Impact - Day 2

Day 2 – What’s in a name (part 2)?

Matthew 1:21
“… you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name Joshua is Jesus. They are each translated as “The Lord saves.”

Matthew tells us of the coming Christ in the opening chapter of his Gospel. He introduces us to Mary and Joseph while explaining the miraculous birth through the Holy Spirit. In the 20th verse, an angel appears to Joseph, attempting to convince him to stay with Mary even though he isn’t the father of the child she carries. The angel explains that Mary will have a son and instructs Joseph to name Him Jesus, “because He will save His people from their sins.”

Joshua is given his name as a prompt to surrender and lay claim to the saving power of Yahweh. Jesus is given His name not as a reminder but as the fulfillment of that hope. He is this saving Yahweh. The Angel proclaims, “He will save.” He is Yahweh. He is Jesus.

This is perfect timing as we embark on this study. Take these two things to heart: first, apart from Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5), and second, we can do everything through Jesus who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). 

Receive courage from these truths. The Biblical hero of the Old Testament, whose name gets changed to the Hebrew equivalent of “Jesus,” is not much different to you or me. Joshua is not the salvation of Israel (no longer named Hoshea). Jesus is. And you will not be the salvation of your family, your workplace or your faith community. Jesus is. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the One who was, and is and is to come (Revelation 1:8).

But don’t miss the second part of the equation. Jesus chooses to work through us. Repeatedly through the pages of the book of Joshua, we will find examples and reminders that God inexplicably harnesses His power to people like you and me. And through this partnership, the extraordinary happens: rivers are crossed and walls fall down, promises are made and promises fulfilled.

So, let’s commit to making ourselves available to the audacious whispers of God over the next few weeks as we travel down dusty desert trails, across the Jordan River and into the promised land. Begin praying that Jesus reveals some new journey of faith to you.

1. Which is more challenging for you to accept, that you can do nothing without Jesus, or that you can do anything through Jesus?
2. What is something you have tried to do on your own that you should submit to Jesus?
3. What is something Jesus is calling you to attempt in your partnership with Him?