Call His name Jesus

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21

Four hundred years had passed since God had spoken to Israel through Malachi. In our terms the people had not heard from God since about 1600. Four hundred years of silence from God – surely they had given up hope of ever hearing from God again.

Suddenly God spoke! First He spoke of a new prophet; John was to be born to bring a message of repentance. No one but his parents heard these words, but God was speaking and it was time for man to listen.

A few months later God spoke again. This time the words were of awesome import. He came to a little, insignificant carpenter in Nazareth. The words He spoke must have stunned poor Joseph. “Your fiancé is pregnant…” How he must have been gutted – he knew that he had not sinned with Mary. God didn’t make him wait long – “but don’t fret, this child is My son. You are going to call Him Jesus” Why Jesus, after all that was almost the same as Joseph’s name?

The answer shook the earth! “He will save His people from their sins.” Jesus – Saviour, the Messiah – the One who would, through death provide salvation for the world.

What wonderful news after four hundred years of silence. The most amazing thing is that He not only saved those people 2000 years ago, but He came to save me as well!