The image shows some name tags. The green ones are all owned by the same person.
The first one: Jane tells us the person is female. She has an English name which means “God is gracious”
The second name tag: Mrs Smith tells us she is married.
The third name tag: Mum tells us she has children.
The last name tag: Nan tells us she has grandchildren.
All these names indicate something about this person.
The red name tags are for Jesus.
What can we learn from Jesus’ name tags?
Jesus was given his name at birth, but His name was chosen by God and told to his parents beforehand.
In Hebrew the name Jesus is derived from Yeshua which means to deliver, to rescue. An Angel told Joseph to call the baby “Jesus” because “ He will save people from their sins”. Luke 1:35 (NIV)”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
God planned to send His Son in human form, to live amongst us, identifying with us and dying on the cross for us. God planned for Jesus to come to the world. God’s people were promised a child many centuries before.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)”For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This passage was written 750 years before Christ’s birth. Israel was under God’s judgment for its wickedness and idol worship. Assyrians took the Jewish people into captivity. Isaiah’s prophecy gave Gods people the hope they desperately needed.
Jesus was given names 750 years ago and each name tells us a little about what He would be like.
Wonderful Counsellor = wonderful…incomprehensible/full of wonder (love enemies, rejoice and be glad in persecution, amazing teaching, power to heal etc).
= Counsellor…giving guidance to his people. In praying to Him, we are trusting in His guidance as He loves us and understands us and our life.
Mighty God = unlimited power. Against ruling powers of heavenly realm and earthly/sin.
Everlasting Father = Always be with us now and for all of eternity
Prince of Peace = restores broken relationship between us and God.
Provides a well ordered and balanced life
Assures our eternal destiny
This Christmas, as we dwell on the birth of Jesus, let us also dwell on who He is, through His names given by God through Isaiah’s prophesy. The same as Isaiah’s prophecy gave the captive Israelites, hope, Jesus gives all of humanity, hope!