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‘And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His name was called Jesus.’
Luk_2:21
I. The name and the rite.—Circumcision (Gen_17:12-13) the sign of the covenant. The covenant introduced Abraham and his descendants into a nearer and more intimate relation with God, The new name a mark and reminder of this relation. In Abraham’s case it was the introduction of an aspirate, a breathing, into his old name. He became father of a multitude through the inspiration, in-breathing, of God. So with our Lord, a reminder of promises and responsibilities; a sign of sacrifice, but of sacrifice which should ensure rejoicing. Our baptismal names have the same suggestive significance. They remind us of God’s promises, and of the duties to be fulfilled if we would gain them. Tokens of self-surrender, through which we may be enabled to receive the blessing.
II. What the name implies.—The name ‘Jesus’ given by God’s direction; but why this name rather than another?
(a) The name was not uncommon. It was already honourable through association with those by whom it had been previously borne; e.g. the son of Nun, the great captain of Israel; the son of Josedech, high priest, friend of Haggai and Zechariah; the son of Sirach, and his grandfather, whose works he edited (cf. Ecclesiasticus). As now given it might intimate that the bearer should be greater as a captain than the first, as a priest than the second; whilst He was also that Divine wisdom after which the son of Sirach hungered.
(b) It was appropriate to the character of the bearer. Sometimes the covenant name, as in the case of Judas (praise) must have been a reproach to an unworthy character. In this case it is a revelation and expression of the nature. Look through the name, and it shows us the nature of the bearer. Thus: Jesus is Jehovah; Jesus is salvation.
(c) Jehovah and salvation unite in Jesus. We are saved from sin that we may serve God, and it is God Himself Who saves us.
III. How the name should be treated.—Everything depends upon the way in which it is regarded. If as a mere name, it may easily be made a vehicle for superstition. If more than a mere name, we can look through it, and see behind our God and Saviour. Seeing Christ through the name the utmost reverence is only natural (cf. Canon 18). The outward sign of reverence may properly testify to the inward feeling.