Named
But as [Joseph] considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” -Matthew 1:20-21
LENT DEVOTIONS
Pastor Jed McClellan
3/28/2025
Names have meaning. Many surnames have developed over the years as identifiers of a person's profession. The name Schumacher, for example, is derived from the German words schuoch and machen which literally means shoe maker. Parents also choose names for their children because the name has particular meaning to them. Maybe it is the name of a beloved family member, or perhaps a name is chosen because of its etymological meaning (its definition).
My name is a good example of this. My parents chose the name Jedidiah (see 2 Samuel 12:24-25), not because of a beloved relative, or because Solomon is their favorite Bible character, but because the name means “Beloved of the Lord.” While names are often chosen for their special meaning, it is very rare that a child is given a name because of what they will do. Sure, the young Schumacher might follow in his father’s footsteps and become a shoemaker, but it would be very strange if parents started doling out names based on what they hoped their children would do. If you look at the year’s most popular baby names you will never see Certified Public Accountant, Carpenter, or Marine Biologist on the list.
It would be quite a gamble to name a child based on what their future profession might be, we lack the foresight to make such a proclamation. I think for most of us, it would even be difficult to name our child based on the proclamation of an angel given to us in a dream, but that is exactly how Jesus receives his name. An angel appears to Joseph and directs him to name his son Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins.” In faith, Joseph listens to the angel and gives his son a name with great meaning. Not only was Jesus given a name of great significance, but he then did exactly what his name says. He saved his people from their sin.
This might all seem quite obvious to us today. We know, of course, that Jesus is our Savior, but it is important for us that the name of Jesus truly is the name above every other name. It is a name with eternal significance. Every time we hear the name of Jesus we hear again of our salvation, and every team we speak the name of Jesus we are speaking to others of their salvation.
We Pray: Jesus, we thank you for saving us from our sins. Amen.
