THE NAME JESUS
Matthew 1:18-23
V. 21: “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.”
“Is it true” Shakira asked her 3rd-grade Sunday school teacher, “that ‘Jesus’ is a common name?”
Mrs. Dugan answered, “Yes. The name Jesus was, and still is a pretty common name, even if people pronounce it differently. But there’s nothing common about our precious Jesus. The name Jesus, means The Lord is salvation. That is why Jesus came to earth.”
Timmy asked, “Is ‘Christ’ Jesus’ last name?”
“No, Timmy. Christ is Greek for the Hebrew word, Messiah. That word means The Anointed One.” Mrs. Dugan said. “There has never been—even in other religions—another Christ.”
“Names are very important. Parents spend considerable time naming their children. They often choose family names, like when a son is given his father’s name. Or names of a beloved relative, a cherished friend, or even a respected leader can be chosen for a child. Parents hope that the baby will be like, or take after the person whose name they chose.”
“Names are so personal and individual, that they end up defining a person. Distinct qualities identify a person’s personality. Are they hopeful or negative, creative or need precise instructions, do they lead or follow, do they care for others or can’t be bothered with other’s problems? There is so much to consider when naming a child. A person’s name tags him or her for life....What name comes after, “Oh Come, Oh Come...?” Mrs. Dugan sang the beginning of a Christmas carol.
“Emmanuel!” the class responded together.
“Right! This name for Jesus means God with Us. Now you know three names: one identifies Jesus, another shows on Whose authority He came, and the third describes His purpose. Emmanuel or Immanuel tells us that Jesus is God. Christ, or Messiah, shows Who sent Him. The name Jesus claims His work, as Savior. He willingly became human flesh—while preserving His divinity—and offered Himself as sacrifice for our sins when He died on the cross.”
“But God cannot die!” Luis objected.
Take Home Nugget
“That is precisely why Jesus had to be born as a human, Luis” Mrs. Dugan explained. “He had to be human, (but without sin), so that His blood and death would pay for our sins. But He defeated death, so that we won’t die for eternity. His resurrection and ascension to heaven prove that whoever believes in Jesus will rise from the dead (John 6:40). Those same believers will live forever in heaven!”
Jesus’ glory in a manger lie,
Was born so that we won’t forever die.
Born to give us second birth,
Born to raise children of earth!
J.D. Griffith
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Written for http://www.biblestudyforids.com/
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