Jesus Christ
- Dr. Michael Stallings
- Jun 30, 2025
- 2 min read
“The historical record of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:” – Matthew 1:1 (HCSB)
The very first verse of the New Testament opens not with fanfare, but with a name—Jesus Christ—quietly declaring that God’s long-promised Savior has come. In just two words, Matthew ties heaven and history together. Jesus means “Yahweh saves,” and Christ means “Anointed One” or Messiah. This is no ordinary name; it is the culmination of covenant, prophecy, and promise.
Matthew doesn’t waste a moment. By anchoring Jesus in the line of David and Abraham, he’s showing that this Jesus is the King who will reign forever and the Seed through whom all nations will be blessed. Every hope, every longing, every ache of the human soul finds its answer in Jesus Christ. He is the fulfillment of God’s plan, the embodiment of God's faithfulness, and the Name above every name.
When we call on Jesus Christ, we are not merely speaking to a historical figure or a religious ideal. We are calling on the one who saves us and reigns over us. The name "Jesus" speaks to His mercy—He saves us from our sin. The title "Christ" speaks to His majesty—He rules over all things. He is Savior and Sovereign, Lamb and Lord.
Every time you speak His name—Jesus Christ—you declare that God has come near. You call upon the One who lived, died, rose, and reigns. And you affirm, with the opening breath of the Gospel, that all of Scripture points to Him.
Pause and reflect (Selah):
In contemporary culture, the name of Jesus is frequently used in profane or irreverent ways, often serving as a casual expletive rather than a reverent invocation. This common misuse reflects a broader societal trend of desacralizing what is holy. As followers of Christ, we are called to honor His name, recognizing its divine authority and sacred significance.
Why not commit to refraining from any use of Jesus' name that diminishes its holiness, and instead uphold it with the reverence it is due?
What intentional practices might you adopt to cultivate a deeper respect for the name of Jesus in your speech, worship, and daily life?
Heart to Heart: Jesus Christ, Name above all names, I call on You today. For give my disregard for your holy name. You are the Savior I need and the King I trust. Thank You for being the fulfillment of every promise and the answer to every cry of my heart. Let Your name be written across my life to bring you glory. Thank you, Amen.
Today's devotional was taken from Calling on the Names of Jesus in Matthew: Adding Depth to Your Walk with Christ Jesus. Get it here and on Amazon.
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