One Little Word: Jesus

Matthew 1:20-21

What’s in a name? Sometimes not much. I’ll use my name as an example. My first name, Thomas, means twin. I’m not a twin. Ironically, my youngest brothers are twins, and neither one of them is named Thomas. My last name, Kuch, is German for “to cook.” I’m not much of a cook. So my names basically mean nothing. But the name of Jesus means everything. Why? Because the name Jesus is from the Hebrew verb yasha. The Jewish people would say, Yeshua, because it means God saves. The Lord came to Joseph in the dream, and what did God say to Joseph? Said, “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.” That every time you and I hear the name Jesus, God wants us to hear, “This is the one who saves me.” Every time I hear the name Jesus, God wants me to think, “I’m saved, because Jesus saved me.” And so may I suggest that our favorite name for Jesus isn’t Lord or the Christ or the good shepherd, all of which are great, not knocking them whatsoever. But may I suggest that our favorite name for Jesus is Jesus? Jesus? Because that’s the name that means everything for you and for me. Because that’s the name that means salvation. And when that name is spoken, you and I are built, and the devil is cut down; he is felled. And one little word can fell him. Amen?