Pastor column: The name above every name

We each possess a name given to us by our parents. Maybe you were named after a relative or you were just given your name because your parents liked it. But for whatever the reason you came by your name, there’s probably no great significance behind your name or mine. In Philippians 2, we are told of a name that does have great significance. The name of Jesus stands out as a name above all other names.

Paul declares that God gave Jesus the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (vs. 9-11).

Of all the names given to God’s Son, none is as precious or as majestic as the name Jesus. I’d like to share three thoughts about this name that make it a name above every name.

First, His name declares His identity. The name Jesus means “Jehovah is Salvation.” It was a very common name in that society but He was no ordinary baby. His birth was normal but His conception was anything but normal (Luke 1:26-38). Jesus was a real human baby, but He was also God in the flesh (John 1:1; 14). The implications of this! When we speak of the Jesus of the Bible, we are referring to God in the flesh.

Second, His name declares His intentions. Remember, His name means “Jehovah is Salvation.” The word “salvation” tells us what Jesus came into this world to accomplish. He came to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The word “save” means “keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction.” How would Jesus do this? He reveals His intentions in His own words, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His primary purpose in coming was to die the cross for you and me.

Thirdly, His name declares His individuality. Many children in that day may have been named Jesus but only one could be called “Immanuel” which means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus … Immanuel is the Supernatural One. He is the Miracle Man! He is the Sovereign One. He is the “one Who is strong, mighty and invincible.” He Is the Sustaining One. He sustains us by His mighty power. He is the Satisfying One. He accomplished peace with God when He died on the cross and He extends His peace to all who receive Him by faith (John 14:27).

What’s in a name? If the name is Jesus, everything is in that name! His name is the source of our salvation. His name lifts great burdens, comforts the broken heart, unlocks the door of heaven and closes the gates of Hell. His name is Jesus. Do you know Him?

Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Jesus is the name that is above every name