Jesus

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." – Matthew 1v21

The names of Jesus are such a blessing. Here at the very introduction we have two of them in quick succession. The first name we are exposed to is one that we are accustomed to, but it is one we must never grow used to.

‘Mary will have a son, and you will call His name Jesus.’

Jesus was the same name as the Hebrew name Joshua. Some languages use the same name in translation. It was the same name as Joshua who delivered the people from their wilderness wanderings into Canaan, the Promised Land.

What does the name mean? I like the meanings of names. I like my name. It means ‘a mighty spearman.’ It is descended from the old Germanic name Hroogar. That name just sounds powerful. I like that.

So what does the name Jesus mean? I am glad you asked.

Joshua, or Jesus, means simply ‘to save.’

The angel spelled that out to Joseph – ‘You will call Him Jesus because He will save His people from their sins.’

While Joshua saved the people from wandering in the wilderness Jesus saves from the wilderness of sin. What a simple statement. What a profound statement. What an amazing statement.

He will save – what a great name and what a great place to put our trust.