The Power of Names: Jesus, Our Savior and King
Summary
In the spirit of Christmas, we gather to reflect on the profound significance of names, particularly the names given to Jesus, the child born in a manger over 2,000 years ago. Names hold immense power and meaning, as they define identity and purpose. From the beginning, God demonstrated the importance of names, bestowing them upon His creation and His chosen people. In the same way, the names given to Jesus reveal His divine nature and mission.
The angel's message to Mary was clear: the child she would bear was to be named Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves." This name encapsulates the fulfillment of God's promise to save and redeem His people. Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the embodiment of God's salvation plan, the one who forgives sins and restores humanity to its Creator. As the Son of the Most High, Jesus transcends earthly origins, embodying the divine nature of God Himself.
The angel also proclaimed that Jesus would be great and called the Son of the Most High, a title that signifies His divine authority and eternal kingship. Despite His humble birth in a small town, Jesus is the King of kings, whose reign is everlasting and unchallenged. He is the promised King in the line of David, whose kingdom will never end.
Moreover, Jesus is the Prince of Peace, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with restlessness, He invites us to find our rest in Him. This peace is not just a temporary respite but an eternal promise of reconciliation with God.
As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded that Jesus is the greatest gift ever given. His birth signifies God's immense love for us, a love that moved Him to send His Son to be our Savior. The question remains: Who do you say Jesus is? This question is not just for theologians or scholars but for each of us personally. It challenges us to consider our relationship with Jesus and how we recognize Him in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Names hold significant meaning and identity, as seen in the names given by God throughout Scripture. Jesus, meaning "Yahweh saves," signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to redeem His people. This name is a reminder of God's active presence and salvation in our lives. [10:23]
- Jesus is the Son of the Most High, a title that affirms His divine nature and authority. Despite His humble beginnings, He is the eternal King whose reign is unending. This challenges us to recognize His sovereignty in our lives and the world. [12:14]
- As the Prince of Peace, Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot provide. In our restlessness, we are invited to find rest in Him, trusting in His promise of eternal peace and reconciliation with God. [19:58]
- The birth of Jesus is the greatest gift, a testament to God's immense love for humanity. This gift calls us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus and how we acknowledge Him in our lives. [20:52]
- The question "Who do you say that I am?" is a personal challenge to each of us. It invites us to consider our understanding of Jesus and how it shapes our faith and eternity. [21:51]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Introduction and Gratitude
[05:45] - The Importance of Names
[06:37] - Biblical Significance of Names
[07:25] - Personal Reflections on Naming
[08:34] - The Grace of God in Names
[09:33] - Names of Jesus in Scripture
[10:23] - Jesus: Yahweh Saves
[11:26] - The Promise Fulfilled
[12:14] - Son of the Most High
[13:12] - The Eternal King
[14:24] - The Holy Son of God
[15:05] - Mary's Pondering
[16:49] - The Bread of Life
[17:41] - Good News for All
[18:30] - The Promise of the Messiah
[19:58] - Prince of Peace
[20:52] - The Greatest Gift
[21:51] - Personal Reflection and Challenge
[23:03] - Candlelight Reflection
[23:56] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:26-33
2. Isaiah 9:6
3. John 3:16
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Observation Questions:
1. What significance does the name "Jesus" hold according to the angel's message to Mary? How does this name relate to God's promise? [10:23]
2. How does the sermon describe the titles "Son of the Most High" and "King of Kings" in relation to Jesus' birth and mission? [12:14]
3. What does the sermon say about the peace that Jesus, as the "Prince of Peace," offers to the world? [19:58]
4. How does the sermon challenge listeners to personally reflect on the question, "Who do you say that I am?" in relation to Jesus? [21:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the name "Yahweh saves" encapsulate the mission and purpose of Jesus' life and ministry? How does this understanding impact one's view of salvation? [10:23]
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus being born in a humble setting, yet being called the "Son of the Most High"? What does this reveal about God's character and plan? [12:14]
