Luke 1v26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the Child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (ESV)
Context:
Jehovah is salvation. When Jesus Christ was born there were many children named Jesus. But He was not the same (see Matthew 1v20). Joseph faithfully took Him to be circumcised and faithfully called Him Jesus (Luke 2v21).
His Name Declares the following (v32-35):
- His Identity:
a) He is the eternal son of God (see Isaiah 7v40, Mat. 1v23).
b) He is the King of Israel, who will inherit the throne of David. A baby born to humble people will be a descendent of King David and fulfil the promise, reigning forever. We need to believe and live knowing that Jesus is King.
c) He is the fulfilment of prophecy (v33). The supreme King will be revered and honoured by the people. He will cleanse and claim His people. He is the champion of humanity (v32). The greatest of the great is Jesus and we need to live like we know and believe that! The first man brought sin, death but the second (last) Adam fixed everything that the first Adam broke. He is great and the only champion of humanity. When you name the Name of Jesus you are naming our hero! - His Poverty:
He was born in a manger in a trough used to feed barnyard animals. It was there amongst the animals that Mary delivered the Son of God (see 2 Cor. 8v9, Phil. 2). He possessed nothing that wasn’t given to Him by others. He laid all down for us (Romans 8v17). - His Ministry:
His Name declares His ministry (the salvation of His people) and what He came to do on Earth. He didn’t only come to teach; heal; raise the dead; perform miracles. Jesus came into this world primarily to die on the cross to give His life as ransom for those He loved. We, sinners, are the reason He left heaven. When we say the Name of Jesus we remember His boundless and unconditional love and sacrifice for us. - His Glory:
The angel tells Mary her Son will reign in majesty and glory. He was no ordinary baby. Few looked at Him and saw the Son of God (Mat. 17). He lived and died as God walking among men. There is a Day coming where the whole world will know who He is (Rev. 19 & 20, Phil. 2v9-11).
If we believe He is the King of kings, there will not be a moment when we won’t long for the Day when He returns. When we sing His Name, whisper His Name and proclaim His Name, the greatest Name that has fallen on the ears of humanity. There is hope, peace, salvation, joy and majesty in His Name. What a lovely Name!