It’s amazing how names evoke an emotional response. Take for instance Queen Elizabeth. Her name is known worldwide and in the coming years, when spoken, it will be a reminder of a woman who served with integrity.
Now, on the other hand, the names of Billy the Kid or Jesse James bring to mind a different image. They were famous but for a completely opposite reason. Their character was associated with destruction.
This morning I was reading in the book of Matthew and Jesus was asking his disciples about His reputation, His character. Jesus had just been confronted by the religious leaders of the day. They were questioning everything he did, looking for opportunities to discredit Him, to ruin His reputation and His good name.
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
14 “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
15 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.” Matthew 16:13-17 NLT
Those closest to Him knew Him to be honorable, godly, perfect. His name was above reproach.
“Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. 23 I have sworn by my own name; I have spoken the truth, and I will never go back on my word: Every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to me.” Isaiah 45:22-23 NLT
These words were spoken about Jesus. His is the name above every name. His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Immanuel (God with us). There is no name higher or of any greater authority!
“For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 NLT
If Jesus were visiting us today and asked us the same question He asked his disciples, “who do you say that I am”, what answer would we give?
Some would say a good man, an influencer of society. Maybe some would say a con man, a phony.
What answer would you give?
To me, He is my Saviour and friend. He is my brother who died for my redemption! His name is Jesus, Son of the Living God!