Jesus: Above All Names

Imagine Mary’s mindset after receiving the news that she was going to bring forth a Son, and not just any son, but the Son. She was a young teenage girl who had never been with a man, was recently engaged to a carpenter named Joseph, and would not be allowed to name her firstborn son. She was also the first person on earth to learn that the Messiah and Savior of the world would be named Jesus and be conceived inside of her womb. This Jesus would be unlike any other Jesus or Yeshua of the past or present. This was the Anointed One, this was the Christ, this was Immanuel, the was the Messiah, and this was the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world. In fact, Jesus’ name revealed His purpose, He was coming to die and take upon Himself the punishment the world deserved.

The name Jesus or Joshua means Yahweh saves and God was coming to dwell with His creation in the form of His Son. Salvation was coming through the womb of a teenage girl and little did Mary know that her Son’s name would become the most admired, yet the most hated name in the world. Paul wrote that “…God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus was leaving His throne in heaven and coming in human flesh. He was leaving royalty and entering into poverty. While Jesus could have used His equality with God to His advantage, He never did. Jesus was coming to take on the likeness of men and humble Himself to the point of death and He knew this even as a young toddler. Mary was overwhelmed and fearful when she conceived the baby Jesus, but was told “do not be afraid.” 

The name which is above every other name has now become a curse word. The name in which every knee will bow has been dishonored and used every minute to curse a person or problem. The name Jesus is to be hallowed and was created to be lifted up above every name on earth. Celebrate the birth of Jesus with enthusiasm, thankfulness, and with tears in your eyes. There is only one Jesus and one virgin birth, and everyone who calls on His name will be saved!