaoh's daughter after she rescued him from the Nile (Exodus 2:10)
Jesus was named by his Heavenly Father. God sent angels to both Mary and Joseph.
The angel Gabriel said to Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. Luke 1:30-31 (NIV 2011)
Another angel told Joseph: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 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 1:20-21 (NIV2011)
So on the 8th day after he was born, they named the baby boy: Jesus. (Luke 2:21).
The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew name “Joshua” = “the Lord saves.”
And what does Jesus save us from? …he will save his people from their sins. Jesus came to save us from death, so we can have life with Him forever. Since Jesus promises to be with us always, we can call on his name for the help we need each day. When you know and trust the name of Jesus, you have a best Friend forever.
Joy in Jesus!
Pastor Rolly
Carols at Good Shepherd
