Jesus: A Name for Salvation
...but these are written that you may believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that believing you may have life
The angel commanded Joseph in a dream, “Call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name "Jesus" originates from the Hebrew word Yehoshua (its shortened form is Yeshua), which means “Jehovah Saves.” Yehoshua is also translated as "Joshua," the name of the general who led Israel into the Promised Land. Many Jews were looking for their Messiah to be a soldier—a general who would drive the Romans out of their land. Jesus came to give personal redemption, not political victory. He offered Himself as their Savior from sin, not their deliverer from military tyranny. Salvation was not in military triumph; it was inward— “You must be born again” (John 3:7).
Lord Jesus, just as the fishermen left their nets to follow You, I surrender all to follow You. Because You said to take up my cross daily, I repent today of my sins and live for You.
The name "Jesus" is a Name for Salvation. “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). You are saved through faith in His name (Ephesians 2:8). But you do not receive salvation by merely saying His name. His name stands for the Person of Jesus, who came from God. His name stands for His death, which brings you forgiveness of sin. His name stands for His triumphant resurrection, which gives you new life. His name saves you because “as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
Lord Jesus, I believe in Your name. I now ask You into my heart. Thank You for salvation. Amen.
Go Deeper: Matthew 12:15-21
The name of Jesus represents His divine person and His saving death.
