Bible Reading: Matthew 1:22-25
What’s in a Name?
Jesus (English) / Yesous (Greek) / Yeshua (Hebrew)
Quick Hebrew lesson: Yeshua is short for Yeshoshua. It’s like “Will” is short for “William.”
Yeshoshua = Yeho + yasha
| * Hebrew = Yeho is short for YHVH / “Yahweh” – the Name for God * English = LORD (all caps) | *Hebrew = yasha “deliver, save, or rescue“ |
| FYI: Adon, Adonai, = Lord (lower case) |
Thus, the name Jesus / Yesous / Yeshua means “God saves.”
So looking at yesterday’s verse, Matthew 1:21, it takes on a whole new meaning.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” ~ Matthew 1:21, NIV
Look at the following verse (emphasis mine):
“Salvation (yeshuah) is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved (yasha).” ~ Acts 4:16, NIV
Notice how the word salvation (yeshuah) sounds like the name Jesus (Yeshua). Pretty cool huh?! Hebrew people listening would have caught on as well. Look at the following verse which also points to salvation (emphasis mine):
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ~ Acts John 14:6, NIV
It is clear that God intended Jesus, to be our Savior. Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the only name to remember. (cue music – Only Jesus ~ Casting Crowns) Only this particular Jesus (there have been plenty of people named Jesus before & after), is Jesus Christ.
Another quick lesson:
Anointed (English) = Christos (Greek) = mashiach / Messiah (Hebrew)
Messiah means “savior or liberator” in Hebrew.
A messiah (prophet), king, or High Priest is typically anointed with sacred anointing oil (Exodus 30:22-33) during their coronation, induction, or ordination / consecration ceremony. The oil signifies a person who is set apart from the rest of the people.
So, Christ (or Messiah) is Jesus’ title meaning “the anointed one of God.”
Prophecy Fulfilled
The Old Testament is filled with over 350 prophecies about Jesus. Here is a verse from the prophet Isaiah who said the Messiah would be born of a virgin and he will be Immanuel.
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him “Immanuel“ ~ Isaiah 7:14, NIV
Now look at today’s verses from the New Testament:
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet (Isaiah) The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him “Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.“ – Matthew 1:22 & 23, NIV
Immanuel (Hebrew) is used in the Old Testament, while Emmanouel (Greek) is shown in the New Testament. They both have the same meaning. The word “Immanuel” is NOT a name or a title, it is a description of character. It means “God with us.” Jesus is the Son of God in human form. Jesus is Immanuel.
Several times throughout the Old Testament God states “I will be with you.” God will be with us through all of our life – including trials & tribulations. A favorite is:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” ~ Isaiah 43:2, NKJV
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10, NIV
Jesus let us know:
“…lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:20, NKJV
Jesus reaffirms for us that we are not alone. For eternity…till the end of time, God is with us. What comfort & security those words bring. A feeling of well-being & joy. That all is well for those that love & obey the Lord.
Christmas Music:
Ornament Ideas: Immanuel
Coloring / Art Ideas:
- Related: The Nativity Tree: 25 Days of Christ
- Related: The Nativity Tree: Day 8 – Joseph
- Related: The Nativity Tree: Day 10 – Relative
- Related: December Bible Verse Bookmarks
