A Companion to
Monday with Matthew: Week 1

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
— Matthew 1:21 (NIV)

Original Language

• Greek: Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
• Hebrew: יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua) – a shortened form of Yehoshua (Joshua)
• Meaning: “Yahweh is salvation” or “The LORD saves”

Theological Insight

When the angel says, “you are to name him Jesus,” it’s not just a label. It’s a declaration of purpose.

• He wasn’t named for what He’d do someday.
• He was named for who He already was.

His name is His mission.
Not to rule with force. Not to impress crowds. Not to correct the Romans.
But to save His people from their sins.

Devotional Depth

This name would’ve rung familiar to Jewish ears. Yeshua (Joshua) was a name linked to:

• Leadership (Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land)
• Deliverance (he conquered enemies by God’s power)
• Obedience (he followed Moses and obeyed God fully)

Yet this new Yeshua came not to defeat earthly armies…
But to conquer sin.
To rescue not from Rome—but from the curse within.

He doesn’t just save us. He becomes our salvation.

Reflection

• Do I see Jesus as more than a name I pray in—but the source of my rescue?
• Am I living as someone already saved, or still trying to earn it?
• How does my view of Jesus shape the way I approach Him?

Prayer

“Jesus, You are my rescue. Help me live as someone who has been saved by the name above all names. Show me where I’m still trying to save myself. Amen”