Luke 1:26–33 records the announcement of the birth of Christ to the virgin Mary. Luke wrote, “Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth” (v. 26). Nazareth was not Jerusalem, the religious center, nor Rome, the political powerhouse. It was a small, unimpressive town that few people knew about.
Mary was young. Bible scholars speculate that she was 15 or 16 years old. Of course, in our modern American culture, it would almost be unheard of for a girl this age to be engaged or planning to give birth. But in ancient days it was common.
How would a young girl feel to receive such new from an angel sent from God? How would anyone feel. As we can image, Mary was afraid and filled with questions. The angel told her not to be afraid because she had “found favor with God.” Mary’s life would be forever changed because God chose her bring the Savior into the world.
When Gabriel announced the birth of Christ, he did not begin with miracles, crowns, or kingdoms. He began with a name. “You shall call His name JESUS.” In the first century, this was a common name. Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, meaning “The LORD saves.” Many Jewish families named their sons Jesus after their great military leader and with the hope that God would one day send salvation. But only one child would truly bear that name in its fullest meaning.
Though a common name on earth, God exalted the name of Jesus above every other name. What began as a familiar name spoken in a small home in Nazareth would one day be proclaimed across nations and generations. Demons would tremble at it. Sins would be forgiven through it. Knees would bow before it. The name JESUS would become the highest name in heaven and on earth.
Luke 1:31 reminds us that names matter because they reveal identity and mission. Jesus was not merely given a name; He was given a mission. He came into the world to save sinners. His name declares what He came to do. During His earthly ministry Jesus said, "For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).
While the name of Jesus is very familiar with us today, we should never forget its power and eternal significance. The name JESUS now carries the weight of the cross, the victory of the resurrection, and the hope of eternal life.oday, speak His name with reverence and faith. When you say JESUS, you are calling upon the Savior, the Redeemer, and the King. What was once common has been made glorious, and what was spoken softly in Nazareth now reigns supreme forever.