## His Name Was Called Jesus

## Luke 2:1-7; 21

One of the interesting things that is going on surrounding the end of this century is the great number of reflective type shows. Looking back at history is a good thing for us to do from time to time. I believe that it was Abraham Lincoln who said, 'Those who do not learn from history are destined to repeat it.'

So there is much to be gained by reviewing the great events of the past. One event that will probably get forgotten is the one that we will be celebrating in the next few days. I don't believe there has ever been a more momentous event in the history of the world than the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. His birth changed the world, and His death changed eternity!

Read: Luke 2:1-7; 21

Jesus, there has never been a name like the name of Jesus. Our Lord has been known by many names. But the name that He is best known by is the name given at His birth -- "Jesus." It is found 983 times in the New Testament.

The first time Mary heard the name "Jesus," it was announced to her by the angel Gabriel.

"Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS" (Luke 1:31).

The first time Joseph heard the name "Jesus," it was when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said…

"Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Mt. 1:20-21)

I. The Meaning of His Name.

A. "JE" = abbreviation for Jehovah … Jesus is Jehovah in the flesh.

1. This describes the Nature of Jesus : Deity.

2. This was only made possible through the virgin birth.

B. "SUS" = means saves and speaks of His mission on this earth.

1. His mission : "…he shall save his people from their sins"

2. He is the answer to our great need.

a. Our problem is SIN!

(Rom 5:12) "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

b. Our need is a SAVIOR.

(Rom 5:8) "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

3. He is Jehovah the Savior.

4. Note what the Lord said through Isaiah the prophet.

(Isa 43:10-11) "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. {11} I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour."

5. His name shall be called Jesus!

C. He is not just Israel's Savior

(John 4:42) "And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

II. The Message of His name.

(Acts 8:35) "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."

A. The message is not just about Jesus, the message is Jesus.

(2 Cor 4:5) "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."

B. There are many wrong messages today:

1. The message that there is within each man a spark of divinity that needs to be fanned.

(Rom 3:10) "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" (Rom 3:23) "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

2. The message that God needs our help to bring about our salvation.

(Titus 3:5) "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"

3. The message that we can lose this salvation if we aren't careful.

(John 10:28) "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

III. The Ministry of His name.

(Acts 15:25-26) "It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, {26} Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

A. People don't put their life on the line for just any name.

B. But for the name of Jesus…multitudes have faithfully served and given their lives that others might know Him.

C. Folks have left the safety and comfort of this country to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.

D. Why would they do it? Because…

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Do you know Jesus Christ as Savior? Have you received the message of His name? Are ministering in His name? Come to Jesus today