In a number of Christian faiths, January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. This devotion emphasizes the reverence and honor given to the name of Jesus, reflecting on its significance and power. He is after all, the Word made flesh. The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated on January 3rd. This focus encourages the faithful to meditate on the name of Jesus and its importance in their spiritual lives.
According to early Christian tradition, the name “Jesus” was divinely chosen and revealed by God through an angel. In the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew (1:21) and the Gospel of Luke (1:31), an angel appeared to both Joseph and Mary, respectively, instructing them to name the child Jesus. The name “Jesus” is derived from the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” which means “God saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” This name signifies the mission of Jesus to save humanity from sin and bring about salvation.
The angel’s message to Joseph in Matthew 1:21 is particularly clear: “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” This underscores the purpose and divine mission of Jesus as the Savior.
In Hebrew, “Yeshua” (יֵשׁוּעַ) translates to “Joshua” in English. The name “Jesus” is derived from the Greek translation “Iēsous” (Ἰησοῦς), which was used in the writings of the New Testament. Over time, “Iēsous” was transliterated into Latin as “Iesus,” and eventually into English as “Jesus.”
Eight days, after his birth, Mary and Joseph, presented Jesus at the Temple. This was where Joseph declared his son’s name as “Yeshua BarJoseph” (Jesus, son of Joseph). This act also carries profound theological and cultural importance.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: The name “Yeshua” (Jesus) means “God saves,” highlighting Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to humanity. This aligns with the prophecies in the Old Testament about the coming of a savior.
Human and Divine Identity: Declaring Jesus as “Yeshua BarJoseph” emphasizes his dual nature. He is both fully human, being the son of Joseph, and fully divine, as the Son of God. This dual identity is central to Christian theology.
Cultural Context: In Jewish tradition, names were significant and often reflected one’s heritage and mission. By naming him “Yeshua BarJoseph,” it situates Jesus within the Jewish cultural and religious context, fulfilling the Law of Moses and connecting him to the lineage of David.
Public Declaration: The presentation at the Temple was a public event, marking Jesus’ official introduction to the Jewish community. This act of naming by Joseph would have been a formal acknowledgment of Jesus’ identity and mission.
Symbol of Obedience: Joseph’s obedience in naming Jesus as instructed by the angel (Matthew 1:21) reflects his faithfulness to God’s will. This act of obedience is a model for all believers.
This moment is a beautiful convergence of divine revelation, cultural tradition, and theological significance, highlighting the profound mystery of the Incarnation.
Using the Power of the Wisdom of Three, our Lord gave us a three-pronged connection with Jesus’ lineage through Joseph, Mary, and God. These connections are unifying, profound, and perfect in theological significance.
Lineage of Joseph
In the male-dominated culture of the time, lineage and inheritance were typically traced through the father. Joseph, being a descendant of King David, legally placed Jesus within the Davidic line, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come from David’s lineage. This legal recognition was crucial for Jesus to be accepted as the rightful heir to David’s throne.
Lineage of Mary
Mary, also being from the line of David, provided the biological connection to David’s lineage. This bloodline connection through Mary emphasizes Jesus’ true humanity. The virgin birth underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’ conception, highlighting that while he is fully human, his birth was divinely orchestrated.
Lineage of God
The divine paternity of Jesus, being the Son of God, establishes his divine nature. This connection is central to Christian belief, as it affirms that Jesus is not just a human prophet or teacher, but God incarnate. This divine lineage underscores the unique nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine, capable of bridging the divide between God and humanity.
This threefold connection beautifully encapsulates the mystery of the Incarnation, where Jesus is both the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and the divine Savior of the world. It highlights the perfect union of human and divine in Jesus, making him the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
Even though, many people are and have been named Joshua, make no mistake, there was, is, and forever will be only ONE, Jesus.
If this is my last post, I want all to know there was only one purpose for all that I have written; to have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Anthony “Tony” Boquet, the author of “The Bloodline of Wisdom, The Awakening of a Modern Solutionary”