He Called His Name “Jesus”

By Royce Frederick

The personal name of the Son of God is “Jesus.” It means “Jehovah is salvation.” The name was fairly common, but the Son of God received it in a very uncommon manner.

First, the angel Gabriel revealed the name to Mary before she conceived: “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS” (Lk. 1:31).

Later, after Mary had conceived through the Holy Spirit, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and revealed the name to him. This time, the angel gave a reason for that name: “...and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Although other men have worn the same name, no one has fulfilled its meaning as completely as the Son of God.

Finally, that personal name which had been revealed in two different ways was given to the Son of God. The New Testament never quotes any statements from the lips of Joseph. We are told of Joseph’s inner thoughts, his dreams, his fears, and his actions, but never his words. There is only one word which we know for certain was spoken by Joseph — the name Jesus. When the Son of God was born, Joseph obeyed the heavenly command, “...and he called his name Jesus” (Matt. 1:25).