While Joseph, the carpenter was still reeling from the revelation that Mary was with child, an angel appeared to him and explained the miraculous coming birth of Christ. Months before, a similar announcement had been made to Mary: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest…” (Luke 1:31,32).

There are many names in the Bible and in history that are of great and lasting significance. But none compare with the name JESUS. Moses seems to have originated the name when he changed the name of Oshea to Jehoshua (Joshua), the Hebrew form of the name Jesus meaning “God’s salvation.” Joshua was a type or picture of Jesus. He succeeded Moses as leader. The Bible says that the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Joshua led the wandering people from the wilderness to Canaan. Christ is the great deliverer from slavery and leads His own to freedom and purpose. Walls fell before Joshua. Christ has broken down the wall between Jews and Gentiles and all can be saved by faith (Ephesians 2:14). Joshua led his people across the Jordan to the promised land. Christ leads His people to the abundant life and finally to heaven.

That name meant salvation to the shepherds. It meant destruction to demons; cleansing to lepers; resurrections to the dead; and it brought hatred from the hypocrites. The name JESUS brings eternal life to those who trust the Saviour as their own today (Acts 4:12).