Sunday PM
“What’s in a Name?”
Matthew 1:21
December 7, 2014
Intro:
You’ve just found out. You’re going to have a baby! When you come to and pick yourself up off the floor – you’re thinking, “I can’t believe it – a baby.” You’re numb. As the initial shock wears off you begin to get excited. Now you are fighting over who gets to tell who – “Let me tell them,” “No let me!” You are just so excited, a baby. Things rock along just fine until one day someone says to you, “What are you going to name this kid?” That’s an innocent enough question but it ignites a storm of controversy. You enter into a time of intense negotiation. Everyone has a suggestion. By the way, Rodney is always an excellent choice! You’ve got to weigh all the suggestions. You find yourself paying attention to names wherever you find them. You’re watching a movie and your wife says, “Oh I like that.” “You like what – the man’s been murdered!” “No, the name. The killers name was Jeb.” Of course you have to give careful consideration to family names. Rheadon was not fond of my grandmother’s name. She didn’t like the sound of Zephie. Of course you also have to get a couple of those “name” books. Then you have to experiment with different names and combinations. Rheadon liked Charis, which is Greek for grace. I liked the name itself but come on – “Charis Harris?” I couldn’t do that to a kid. This is a time consuming process. And it’s important because this is a label for life. Names are important.
In ancient times names were important as well. Names were intended to express the character and nature of the person. Parents often instilled their hopes and dreams in the name given to their child. Biblically, names are important. Abram meant, “exalted father.” God changed his name to Abraham, “father of a great multitude.” So names do matter. You want to get it right.
That is the backdrop of our text this morning. It prepares us for what happened 2000 years ago in the tiny village of Nazareth as the angel of God came to a carpenter by the name of Joseph.
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
This is Matthew’s account of the events surrounding the birth of the Lord Jesus. Luke focuses on Mary. Matthew views events from Joseph’s perspective. In the heart of the angel’s message to Joseph is a very important statement. A statement that you have read and heard many times. You are so familiar with it – it no longer stands out in your thinking. Yet it is a profound announcement bringing great insight into the significance of the birth of this child.
Look at the text and take special note of verse 21. For it is there that we learn:
Thesis: The name of Jesus reveals the true beauty and wonder of Christmas.
It is easy in the midst of parties, the shopping, the celebrating, the coming and going to loose your focus during this time of the year. The beauty and wonder of Christmas is not found in the giving. It is not in the lights or the singing. It is not in the “good cheer.” It is not even in family. The beauty and wonder of Christmas is found in understanding the love of God demonstrated so wonderfully in the name of Jesus. Oh we say it. He is the reason for the season. We even print it on T-shirts and sweatshirts. But what does that mean? In what way? How is He the reason for the season? The answer is found in His name.
There are three things I want us to note about the name of Jesus.
The name of Jesus reveals the purpose of His coming.
The name of Jesus reveals the nature of His people.
The name of Jesus reveals the heart of God.