Name of Jesus

The name "Jesus" is derived from the Hebrew name "Yeshua," which means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This name is profoundly significant in the Christian faith, as it encapsulates the essence of Jesus' mission on earth. The angel Gabriel instructed Mary to name her son Jesus, emphasizing the salvific purpose of His coming: "She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

In the New Testament, Jesus is also referred to by several titles that reflect His divine nature and mission. These include "Christ" (the Anointed One), "Emmanuel" (God with us), "Son of God," "Son of Man," "Lord," and "Savior." Each title reveals a different aspect of His identity and work. For instance, "Emmanuel" signifies the incarnation, God taking on human flesh to dwell among His people (Matthew 1:23).

Mission of Jesus

The mission of Jesus is central to the narrative of the New Testament and the Christian faith. His primary purpose was to reconcile humanity to God through His life, death, and resurrection. This mission is rooted in the love and grace of God, as expressed in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" .

1. Redemption and Salvation: Jesus came to redeem humanity from sin and its consequences. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He paid the penalty for sin, offering salvation to all who believe in Him. As stated in Ephesians 1:7, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" .

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' mission was also to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament concerning the Messiah. He declared in Luke 4:18-21 that He was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for the captives, and setting the oppressed free .

3. Establishment of the Kingdom of God: Jesus preached the coming of the Kingdom of God, calling people to repentance and faith. His teachings, miracles, and parables illustrated the nature of this Kingdom, which is both a present reality and a future hope. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" .

4. Revelation of God the Father: Jesus came to reveal the character and nature of God the Father. Through His words and actions, He demonstrated God's love, holiness, and justice. In John 14:9, Jesus said, "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father" , indicating that He is the perfect representation of God.

5. Defeat of Sin and Death: By His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him. This victory is a cornerstone of Christian hope, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? ... But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" .

6. Intercession and Advocacy: After His ascension, Jesus continues His mission as the intercessor and advocate for believers. He sits at the right hand of God, interceding on behalf of His followers. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" .

The name and mission of Jesus are foundational to understanding His role in God's redemptive plan. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus accomplished the work of salvation, offering hope and eternal life to all who believe in Him.