Why did they call Him Jesus?

Welcome to Midway Church of Christ

What’s Your Question? for Dec. 23, 2009

The word Jesus means “Jehovah is salvation” (W.E. Vine). An angel said, “you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). Isaiah prophesied John would “prepare the way of the Lord (Jehovah)” (Is. 40:3), which was fulfilled in Jesus (Jn. 1:23; 3:28). Jesus is “I Am” (Jn. 8:58), the same name by which God spoke to Moses (Ex. 3:14). While on earth, He was “Immanuel, which is translated, God with us” (Mt. 1:23). No one knows the exact date of His birth. Adam Clarke (Methodist commentator) said His birth has been placed in every month, but “the matter has been considered of no moment by Him who inspired the evangelists” (comments on Luke 2:8). We do know the day of His resurrection (Mk. 16:2), and how we should celebrate it (Acts 20:7).