Have you ever wondered what’s behind a name? In the Bible, names often carry deep meaning, especially when they are chosen by God. One such name holds the ultimate significance: the name of Jesus. In Matthew 1:21, an angel reveals to Joseph not only the name of the coming Messiah but also His purpose: “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.”
But what does this mean for us today? Let’s explore the powerful truth in this verse and how it applies to our lives.
Why Jesus? The Meaning Behind the Name
In Hebrew, the name “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “The Lord saves.” This wasn’t just a random name, it carried a divine purpose. Jesus came with a mission: to save people from their sins. This is the essence of His identity and role as the Savior of the world. Sin separates us from God, and no amount of effort or good deeds could restore that broken relationship. Only Jesus, the sinless Son of God, could bridge the gap by offering Himself as a sacrifice.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Mission
Matthew 1:21 tells us that Jesus came to “save His people from their sins.” What does that mean for you and me? It means that Jesus didn’t come just to give good advice or show us how to live a better life. He came to rescue us from the power of sin, something we could never overcome on our own.
Romans 6:23 reminds us that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus’ purpose was to give us this gift—eternal life, free from the bondage of sin.
How This Impacts Us Today
The truth of Matthew 1:21 is timeless. Salvation is not something we earn by being good or following rules. It is a gift that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. When we accept Him as our Savior, He saves us from the guilt, shame, and penalty of sin. This transforms our lives, giving us peace with God and hope for the future.
2 Ways to Apply This Truth Daily
- Embrace the Gift of Grace: Jesus’ mission was to save you, not just once, but continually. Each day, remember that you are loved and forgiven by God, not because of what you do but because of what Jesus has done. Lean into that grace when you feel weighed down by guilt or failure.
- Live in Freedom: Sin no longer defines you. You have been set free by Jesus! Let this truth guide your actions and mindset. When temptations or doubts come, remind yourself that Jesus has already saved you, and His power is at work in you to overcome.
Conclusion
Matthew 1:21 reminds us of the powerful mission of Jesus. His name, chosen by God, reflects His purpose to save us from sin. This truth should fill us with hope and gratitude every day. As you meditate on this verse, remember the depth of God’s love for you, He sent His Son to rescue you and give you a new life in Him.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to save us from our sins. Help us to fully grasp the power of His name and the gift of salvation. May we live each day in the freedom and grace You offer, reflecting Your love to those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By understanding the name and purpose of Jesus, we can fully embrace the life He offers a life free from the power of sin and full of hope for eternity.
