WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-25

Intro: A name is the title by which one person is designated from another. It is a way for us to tell people, places and things apart. In our day, manes do not hold much significance. William Shakespeare said, “A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” For us, names are just a way to tell thing apart.

It was not always this way. In Old Testament times, a name stood for a person’s “reputation, their fame and their glory.” Parents often gave children names that described the parent’s hopes and future expectations regarding that child. The word translated “name” in the Old Testament literally means “A mark or a brand.” People were given the names they were given for a reason. A study of Bible names often reveals much about the personality of the people mentioned in the Bible. For instance, David means “Beloved.” Abraham means “Father of a multitude.” Jacob means “Trickster.” Goliath means “Splendor.” All of these people proved true to their names!

I want to look at the name of the One mentioned in Matthew 1:21-23.

There must be something special about the name Jesus. After all, it was a name given to Him by God the Father, Matt.1:21; Luke 1:31.

Matthew 1:21 KJV 1900

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Luke 1:31 KJV 1900

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

The name Jesus is a name that has been exalted by the Father, Phil. 2:9-11. when that name is mentioned, men should bow before Him and confess Him as Lord.

Philippians 2:9–11 KJV 1900

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

His name is a special name!

I want to preach for a while on the subject: What’s In A Name? I want to give you some biblical reasons why His name is a name above all others names. When we finish, I hope we will be able to understand some of the glory contained in that blessed, wonderful name.

I. HIS NAME REVEALS HIS PERSONALITY-Matthew 1:23

(Emmanuel – God With Us)

A. Reveals A Supernatural Baby

Not just another child, but God in human flesh, John 1:1, 14; Phil. 2:5-8.

John 1:1 KJV 1900

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:4 KJV 1900

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

B. Reveals A Supernatural Birth

Not a normal birth, but a virgin birth, Isa. 7:14, which produced a child without a sin nature, 1 Pet. 2:22.

Isaiah 7:14 KJV 1900

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.

1 Peter 2:22 KJV 1900

22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

C. Reveals A Supernatural Battler

Why would God enter this world? He came to fight a battle that humanity could never wage or win. He came to do battle with Satan and sin. (Ill. Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Sam. 17:47.)

Matthew 4:10 KJV 1900

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Ephesians 6:10–18 KJV 1900

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

II. HIS NAME REVEALS HIS PURPOSE-Matthew 1:21

(Jesus – Jehovah Is Salvation)

A. Speaks Of His Desire

– The name Jesus reveals a God with a desire to save sinners. We are told that Jesus came into this world not to condemn the lost, but to save them, John 3:16-18.

John 3:16–18 KJV 1900

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

This was not a new desire, but it was the heartbeat of God even before the world was formed, Rev. 13:8; 1 Pet. 1:18-20.

1 Peter 1:18–20 KJV 1900

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: 20 Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Revelation 13:8 KJV 1900

8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

God’s plan was conceived in eternity and consummated in time.

B. Speaks Of His Deliverance

– The name Jesus reminds us that He came into this world for the sole purpose of setting the “captives” free, Luke 4:18. He came for the redemption of the lost, Titus 2:14.

Luke 4:18 KJV 1900

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

C. Speaks Of His Death

– The name Jesus reminds us of the fact that He came into this world to die for our sins. The only way the sin problem could have been dealt with is through the shedding of blood, Heb. 9:22.

Hebrews 9:22 KJV 1900

22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Jesus came that He might die on the cross to set us free from sin! (Ill. Gal. 1:4, “for us”; Gal. 2:20, “for me”.)

Galatians 1:4 KJV 1900

4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

His name reveals His personality

III. HIS NAME REVEALS HIS POWER-Isaiah 9:6

“His name shall be called…” Note the word “name” is singular and not plural. Not His “names”, His “name.” Jesus displays all the following characteristics at he same time.

A. He Is The Supernatural One- “Wonderful”

– This word means Miracle, Supernatural, Secret and Extraordinary, Ill. Judges 13:18. He is the Miracle Man!

Men cannot comprehend Him, but He can be believed on by the smallest child. He is wonderful!

B. He Is The Supervising One- “Counseller”

– This word mans “to advise, counsel, purpose, devise and plan.” It refers to His role as the leader and guiding force of our lives.

He is wonderfully qualified for this job. He is the Planner of the Path, Psa. 37:23; Job 23:10.

Psalm 37:23 KJV 1900

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way.

Job 23:10 KJV 1900

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

He is the Giver of Grace, 2 Cor. 12:9.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV 1900

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

He is the Worker of Wonders, Rom. 8:28; 2 Cor. 4:17.

C. He Is The Sovereign One- “Mighty God”

This word means “Hero.” It refers to “one Who is strong, mighty and invincible.”

He alone is worthy to be our Hero for He has defeated all our enemies-

1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV 1900

57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He alone is worthy of our worship.

D. He Is The Sustaining One- “Everlasting Father”

– As “Father” God is our “producer or generator.” In other words, He is our source! He created us through Adam and He recreated us through Jesus.

As our Father, He sustains us by His mighty power, Luke 12:32; Matt. 6:25-34.

Matthew 6:33 KJV 1900

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We are His children; therefore, we are His responsibility.

He is “everlasting.” There was never a time when He was not and there will never be a time when He is not.

He is the great “I AM.” He is the eternal, self-existent One! Our lives are directly tied to His; because He lives, we live!

E. He Is The Satisfying One- “Prince of Peace”

– The word “peace” refers to “a state of happiness, well being and prosperity.” The word “prince” speaks of “a captain, a steward and a keeper.”

He is the Creator and the Sustainer of our peace. He accomplished peace with God when He died on the cross, 1 John 2:2; Rom. 5:1.

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

He extends His peace to all who receive Him by faith, John 14:27.

John 14:27 KJV 1900

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

He provides His peace to all those who trust Him in the valleys of life, Phil 4:6-7.

Philippians 4:6–7 KJV 1900

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

He is the Keeper of our peace and the guarantee of continued peace throughout eternity.

Conclusion:

When people hear your name…What do they think?

Do they associate your name with Jesus or do they associate your name with something else?

What’s in a name? If that name is Jeff Hopson, not very much.

But, if the name is Jesus, everything is in that name! His name is the source of our salvation. His name is the hope of our hearts. His name can break sin’s bondage, cool the raging mind.

His name can lift the greatest burdens. His name can comfort the broken heart. His name is a name worth knowing, because is speaks of a Savior worth loving. His name is everything. His name unlocks the door of heaven and closes the gates of Hell. His name saves the vilest sinner; redeems the blackest soul; and secures the precious saints.

His name may be Jesus, but that name cannot tell us all there is to know about Him.

Do you know Him by His name of Saviour?