May 21, 2019 (Tuesday)
(The following paragraphs are based on an article from the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia).Jesus is a masculine given name derived from the name Iēsous (Greek: Ἰησοῦς), the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua (Hebrew: ישוע). As its roots lie in the name Yeshua, it is etymologically related to another biblical name, Joshua. “Jesus” is usually not used as a given name in the English-speaking world, while its counterparts have had longstanding popularity among people with other language backgrounds, such as the Spanish Jesús or the Arabic Isa.
The angel, Gabriel, in a dream, said to Joseph, “.. she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew :21 NLT). This announcement gives us some information about the name, “Jesus.” The significance of the name, “Jesus,” is found in the fact that the angel (Gabriel) gave instructions to Jesus’ earthly parents that he was to be given this name. The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, based on a root word which means “to deliver; to rescue.”
The name Jesus appears to have been in use in the Land of Israel at the time of the birth of Jesus. Matthew 1:21 provides the beginnings of the Christology of the name Jesus. At once it achieves the two goals of affirming Jesus as the savior and emphasizing that the name was not selected at random, but based on a Heavenly command.
As we look back over the previous two centuries, we are aware of an awesome fact: The name, “Jesus,” is known throughout the world, and is precious to those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior. It is used with reverence among His followers, who are guided by Philippians 2:5-11, which concludes, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow.”