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“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21
As we approach the time of year where we celebrate the birth of Jesus let’s take a close look into who Jesus really was. Over the next few weeks, we will dig deeper into the Scriptures to reveal who the Messiah was and why He had to come into the world.
From the Gospels of Matthew and Luke (Matthew 1:16-25, Luke 1:26-35) we know Jesus was the earthly son of Joseph, a carpenter (Matt 13:55), and his bride-to-be Mary. We know that Mary was a virgin and that she was impregnated by the Holy Spirit thereby making Jesus an immaculate conception. We know Jesus was born in Bethlehem near Jerusalem and raised by His mother and father (Luke 2:4-7). In His early childhood, He expressed a keen interest in the Jewish Scriptures that amazed many Rabbis (Luke 2:41-52). We know He began His ministry at about the age of 30 years old (Luke 3:23).
According to Luke 1:31, Mary was told Jesus’ name; but in Matthew 1:21 we read that Joseph was told both His name and the reason for it. The Greek used in this passage means literally “you WILL call his name Jesus.” It is future indicative and imperative in force. In other words, the angel of God spoke with authority to Joseph. This verse is what we call a Semitism, words written in another language (Greek in this instance) with a strong Hebrew influence. The intent is to give the verse a strong Old Testament nuance (Remember Matthew was a Jew writing to Jews).
What’s interesting is the Hebrew undertone. Jesus is the Greek form of “Joshua,” the strong and faithful successor of Moses and leader of the ancient Israelites. His name in Hebrew means “Yahweh saves,” a fitting name for both the warrior prophet who led the Israelites into the earthly Promised Land and the Prophet, Priest and King of the Hebrews who will lead His people into the heavenly Promised Land!
What a great name! Jesus, the God who saves His people from their sins. Come, Lord Jesus, we need you!
In Christ,
Dave
Other articles in this series:
Immanuel – God is With Us
The Word – Reason for our Existence
Bethlehem – House of Bread
Jesus – God in the Flesh
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