Name Above All Names ~ Luke 2:21 ~ 12-14-14~ Carl Crouse

The meaning of names:
Carl: a peasant or man of low birth
Linda: Beautiful
John: The Grace of the Lord
Herb: Illustrious Warrior
Janet: God has been gracious
Connie: Strong willed or Wise
Barbara: stranger, traveler from a foreign land
Steve: Crown, Victorious
Patricia: Noble
Paul: Humble
Ian: Gift from God
Michelle: “who is like God?”
Diane: Beauty and Swiftness ~ a huntress
Elizabeth: God is satisfied

Luke 2:21 highlights a couple of truths about Jesus: When and Why named Jesus.

#1 WHEN.  the custom in the days of Jesus of naming children is different than for us.  In those days, children were NOT traditionally named until 8 days after the baby was born.  We don’t do it that way ~ parents often select a name well before the child is born.  There were customs having to do with the father and the birth order, names being handed down, but the reason to wait for the 8th day was to give the parents an opportunity to know their child, the character, significant attributes ~  parents could see the character of the child and select a name that has to do with personality, or perhaps something unusual about the birth….

The name “Jesus” is given by the angels before Jesus was even conceived.  This is unusual!  God revealed the character of Jesus before he was even born.  This is prophecy.  This is an announcement of the character, the role of Jesus.  He will be called Jesus! 

#2 WHY:  something highly significant about the name of Jesus.  Most names (maybe not all) but most names have something to do with the character of the person that has the name, beautiful, royalty, strong, leader, humble, lovely, or maybe a physical characteristic like red complexion, or born at a significant time. 

The name Jesus, announced by the angels before he was even conceived, is not at all about the character of the baby, some significant personality or physical attribute.  The name Jesus means GOD SAVES.  Even the name Jesus is a message to the people that he came for YOU.  He CAME to save you, to rescue you from sin.  Of all people who have walked this earth, this man deserved a kingly name, a highly exhalted name, a royal name, a GREAT Name, but no, the name chose to give the savior is a name of what he came to do, his role in the world, his purpose.  God SAVES. 

There is no other name like Jesus.  The name gives hope and expectation.  The name cause wonder and joy.  Jesus, the name above all names.  The name Jesus means "Savior." It is given to our Lord because "He saves His people from their sins." He saves them from the guilt of sin, by cleansing them in His own atoning blood. He saves us from the oppression of sin by putting in our hearts the life giving Spirit.

Jesus is a very encouraging name to weighted-down sinners. He, who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, deserved to be given a more high-sounding title. The rulers of this world have often called themselves great, conquerors, bold, magnificent. The Son of God is content to call Himself Savior.  Jesus wants to most be identified by what he does for us.  Those seeking salvation may draw near to the Father with boldness, and have access with confidence through Christ. "For God didn't send his Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through him" (John 3:17).

Jesus, the name above all names ~ he came to save you!  

(NOTE: shorter than normal to make room for the Christmas Play during the service)