4 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Genesis 1-3
Matthew 1

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Matthew 1:21 (CSB): “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

“Jesus” was a fairly common name in first-century Israel. It was derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua (Joshua).

But Joseph didn’t name Mary’s new baby “Jesus” on a whim. It was intentional. He received the name as a command from an angel of the Lord.

Why was it so important that Jesus receive a very specific name? There are at least three reasons.

First, God made it clear that He was intervening in human history. He wouldn’t leave this climactic event up to human whims. He determined the time, occasion, name, and so much more as He sent His Son into the world. God’s naming of His Son made it clear that He was leading the charge.

Second, God clarified Jesus’ primary mission when He was given His name. His name meant “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” Jesus’ name meant that He had come to provide salvation from God. It guaranteed that He would go to the cross and rise again to offer salvation to everyone who trusts in Him (John 3:16).

Third, what do we need to be saved from? The angel said: “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus would save us from the guilt of our sins and the penalty of that guilt. Jesus came to take on our sins and pay our debt to a holy God so that anyone who trusts Him would be saved. As we stop trusting in ourselves and place our trust in Him, we are forgiven and declared to be fully righteous in God’s eyes, and God no longer looks at us as an enemy (Romans 5:10) but as a beloved child (John 1:12).

All of this and more is ours to receive and enjoy as we trust in and obey Jesus, “The God Who Saves.”

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to clarify the truths of Matthew 1:21 in your mind and heart so that you can rest in its blessings.
  • Repent of (turn away from) any ongoing sins in your life that Jesus has saved you from.
  • Let the knowledge of what Jesus has done and is doing for you cause you to love Him more, enjoy Him more, submit to Him more, and obey Him more.
  • Ask God to bring someone into your path very soon who you can tell about what Jesus has done and how He desires to save them.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into the significance of Jesus’ name, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

What is the meaning of the name Jesus?

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)