Illuminate the Name: Who Is Jesus?

By Danny Saavedra

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“Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us.’”—Matthew 1:22–23 (HCSB)

What’s the first thing you learn about someone when you’re first introduced to them? Their name! Why? Because names help us to remember people, to identify them, and to know them. Names in the Bible carry special significance because they often tell us something about the person, and no name in history tells us more about a person than the name mentioned in Matthew 1:23!

A little context: Joseph and Mary were engaged, but Mary became pregnant before the wedding—not by Joseph. He could have publicly shamed her or had her stoned to death. Why? Because as his betrothed, it was essentially like being caught in adultery. He was well within his legal rights to go this route, but Matthew 1:19 (NLT) tells us he decided to break off the engagement quietly because he “was a righteous man.”

But before he could go through with the breakup, he was visited by an angel who said, “‘Don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:20–23 HCSB). 

In similar fashion, Gabriel came to Mary and said, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:31–32 NIV).

I love these passages and this name!

Jesus . . . 

• Son of God

• God with us

• God who saves us

It’s the perfect name for the perfect gift of God! There’s so much comfort, peace, and beauty in it. But it’s not the only name He would be called. 

Here are a few other names given to Him:

The Word (logos) who “became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John1:14 NIV), which we discussed in day one! 

Wonderful Counselor: All wisdom comes from Him! He’s our source for all wisdom and understanding. He leads us into right paths and teaches us how to live a life of meaning and fulfillment. Having lived fully human, He knows what it’s like to walk in our shoes. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”

Mighty God: Strength, power, courage, and perseverance all come from Him. And the Word constantly reminds us that His power is available to all who look to Him! Philippians 4:13 (CEV) says, “Christ gives me the strength to face anything.” 

Everlasting Father: Our Savior is the way to the Father. In John 14:9 (NIV), He declared, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Hebrews 1:3 (NIV) tells us, “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” 

Prince of Peace: Ephesians 2:14 (NIV) says, “For he himself is our peace.” Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father by bridging the gap and paying the price for our sins. His peace, which surpasses understanding, has the power to guard us and give us hope and security. He invites us to come to Him to find peace, to “cast all [our] anxiety on him because he cares for [us]” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV). 

As you get ready to celebrate Christmas, remember that Immanuel came to make a way for all to know God deeply and intimately, to save us from our sins, to transform our hearts, to renew our minds, to speak peace into our very souls, and to bring our spirits to life (John 1:4–5). He made His dwelling among us, died for us, and now makes His dwelling within us!

LET THE LIGHT IN

Did you know that the Bible contains 50 different names and titles given to Jesus? Each of them tells us a little more about who our Savior is and shows us clearly that He is worthy of our worship!

1. Savior 2. Redeemer 3. Bread of Life 4. Lord 5. Creator 6. Son of the Living God 7. Only Begotten Son 8. Beloved Son 9. Holy One of Israel 10–14. Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace 15. King of Kings 16. Head of the Church 17. The Almighty 18. Alpha and Omega 19. Master 20. King of the Jews 21. High Priest 22. Prophet 23. Teacher 24. Immanuel 25. Advocate 26. Mediator 27. Judge 28. Chief Cornerstone 29. Author and Finisher of Our Faith 30. Lamb of God 31. Good Shepherd 32. The Shepherd and Bishop of Souls 33. The Word 34. Fountain of Living Waters 35. Rock 36. Messiah 37. True Vine 38. Branch 39. Bridegroom 40. Dayspring 41. Shiloh 42. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah 43. The Bright and Morning Star 44. The Image of the Invisible God 45. I Am 46. Son of Man 47. Carpenter 48. The Way, the Truth and the Life 49. King of Israel 50. Christ (“the chosen one”)

Reflect on these names and titles today. How have you seen some of these to be true in your own life?

LET THE LIGHT SHINE

Do you know what your name means? Look it up, and then make a poster of all the different name meanings in your family and hang it at home!