Matthew 1:21-What’s In A Name?

Our first verse is Matthew 1:21 (ESV):

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)

At first glance, it’s a familiar Christmas passage. Yet, this single sentence, spoken by the angel to Joseph, carries the entire gospel message in one word: Jesus.

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Context: Why This Verse Matters

Before unpacking the name itself, Steve looks at the context of Matthew’s Gospel. For example, the genealogy of Jesus includes surprising names like Rahab and King David. In addition, it points to the prophecy of Emmanuel (“God with us”), showing how every detail connects to God’s plan of salvation.

The angel’s instruction to Joseph wasn’t random. In fact, naming the child was a father’s right in that culture. Nevertheless, God Himself claimed that right. Therefore, the child’s name demonstrated that Jesus is God’s Son with God’s mission.

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What’s in a Name?

The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew Yeshua (or Yahashua), meaning:

• “Yahweh saves”
• “The Lord is salvation”

At that time, Jesus was a common name. Even so, this child was unlike any other. He didn’t come to rescue Israel from Rome’s oppression. Instead, He came to bring eternal salvation from sin. As a result, every time we say His name, we proclaim the good news of the gospel.

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Key Takeaways from Matthew 1:21

• God’s grace is seen in Jesus’ genealogy, which includes flawed yet faith-filled people like Rahab and David.
• Moreover, the angel revealed Jesus’ mission in His very name: “Yahweh saves.”
• Naming Jesus showed God’s authority and Joseph’s humble obedience.
• Ultimately, Jesus came not to improve circumstances temporarily, but to save us eternally from sin.

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Chapters in This Episode

• 00:00:00 – Introduction & Welcome
• 00:01:30 – Matthew 1:21 – The Verse
• 00:03:00 – Context: Genealogy of Jesus
• 00:08:00 – Joseph, Mary, and the Angel’s Message
• 00:12:00 – The Many Names of Jesus
• 00:16:00 – Digging Into the Name “Jesus”
• 00:21:00 – God’s Authority and Joseph’s Obedience
• 00:24:00 – Why We Miss the Weight of the Verse
• 00:26:30 – Closing Prayer
• 00:28:00 – Value for Value & Outro

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