… you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
Daily reading: 2 Samuel 16
Does it matter what you’re called? In many cases, yes. Just ask someone whose name is often misspelt—Clare or Claire, Stephen or Steven, Graham or Graeme. In the Bible names carried deep meaning. Some were changed by God, others were given before birth. Achan means trouble—and he caused it. David means beloved—and he was beloved by God. Hannah means favour—and she received God’s favour with a child. Abram became Abraham—father of many—because God promised to make his descendants as countless as the stars. Sarai became Sarah—noblewoman—and at 90, she gave birth to Isaac, showing that nothing is impossible with God. Two names were divinely chosen before birth: John the Baptist and Jesus. John means “God is gracious,” fitting for the one who prepared the way for the Messiah. Jesus, or Yeshua, means “God saves.” He came to save us from our sins. He is the Saviour. The question is—is He your Saviour?
