Matthew 1:18-25, John 14:12-14
On the Christian calendar, today is the 11th or 12th day of Christmas.1 This makes tomorrow Epiphany. We’ll say more about that then.
Today we’re reading the birth account of the Christ-child in Matthew. You probably know the story well, but this time around, note his name: Jesus. Jesus is a form of Joshua or Yeshua, which means something about rescuing or delivering. (By the way, Christ isn’t a last name, but rather a title meaning messiah or king).
What does it mean for this child’s name to mean rescue or deliverance? From the very beginning of his life, he has come to bring deliverance. His people will follow in that way - bringing rescue to those in all kinds of situations of need. How should that shape our efforts? How does that impact your day, job, relationships?
He is also given the name Emmanuel, which tells us that as we go about our day, God is with us, a good reminder as we begin this day.
Matthew 1:18-25
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn’t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled:
Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son,
And they will call him, Emmanuel.
(Emmanuel means “God with us.”)
When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he didn’t have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. Joseph called him Jesus.
John 14:12-14
[Jesus:] I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.
Prayer:
God,
Thank you again for sending Jesus. Help me know his name not simply as trivial information, but its purpose, that I might live within his way. So many people in this world sure need rescue. But help me understand the need and bring me closer to it.
Lord, help me with my own needs today. And give me discernment in distinguishing between needs and wants.
By your Spirit and in Christ, Amen.