August 22 — "Jesus: Not Just Any Name"

Today's Reading: Matthew 1¹

In ancient Israel, names weren’t just cute or trendy—they were loaded with meaning. A name told a story. It revealed something special or unique about a child’s birth, identity, or divine calling. So when the angel told Joseph, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins,” it wasn’t a random pick from Heaven’s baby name list. It was a thunderous announcement: this Child’s name would declare exactly who He was and why He came.

Throughout the Old Testament, names carried weight—heavy, holy, prophetic weight. Isaac (“laughter”) reminded Abraham and Sarah of God’s joyful promise. Moses (“drawn out”) was named after being rescued from the water. Samuel (“God has heard”) was Hannah’s bold declaration that her prayers hadn’t just floated into the void—they were answered. These weren’t sentimental gestures. They were identity statements. Destiny declarations.

In that same sacred tradition, the name Jesus was divinely chosen with laser-sharp purpose. It comes from the Hebrew name Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), a shortened form of Yehoshua (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ), which means “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.” It’s a fusion of Yah (a shortened form of God’s name, Yahweh) and shua (salvation). Translated into Greek, it became Iēsous. In English, we say Jesus. Simple? Yes. Random? Absolutely not.

The angel didn’t say, “Name Him Jesus because it has a nice ring to it” or “because it’s trending in Bethlehem.” He said, “Call Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” His name was His mission. His identity was His assignment.

Jesus’ name is a banner of deliverance. Every time you whisper “Jesus,” you’re declaring that salvation has arrived—not as a concept, but as a Person. The One who walked among us, died for us, and rose again is the Savior. Just as Samuel reminded his mother that God hears, and Moses reminded Israel that God rescues, the name Jesus reminds you—every single time—that God saves.

So honor the name. Speak it with reverence and joy. Let His name be your first cry in trouble and your loudest shout in triumph. Don’t just believe things about Jesus—believe on Jesus. Let His name reshape your identity, your confidence, your walk.

May the name of Jesus—given by the Father, rich in purpose, and mighty to save—be your confidence today. May His name fill you with peace in the storm, courage in the trial, and joy in every step. And may you never, ever tire of speaking that beautiful, wonderful, powerful name: Jesus.

 

¹Note to Readers: We're walking through the New Testament in the historical order the books were believed to have been written—not the traditional order found in most Bibles. That’s why Matthew (written around A.D. 65–68) comes after 1 Timothy, which was likely written around A.D. 62–64.