Shock and Wonder Series – Christmas 2012 @ Life Church
Today I want to think a little bit about names. What parents call their children can be quite shocking. Recently a couple called their child #hashtag – in case you’re wondering it was a girl.
Just choosing a name can be quite hard, as Michael Macintyre points out: Same names, different spelling video clip, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42RA2wWF61M.
When you want to name your child you think long and hard about it.
Both Joseph and Mary are told what to call the Christ-child:
Matt. 1:21: She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Luke 1:31: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
Not only are their lives and plans interrupted but they are then told what to call Jesus. What is interesting is that this was not that unique a name. In fact it was the Greek variant of the Hebrew Joshua. For Jews this name remained a reminder of the conquering of the Promised Land that Joshua led. What is shocking s that the boy was not to be named after Joseph, who was His earthly guardian but not His dad, and so there is a statement being made here to all those who’d know Jesus.
In fact by some Jesus’ paternity was held in disdain by those in his hometown:
Matthew 13:51: Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas?
Notice that they did not say Joseph’s boy. Why? Because Jesus’ name meant the locals knew that he did not have a family name. They knew the whole family, they knew Joseph’s name too, but what is being said here is, “isn’t this the illegitimate one that Joseph raised as his own.”
Shocking today is that Jesus is used a swear word. Shocking to us today is that His name was derided by those who knew Him.
Then there are nick names. Names you get called by friends or enemies. When I was born my dad, apparently, wanted to see Thumper. But as I grew up I got called all sorts of things ranging from Gibbo, Gibbon, Devil Dodger, Vic, and fat bloater.
Then there are pet names that couples may have for each other. OK, we won’t go down this road to save embarrassment.
There would have been unkind nick-names. But God has
nick-names or pet-names for Jesus too.
Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
For all of us we can experience the deep significance of the name of Jesus. Of course, there are many names by which He is known [King of kings, Lord of Lords, Saviour, Redeemer et al].
Although some names are shocking, here are some things that strike up a sense of awe:
1: There Is Wonder In His Name: “Wonderful”
Wonderful means full of wonder. There is something about Jesus that causes us to think, consider, ponder, marvel, to wonder.
Jesus’ name is to engage our imagination!
His Birth was wonderful.
His Life was wonderful.
His Teaching was wonderful.
His Miracles were wonderful.
His Transfiguration was wonderful.
His Death was wonderful.
His Resurrection was wonderful.
His Ascension was wonderful.
His return will be wonderful.
2. There Is Wisdom In His Name: “Counsellor”
A counsellor is someone who is available to advise, listen, befriend and assist.
As your counsellor He is always available.
As your counsellor He gives you His undivided attention.
As your counsellor He comforts you.
As your counsellor He guides you in the right way.
As your counsellor He enables you.
3. There Is Sovereignty in His Name: “Mighty God”
Sovereign is a royal title and means one who rules or has dominion.
Jesus has been given all power in heaven and earth. (Mat. 28:18). He created it all.
Incredible as it may seem: the Child & Son is the Mighty God. As the Mighty God, He is not less than the Almighty.
Rev. 1:8: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Nothing is too hard for Him.
4. There Is Relationship In His Name: “Everlasting Father”
In a land of where the epidemic of fatherlessness spreads Jesus is called Father. There is the promise of relationship, of family, of belonging.
If you Know Jesus, you know the Father. As Father He is Life Giver. He has given us His nature. If He is not God, it would be blasphemy and idolatry to worship Him.
5. There Is Security In His Name. “Prince of Peace”
Security can speak of confidence, safety, refuge, safekeeping, reassurance, and well-being.
He came to give us rest:
Mat 11:28: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
When we know Him we know His peace.
Three areas of peace provided: Peace with God; Peace of God; Peace from God.
Wrapping it Up:
So there is a shock value in the name of Jesus – there still is today when we hear His name being used as a swear word. But there is also wonder in His name. Such a beautiful name.
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