Listen to this devotion
What’s in a Name?
In the Word
So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth (Philippians 2:10).
Of the Word
On January 1, the Church celebrates the circumcision and naming of Jesus. Both Mary and Joseph were told by an angel to name Mary’s baby Jesus, which means God saves, because He would save His people from their sin.
Jesus fulfilled God’s Law perfectly in the place of sinners, beginning with His circumcision on the eighth day. Jesus began His earthly ministry when He was baptized by John. This was a baptism of repentance. Jesus did not need to repent, but He repented perfectly for the sake of sinful human beings.
By His suffering and death on the cross, He paid the full penalty for the sin of the whole world, saving all who trust in Him from sin, death, and the power of the devil and reconciling us with God. At our own Baptism we received Jesus’ name and the blessings of forgiveness, life, and salvation.
Walking with my Lord
Dear Lord Jesus, we owe our very lives to Your saving work. To You be all glory and honor forever. In Your saving name we pray. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Mustard Seed: What’s in a Name by Ruth Badciong, Winona, Minnesota.
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