The Names Of Jesus - “Jesus” Part 1

The Names Of Jesus - “Jesus” Part 1

Matthew 1:21

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Let’s be realistic. I cannot write a series called “The Names Of Jesus” and not talk about the name Jesus. I mean, that’s His name, right?

Well, not so fast. Let’s say that it’s a complicated issue and this is going to take some time. The problem is that there is a lot of misinformation and poor scholarship that surrounds our understanding and use of the name of Jesus. On the other hand, this is a really big deal. We have to get this right because the Bible tells us to:

Acts 4:12

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

So, I want to address the theology that surrounds the name of our Lord and Savior. There are a couple of problems that go with that plan. First of all, I’m going to offend some of you. We all have our pet ideas about the what we think of name of Jesus. I don’t want to offend you. I just want to clear up some of the misunderstandings and inaccuracies that I have come across.

The second problem is this: answering these questions is going to require some deep thinking and some technical talk. In other words, this could get too focused and detailed for some. I’ll try to keep it readable and interesting but I want to warn you up front that for some of you, this is not going to be your cup of tea. It’s going to read a lot more like a theology paper than a morning devotional.

So, are ya ready? Let’s start tomorrow by looking at these questions one by one.

• Are we using the right name when we call Him Jesus?

• What are the implications for us if we get His name wrong?

• Have pagan religions influenced how we address the Son Of God?

• What name does God want us to call Him by?

• What role does language and culture play in how we understand and pronounce His name?

• Why is it so important to get this right? Why is this such a big deal?

We will dig in tomorrow! I’ll see you here.