THE NAME: JESUS - PART 2

WEDNESDAY 27 DECEMBER 2023

I am still on the gospel according to Matthew. The Greek native phraseology for his written work is known as "kata Matthaion euangelion". As a patron saint of tax collectors and accountants, he was sitting by the customs house in Capernaum [near modern Almagor, Israel, on the Sea of Galilee] when Jesus called him to join His ministry (see Matthew 9:9 NIV).

This shows that although Matthew had the kind of profession that earned distrust and contempt in his day, which the Pharisees bigly condemned (see Matthew 9:10-12 NIV), Jesus didn't mind making him his choice because faith in Christ Jesus and His power is the only essential condition for walking with Him. So it is not surprising that all it took to qualify Matthew as His disciple was for Jesus to say to him, "Follow me" and immediately, he followed.

Having started his written gospel with a detailed genealogy, the main reason was to show how Mary's firstborn child fulfilled the prophecies that revealed the Messiah (Anointed One) as a descendant of Abraham and of David.

Reference: Matthew 1:24-25 New International Version (NIV)

"...And he gave him the name Jesus."

The above versified referenced statement implies that Mary's child was given the name, Jesus, which calls for a sense of personal reflection on His supernatural identity because the name was established on earth by divine directive and initiative, meaning that it was given from above. Why was the child given the name, Jesus? Because He would save His people from their sins (see Matthew 1:21 NIV). So there is no name like Jesus. On account of His divine nature and perfections, His name is behind all the glorious manifestations in the lives of the saints, as God's chosen people.

The name is highly sought after in the whole world, and yet, it has nothing to do with euphony but demonstration of faith and power of God. This same name is the author of faith, grace and truth, plus all glory in heaven and on earth. The name serves as the mediator between God and man, which is demonstrated in accordance with His three-office supremacy, namely:

1. Prophetic Deity: The name of Jesus is the portal through which we are granted divine knowledge by revelation and realities to come. For instance, we have the book of revelation, which is a prophetic book in the new Testament, revealed by John. Revelation 1:1 says, "The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ" (NIV).

2. Great High Priest: The name, Jesus, is the High priest of our profession; Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess (Hebrews 4:14 NIV). The name is emblematic of the High priest by which our sins are forgiven and by which we are justified.

3. Kingly Reign: By this understanding, the name reigns through us, which denotes the gracious rule of the Kingdom of heaven being made manifest in our lives. The Bible says that He is seated at God's right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come (Ephesians 1:20-21 NIV).

Having the same glorious nature and perfections as God - because He is God the Son, when you openly acknowledge and confess Him as Saviour, you shall be saved. And as you declare Him as Lord, you give Him the right and access to rule over your life.

Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV) reads, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Stay tuned for part 3. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 18:20; Mark 16:17; Mark 18:5; Acts 4:12.

Exuberant Declaration:

I receive and uphold all the good things in my life in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the word of His power. The name of Jesus is the centrepoint of magnificent glory, for there is no other precious name under heaven given among men by which I lay my foundation firmly. Blessed be God!