3. What does the title "Prince of Peace" imply about the kind of peace Jesus brings, and how is it different from worldly peace? [19:58]
4. How does the sermon encourage individuals to consider their personal relationship with Jesus through the question, "Who do you say that I am?" What implications does this have for one's faith journey? [21:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the name "Jesus" meaning "Yahweh saves." How does this understanding of Jesus' name influence your personal view of salvation and your relationship with God? [10:23]
2. Considering Jesus' humble birth and His title as "Son of the Most High," how can you recognize and honor God's presence in the ordinary aspects of your life? [12:14]
3. In what areas of your life do you need the peace that Jesus, the "Prince of Peace," offers? How can you actively seek this peace in your daily routine? [19:58]
4. The sermon challenges us to answer the question, "Who do you say that I am?" How would you currently answer this question, and what steps can you take to deepen your understanding and relationship with Jesus? [21:51]
5. How can you share the message of Jesus as the "greatest gift" with others during this Christmas season? What practical actions can you take to demonstrate God's love to those around you? [20:52]
6. Reflect on the idea of Jesus as the "King of Kings." How does acknowledging His eternal reign influence your decisions and priorities? [13:12]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to find rest. How can you intentionally seek rest in Jesus, as St. Augustine suggested, during this Christmas season? [19:58]
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Names in God's Plan
Names in the Bible are not mere labels; they carry profound significance and purpose. From the beginning, God used names to define identity and mission. The name "Jesus," meaning "Yahweh saves," is a testament to God's promise to redeem His people. This name is a constant reminder of God's active presence and salvation in our lives. Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the embodiment of God's salvation plan, the one who forgives sins and restores humanity to its Creator. The angel's message to Mary was clear: the child she would bear was to be named Jesus, encapsulating the fulfillment of God's promise to save and redeem His people. [10:23]
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: Consider the meaning of your own name or a name that holds significance in your life. How does understanding the meaning behind Jesus' name inspire you to live out your identity in Christ today?
Day 2: Recognizing Jesus' Divine Authority
Jesus is referred to as the Son of the Most High, a title that affirms His divine nature and authority. Despite His humble beginnings, He is the eternal King whose reign is unending. This challenges us to recognize His sovereignty in our lives and the world. Jesus transcends earthly origins, embodying the divine nature of God Himself. As the King of kings, His reign is everlasting and unchallenged, fulfilling the promise of a kingdom that will never end. This understanding calls us to acknowledge His authority and align our lives with His eternal purpose. [12:14]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to recognize Jesus' authority? How can you intentionally submit these areas to His eternal kingship today?
Day 3: Finding Rest in the Prince of Peace
Jesus is the Prince of Peace, offering a peace that surpasses all understanding. In a world filled with restlessness, He invites us to find our rest in Him. This peace is not just a temporary respite but an eternal promise of reconciliation with God. Jesus' peace is unlike anything the world can provide, offering a deep sense of rest and assurance in His presence. As we navigate life's challenges, we are invited to trust in His promise of eternal peace and reconciliation with God, finding true rest in His love and grace. [19:58]
John 14:27 (ESV): "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
Reflection: Identify a specific area of your life where you feel restless or anxious. How can you invite Jesus' peace into this situation and trust in His promise of eternal rest?
Day 4: Embracing the Greatest Gift
The birth of Jesus is the greatest gift, a testament to God's immense love for humanity. His birth signifies God's immense love for us, a love that moved Him to send His Son to be our Savior. This gift calls us to reflect on our relationship with Jesus and how we acknowledge Him in our lives. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus. This understanding invites us to embrace this gift fully and live in gratitude and devotion to the One who gave everything for us. [20:52]
2 Corinthians 9:15 (ESV): "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!"
Reflection: Reflect on how you can express gratitude for the gift of Jesus in your daily life. What specific actions can you take to demonstrate your appreciation for His love and sacrifice?
