I. A Given Name

God-given names have etymological significance.

• Adam - human.
• Abram - exalted father
• Abraham - father of many nations

A. God Through His Angels

Epiphany or Angelic Appearances:

• i. As humans on special visitation (Heb 13:2)
• ii. As celestial beings with special message (Lk 2:8-15)
• iii. As divine informants in dreams (Gen 28)

B. Mary to Give Name

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus... 34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God ... 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Lk 1:26-38)

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for He has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name. (Lk 1:46-49)

C. Joseph to Give Name

Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, 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.”(Mt 1:19-21)

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise Him, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before He had been conceived. (Lk 2:21)

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II. An Exalted Name

5 …Christ Jesus, 6 … existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God… to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself… a bond-servant… 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself… obedient to the point of death… on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly EXALTED Him, and bestowed on Him the NAME… above every name, 10 so that at the NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE WILL BOW… those… in heaven… on earth… under the earth, 11 … every tongue will confess… Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father. (Php 2:5-11)

• Grasp (Greek: harpagmon)
• Emptying self (Greek: kenosis)

A. God Highly Exalted Christ

Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came out of heaven: “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” (Jn 12:27-28)

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself. (Jn 12:32)

B. God Bestowed on Christ the Name above all names

Extent of Worship to be Rendered to Christ:

• in heaven
• on earth
• under the earth

I am the LORD, that is MY NAME; My glory I give to no other, nor My praise to graven images. (Is 42:8)

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Conclusion

His name is Jesus!

… anyone who has faith in Me will do… greater things… And I will do whatever you ASK IN MY NAME... YOU MAY ASK ME FOR ANYTHING IN MY NAME, and I will do it. (Jn 14:12-14)

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; (Mk 16.17)

For where two or three come together in My Name, there am I with them. (Mt 18:20)