Matthew 1:20-21 NIV
20 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. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[a] because he will save his people from their sins.”
The Name of Jesus is Revered or Reviled
The name of Jesus causes a reaction in everyone.
Many will choose to believe in Him, repenting of their sins and accepting Him as Lord of their life.
On the other hand, many will reject Him outright, not wanting anything to do with Him. They may even deride and defile His name.
And finally, there are some who neither accept or reject, but are agnostic, straddling the fence ignoring the drawing of the Holy Spirit.
Regardless of the outcome, the name of Jesus causes a reaction.
To the non-believer, he is often nothing more than a swear word.
Here is just a bit of the great gospel song by Neil Enloe, that says it so well.
“More Than Just a Swear Word” by Neil Enloe
“His name is voiced in every conversation
He's now become a superstar they say
But oh the curse it's bringing to our nation
When men proclaim His holy name in vain
He's so much more than just a swear word
More than just an I don't care word
How can we use His name so recklessly
Our only hope is in this one word
Whosoever will may come word
He's more than just a swear word
He's the precious Son of God”
A Few Scriptures About the Name of Jesus
- In the name of Jesus, we are saved, reconciled with God, and have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
- In the name of Jesus, we are baptized.
Acts 2:38 NIV
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- In the name of Jesus, we are to give thanks to God the Father for all things.
Ephesians 5:20 NIV
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- In the name of Jesus, we are to believe and to love one another as He commanded us.
1 John 3:23 NIV
23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.
- In the name of Jesus, demons are cast out.
Acts 16:18 NIV
18 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
- In the name of Jesus, we are to do all things, whether in word or in deed.
Colossians 3:17 NIV
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The Name of Jesus is Above Every Name
Philippians 2:9-11 KJV
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.
So, who is this Jesus that many accept as their Lord?
Who is this Jesus that many revile and curse His name?
Who is this Jesus that many don’t really have an opinion of?
When we celebrate Christmas, we celebrate and honor not only the birth of Jesus, but His life in total.
And His name.
God’s word tells us that He gave Jesus a name that was above all other names. And at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Think for a moment about the POWER and GLORY of the name of Jesus!
Where it says that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the Lordship of Jesus, this does not an any way indicate a form of unconditional salvation.
It most certainly DOES indicate that there will be universal recognition that the Jesus Christ is indeed Lord of all.
EVERYONE! Meaning those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and also all of those who have rejected or ignored Him, will bow and confess His Lordship.
The question for each of us is "What have we done with the name of Jesus?"
Hopefully you can call Jesus your Lord, acknowledging Him as the mighty King and master of everything. If not, it isn't too late.
Yes, His name is wonderful!
“His Name is Wonderful” by Audrey Mieir
His name is wonderful
His name is wonderful
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord.
He is the mighty King
master of everything
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord.
He's the Great Shepherd
The Rock of all ages
Almighty God is He
Bow down before Him
Love and adore Him
His name is wonderful
Jesus my Lord.
RVH