What’s In A Name?

Most people do not know this but, I used to dislike my middle name immensely. I thought it sounded country, definitely not a name of like a native New Yorker-Brooklyn born and Queens bred. As a young person, I never used my middle name. Throughout my life, however,  my uncle, my mother’s brother, called me Joi. He was the only person who uttered my middle name; actually his endearing version of it. As I got older, I grew to accept it. Today, I understand that names are important, meaningful, and purposeful. Our names are a significant part of our identities, they impact who we are and where we are from. Our names connect us to our culture, our family, and our history. My name, Ellyn, comes from French and Greek origins and means, “brilliant,” “the bright one,” and “shining light.” Jo comes from British, French, and Hebrew origin and means, “God is gracious” and “God will add.” What people call you matters. I have embraced the use of my full name because Ellyn Jo is the shining light that our gracious God chose to add to this world. This understanding gives me purpose and calls me to action.  

Throughout His ministry, Jesus asked lots of questions, the four Gospels record approximately 339 in total. Jesus knew the answers to each of the questions He asked; remember God is omniscient and Jesus knew all things. He asked questions to draw people in and to engage with them. Jesus asked questions to cause deep thought in those around Him. He asked questions to create teaching opportunities. Jesus asked His disciples, “who do men say I am?” (Matthew 16:13-16, Mark 8:27, Luke 9:18). This rhetorical question was a test of the disciples’ level of faith. Jesus wanted His disciples to think about who they believed Him to be. He wanted to know whether HIs disciples understood that He was more than just someone special, as the crowds believed Him to be. He wanted to know if they really knew Who He was.  

Jesus asked His disciples, “who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15, Mark 8:29, Luke 9:20). I believe, Jesus is asking each of us the same question today. He wants to know if you and I are simply following the way of the world or do we have deeper understanding. Throughout their time together, the disciples had witnessed miracle upon miracle, they were eyewitnesses with uncompromised testimonies of Who Jesus is. He had delivered people from the demonic, fed thousands, forgiven sins, healed the sick, raised the dead, and even walked on water. My sister, are you an eyewitness to Who Jesus is? Is God revealing Himself to you daily? Are you growing and maturing in your faith (Hebrews 6:1)? How do you answer Jesus’ question? Do you know Who Jesus is, Who He  really is? Have you watched Him perform miracles in your midst?  

Salvation is contingent upon who we say Jesus is (Romans 10:9). Acknowledging Jesus’s identity matters. Relationships are determined by what we believe about a person. What you and I believe about Jesus has eternal impact. The gospel writers each had a relationship with Jesus and their teaching something about Him in the books they wrote. Matthew writes to prove Jesus is the Messiah. Mark writes to prove that Jesus is The Son of God. Luke writes to prove Jesus is the Savior. John writes to prove that Jesus is The Christ. Knowing Who Jesus is and calling Him by name matters. The name Jesus means, God delivers, or God saves. The name of Jesus is a statement. In the name of Jesus, God does something holy and redemptive in the lives of those who believe in Him and those who call upon His name. God, The Father uses Jesus to address the sin in the world. Jesus saves us from our sins. Jesus transforms the lives of those who know who He is and believe in Him (Jeremiah 32:38-40, Ezekiel 36:26, 2 Corinthians 5:17).  

Jesus’s name is the name above all names, it is greater, more powerful, and superior to any other name (Philippians 2:9-11). My parents chose my name but the angel delivered the name God chose for His Son to Joseph and Mary (Matthew 1:21). God, Who is Omniscient knew that His only begotten Son would empty Himself, humble Himself and sacrifice Himself for your sins and mine. Knowing that Jesus would pour Himself out for each of us, God gave Him a name that is above every name. When you and I confess the name of Jesus, we give Him lordship over our lives. The name of Jesus matters, it is the unlimited source of everything we need (John 16:23-24). The name of Jesus matters, His name holds precious promises for those of us who believe in Him. I know Who Jesus is and I will forever call on His name. 

Join me Under The Church Hat for this month’s devotion: 

Research the meaning of your name and its origin. Describe in less than 250 words how the meaning and origin impact you. 

Describe in less than 250 words how you have given Jesus’s lordship in your life. 

List five things you have witnessed Jesus do in your life. 

Describe how Jesus has transformed your life in less than 250 words.