Scripture: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” – Philippians 2:9
Examination: In the second chapter of Philippians, Paul describes the character of the Lord Jesus Christ. He explains that we should live with the same humility that Jesus lived. We should have the heart of a servant, bringing glory and honor to God with our lives.
Application: Lately in my church, we’ve had several ladies who are expecting babies. It’s a wonderful time of celebration, and the baby showers are beginning! When my husband and I were expecting our children, one of the most exciting responsibilities we had was choosing a name for each of our two babies. I remember buying a baby book that had hundreds of names and their meanings listed. There were so many of them! Finally, we chose each child’s name, and it was perfect for each one.
Finding a good name is as important today as it was in times gone by. I remember that many of my older relatives were named after other family members, especially the firstborn son. He was often named after the father. That’s how it was in biblical times as well. In Luke 1:59, the expectation was that Zacharias would name his son after himself. “And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.” Instead, the baby was named “John” as directed by an angel of the Lord (Luke 1:13).
When the time came for Jesus to be born, like John, His name had been given to his earthly father by an angel in a dream. “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.” (Matthew 1:24-25).
There are many other names by which Jesus is known in the Scriptures. Here are a few of them.
- Redeemer – “As for our redeemer, the LORD of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.” – Isaiah 47:4
- Emmanuel – “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matthew 1:23
- Saviour – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2:11
- Son of God – “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.” – 1 John 4:15
- Lamb of God – “And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!” – John 1:36
- Lord – “And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:11
Isaiah 9:6 gives us a beautiful summary of several other names for our Lord. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Jesus is the embodiment of God’s love. He came to us to die for us and redeem us unto Himself. Matthew 1:21 affirms this, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Jesus… Saviour… Son of God… What a beautiful name… the name of love!
Memory Verse: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” – Philippians 2:10
There have been names that I have loved to hear,
But never has there been a name so dear
To this heart of mine, as the name divine,
The precious, precious name of Jesus.
Jesus is the sweetest name I know,
And He’s just the same as His lovely name,
And that’s the reason why I love Him so;
Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
(from “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know” by Lela B. Long)