Day 5: Answering the Personal Challenge
The question "Who do you say that I am?" is a personal challenge to each of us. It invites us to consider our understanding of Jesus and how it shapes our faith and eternity. This question is not just for theologians or scholars but for each of us personally. It challenges us to consider our relationship with Jesus and how we recognize Him in our lives. As we ponder this question, we are encouraged to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and allow this understanding to transform our faith and daily walk with Him. [21:51]
Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV): "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"
Reflection: How would you personally answer the question, "Who do you say that I am?" What steps can you take to ensure that your understanding of Jesus is reflected in your daily actions and decisions?
Quotes
"Names are important not just to us, but to our creator and to God. To Abram, he gave the name Abraham. To Sarai, he gave the name Sarah. To Jacob, the name Israel. And to Saul, that persecutor of Christians, he gave the name Paul. To you, if you know him as your heavenly Father and Lord, he has called you son and daughter and beloved." [00:07:25] (24 seconds)
"Jesus is this beautiful name that means Yahweh saves. Yahweh, specifically the God of the Old Testament, not just a generic God of the ancient world. No, this is the God of the Old Testament, the one true God, the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The God who proclaims, I created everything, and I remained active in my creation, and the greatest part of my creation, I placed my image as my image bearers." [00:10:58] (26 seconds)
"For so many years, it had been looking forward to the promise that, yes, Yahweh would save, and now in Jesus, Yahweh has come to save, to forgive sins, and redeem his people. The angel wasn't done. The angel went on to tell Mary, he will be great and will be called son of the Most High." [00:11:32] (20 seconds)
"This baby born in a manger in a simple town will be king, but not just any king, not a king like they knew of that day, the king that they had talked about through ages. No, this king is unique, for he is king over all and forever. He is the promised king in the line of David who would reign forever." [00:13:39] (18 seconds)
"He is so unlike any other king, for unlike every other king who comes and goes, the reign of this king will never end. There is no one who can usurp his authority. There is no one who can overthrow him from his throne. There is no one who can take it from him, for he is king of kings, king above all kings, the eternal king." [00:13:57] (22 seconds)
"For this baby born is holy, separate, unlike anything else in this world, righteous, untainted by sin, perfect. For he is God himself, Emmanuel, with us. Once again, the angels affirm that what Jesus will proclaim throughout his entire life, he is the son of God." [00:14:53] (21 seconds)
"This little baby born in Bethlehem, this bread of life who would rescue the world, came to bring peace into our individual lives and hearts. There's this beautiful saying by St. Augustine who said, I was restless until I found my rest in you. Indeed, this baby born in Christmas over 2,000 years ago is our Prince of Peace." [00:19:44] (21 seconds)
"This Prince of Peace would one day reign and we have this promise that one day there will be peace that knows no end. This is Jesus. This is the King, the Savior, who would go on to be the suffering servant. Who would grow up to bear our sins, stricken by God and crushed for our iniquities. Who would take on Himself the punishment we deserved to bring us peace." [00:20:12] (25 seconds)
"How often we treat Christmas as just another holiday and yet it's so much more. For a baby born in Bethlehem was the bread of life, is our hope, our peace, and on that first Christmas, in every Christmas since, was the greatest gift that has ever been given for you, for me, for our entire world." [00:20:45] (23 seconds)
"When Jesus was alive, he asked his disciples a fairly simple question, question, who do you say that I am? In other words, what do you call me? The question remains the same. Jesus still asks each one of us tonight and every day of our lives the same question, who do you say that I am?" [00:21:17] (20 seconds)
"Do you find your rest in Him in the midst of a restless world? This Christmas, I want to encourage us to remember and celebrate Jesus, the promised one of God, the very Son of God, the bread of life who laid down His life for us, born in the city of bread, that we might know Him and the God who made us." [00:22:25] (20 seconds)
"What you call and reveals what you believe and what you believe shapes your eternity. So this Christmas, what do you call Jesus? A few minutes here, we're going to transition to our candlelight portion of the service. And I just want to encourage you as we sing Silent Night, Holy Night, to spend some time reflecting on why was it holy?" [00:22:54] (21 seconds)
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