By Kenny Bruce
Pastor Emeritus, Leawood East Baptist Church, Memphis
Focal Passage: Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-33
Lela B. Long wrote a chorus in the Baptist Hymnal entitled “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know.” I agree.
The majesty of His name (Isaiah 9:6-7). Isaiah predicted the birth of Jesus, then stated that the government would rest on His shoulders (v. 6). All the governments of the world are on His shoulders in the sense that He is ruling over them. Jesus said that all authority has been given to Him in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
The prophet described Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor.” He is the source of truth and wisdom. He knows exactly how to answer any question we have for Him, and how to resolve any dilemma we face. The second description is “Mighty God.” He alone forgives sin, answers prayers, provides, performs miracles, and empowers us to do what we can’t do on our own. Isaiah pictures Him as “Eternal Father.” He is the Father of eternity. With the fourth couplet he describes Jesus as the “Prince of Peace.”
In salvation we are reconciled to God through Christ and receive peace with God. When we are experiencing conflict, we pray to God with thanksgiving and His peace guards our hearts (Philippians 4:6-7).
Kenny Bruce
The meaning of His name (Luke 1:26-31). Gabriel appeared to Mary and informed her that she was favored by God. She was perplexed because she knew that she did not deserve anything from God. She was the recipient of God’s grace. He delivered the greatest birth announcement ever delivered: that she would conceive, bear a son, and name Him Jesus (v. 31).
Jesus means “Yahweh saves.” The angel said to Joseph that Jesus would save people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). Jesus was one of the most common names given to Jewish boys up until the second century when the name practically disappeared. That was providence.
His name is above every name. One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). It’s the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved (Acts 4;12). Demons are subject to His Name (Luke 10:17). For God to answer our prayers, we must pray in His Name (John 14:13-14).
The magnificence of His name (Luke 1:32-33) Jesus is great because He was the only sinless person to ever live, and He alone saves sinners. He is the Son of the Most High. “Most High” is a reference to sovereign God. When you are the son of a father, you bear his essence. Jesus is one in essence with the Most High God.
God promised David in II Samuel 7:16, “Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” The descendant who establishes His Kingdom forever was Jesus.
His Kingdom is not of this world and consists of righteousness and justice. Furthermore, He will reign over the house of Jacob forever.
The house of Jacob is a term for Israel. There is only one eternal King. His name is Jesus! B&R
