In Bible times, names held highly significant meaning and often contained prophetic promises.

Samuel meaning ‘heard by God’ (1 Samuel 1:20 NKJV)…

 Jabez, ‘He will cause pain,’ because of difficult childbirth (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NKJV)…

Benjamin, ‘Son of my sorrow’ as mother died following delivery (Genesis 35:18 NKJV)…

Simon Peter, Cephas means a ‘stone, rock’ (John 1:42 NKJV).

Why did angels command Mary and Joseph to name the Christ child Jesus?

His name means salvation.

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 NKJV).”

When we accept God’s gift of salvation, we come to know His Son Jesus personally.

 To know Jesus, is to experience salvation.

A godly man named Simeon received divine revelation through the Holy Spirit. In faith, he waited patiently for the unfolding of the Father’s plan. The Holy Spirit told him that he would see fulfillment of prophecy before he died. (Luke 2:25-26)

Seeing Joseph and Mary enter the Temple with baby Jesus, Simeon rejoiced!

God not only allowed the faithful servant to see promises of the coming Messiah fulfilled; He gave him the privilege of holding salvation in his arms.

“…he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: ‘Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel (Luke 2:28-32 NKJV).”

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 NKJV).”