The Name of Jesus
Muslims: Only God saves us from sin
Christians: Salvation is found in the name of Jesus
Did you know that Jesus' real name means, "God Saves"
A Name With A Purpose
Specific Instructions For Mary:
- Why did God send the angel Gabriel with specific instructions for Mary to name Jesus?
- One can only assume there is a special meaning associated with this name.
- "And the angel said to her, Fear not, Mary; for you have found grace with God. For behold, you will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus." Luke 1:30-31
- “(When) the angels said, “Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus (Esa)..” Qur'an 3:45
- Did God choose this name for a reason?
The Hidden Meaning Of His Name?
Jesus used his Hebrew (& Aramaic) name = Ye'shua:
The Semitic meaning of Jesus Hebrew name offers insight as to why the Gospel emphasizes "salvation" (or life) is found in the name of Jesus.
- "There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Aramaic: "life") and there is salvation in no one else." Acts 4:14
- "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name." Philippians 2:9
- So then, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13
Ye'shua means "God Saves" or "God's salvation".
- Few know that Ye'shua (or yasha) appears in the Old Testament over 300 times in various forms as a common noun or verb meaning "save", "salvation", "savior" or "deliver".
- The Word of God had not yet been manifested in the person of Jesus until God spoke into Mary's womb and became a proper noun or a human being.
Why is this important?
- Muslims do not typically pray in "the name of Jesus" and are curious as to why Christians do.
- Christians knowing or not when praying in the name of Jesus, are in essence praying, or calling out "in the name of "God's salvation."
- "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." Act 4:12
- "I made your name known to the people you gave me. They are from this world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me." John 17:6
The Hidden Semitic Meanings"
- The “Ye” in Ye'shua is a contraction using the Hebrew letter yod, which is often used as an abbreviation for YHWH
- YHWH is the Hebrew Sacred name of God. God is a title.
- YHWH is the creator of everything seen and unseen and thus, is difficult to define or even grasp the infinite nature of God with the human finite mind.
- Lexicons describe YHWH as based on the "to be" verb, meaning "the existent One".
- Two of the four Hebrew letters of YHWH can mean "life" or "life-giver".
- The shua ending of Ye'shua means "salvation," "save," "deliver," etc.
Messiah Connections:
- When connecting Jesus' name with one of his main titles "The Messiah," one may better understand his mission given to him by God.
- “She will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus; for he shall save (or "give life") his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
More Clues?
Does Jesus himself suggest a link with his name and God?
- “I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your Name, the same name you gave me so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11
- "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord (Aramaic: mar'ya; “Master YHWH) will be saved." Acts 2:21
- Therefore in "calling" on the name of Ye'shua, we are in essence calling on the Hebrew sacred name of God, YHWH.
The Role Of The Messiah?
Does the Qur'an Links Jesus With The Idea Of Intercession?
- While Islam does not generally adhere to the use of “intercessors” to get to God, the Qur’an may give further insight to the argument encouraging one to pray in “Jesus name.”
Qur'an Examples:
- “Since the angles said, ‘Mary, God gives you good news of a Word from Him whose name is Christ Jesus son of Mary. He is a (nobel) Mediator (wajih) in this world and the next and is stationed near to God." Qur'an 3:45
A Straight Path?
- The Qur'an refers to Jesus as a “mediator” only twice in the entire Qur’an. The Arabic word wajih is used in this context; once for Moses and the second for Jesus. (The two covenant bringers according to the Bible; also referenced in the Qur'an).
- The root meaning for wajih refers to a person is given special authority. It also means a "noble ambassador".
- Moses was the "mediator" for the first covenant from Allah to man in part by building the tabernacle.
- Jesus was the mediator of the second covenant; a new covenant God made with His people. A "way" or "straight path" to God.
The Second Adam:
- In both the Bible and the Qur'an, Jesus is referred to as the second Adam. The first Adam did not obey God; but the 2nd Adam (Jesus) was fully submitted and fulfilled his destiny and mission from God.
- "To God Jesus is like Adam, whom He created from dust, then He told him 'be and it was.'" Qur'an 3:59
- "So it is written: 'The first man Adam became a living being'; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit." 1 Corinthians 15:45
- "Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those who did not sin in the way that Adam transgressed. He is a pattern of the One to come." Romans 5:14
Conclusion
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Only God:
- Muslims and Christians agree; only God forgives our sins.
Jesus' Unique Role:
- The Qur'an and the Bible give a similar and unique insight into the role of the Messiah.
- The special name and title for Jesus give us a clue about his unique and appointed role, especially on Judgment Day.
God Gave Jesus A Special Name And Purpose:
- The Qur'an and the Bible describe the angel of God giving Mary specific instructions about what the Messiah's name should be. (Ye'shua)
- God gave Jesus this name for a specific reason and special purpose.
- What was the purpose behind this specific name for Jesus?
God Embedded His Name In The Very Name Of Jesus:
"God Saves"
- Ye' = short for YHWH (God)
- Shua = save, safety or salvation
- Is this shared name of God a coincidence? What does it mean?
The Name Above All Names:
- The Bible emphasizes the name of Jesus as the way to salvation.
Assignments
Discuss the unlimited power of God and what His name means to you.