KNOWN BY NAME, CALLED BY GOD
We all ask this question at some point in life. But the answer doesn’t come from the world around us — it begins with the One who created us.
What's In A Name? Finding Your True Identity in Christ.
We begin life with the name our parents give us — a name that introduces us to the world and connects us to family, identity, and a sense of belonging. Over time, we discover that our name carries layers of meaning, some of which unfold gradually through the experiences and choices that shape our lives.
I used to enjoy watching What’s My Line?, a game show where panelists tried to guess which of three people was telling the truth about their unique occupation — a playful reminder that names don’t always reveal the whole story.
In a much deeper way, our journey of coming to Jesus is like that: learning to ask the right questions, peeling back assumptions, and seeking the truth behind the name. Many have called the life of faith an adventure, and the Bible is our guide — not just to information, but to a relationship with the One who calls us by name and invites us to find our true identity in His.
I used to enjoy watching What’s My Line?, a game show where panelists tried to guess which of three people was telling the truth about their unique occupation — a playful reminder that names don’t always reveal the whole story.
In a much deeper way, our journey of coming to Jesus is like that: learning to ask the right questions, peeling back assumptions, and seeking the truth behind the name. Many have called the life of faith an adventure, and the Bible is our guide — not just to information, but to a relationship with the One who calls us by name and invites us to find our true identity in His.
The Right to Become Children of God
Trusting in the name of Jesus gives us more than a change of name — it gives us a new identity.
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:12 (ESV)
From Believing to Belonging
This verse reminds us that names carry authority, relationship, and identity. To believe in the name of Jesus is to trust who He truly is: Savior, Son of God, King. And when we do, He gives us a name too — child of God. That identity isn’t earned -- it’s received. And from there, the adventure begins.
The Meaning of His Name: Jesus
The name Jesus, announced to Joseph and Mary by angels (Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31), means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” Transliterated from Hebrew and Aramaic, the name is Yeshua — a combination of Ya, a shortened form of Yahweh (Exodus 3:14), and yasha, a verb meaning “rescue,” “deliver,” or “save.”
*The name Jesus was common in first-century Judea, which is why He was often called “Jesus of Nazareth” to distinguish Him by His hometown in Galilee (Matthew 21:11; Mark 1:24; Luke 18:37; John 1:45; John 19:19; Acts 2:22). But despite its familiarity, the name is rich with significance. Jesus was sent by God for a divine mission — and His very name bears witness to that. Just as Yeshua (Joshua) in the Old Testament led Israel into victory over their enemies, Jesus leads His people to victory over sin, spiritual bondage, and separation from the Father. His name proclaims His purpose: salvation.
*The name Jesus was common in first-century Judea, which is why He was often called “Jesus of Nazareth” to distinguish Him by His hometown in Galilee (Matthew 21:11; Mark 1:24; Luke 18:37; John 1:45; John 19:19; Acts 2:22). But despite its familiarity, the name is rich with significance. Jesus was sent by God for a divine mission — and His very name bears witness to that. Just as Yeshua (Joshua) in the Old Testament led Israel into victory over their enemies, Jesus leads His people to victory over sin, spiritual bondage, and separation from the Father. His name proclaims His purpose: salvation.
This video explores Old Testament Scriptures that mention the name of Jesus and reveal truths about who He is. These passages, used by early Jewish Christians, gave deeper meaning to His parables and confirmed His identity as the promised Messiah.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZtWlmjH35w
Jesus's Prophetic Name Immanuel
Immanuel means God with us. Isiah 9:6 speaks of his birth and place in our lives. "A child is born to us. A son is given to us. And he will be our ruler. He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."
The Nazarite Vow and The Life of Jesus
Being raised as a Nazarite from birth spoke of a life separate from all sin and being devoted to God. The outward features of abstaining from wine, not cutting one's hair, or not coming in contact with a dead body represented something much deeper.
Abstaining from wine spoke of the need for turning away from things that would shut off or hinder the development of the fruit of the Spirit within, not a prohibition from drinking wine.
Not cutting one's hair (like Samson) spoke of recognizing our source of strength as in God and the works he does within us which are his glory, not a prohibition on haircuts.
Not coming in contact with dead things spoke of a respect for life and protection from things that bring death.
Seeing Jesus observe these vows helped people see his respect for God's law as well as his fellowship with the Holy Spirit while he did God's work on this earth.
Jesus' Divinity and The Spirit-Led Life
Being a Nazarite took nothing away from his divinity, which was revealed in the miracles he did in God's power and the words which he said which flowed from the Holy Spirit.
He had real pleasure in showing us the Father's will, his kingdom, and his glory.
He modeled for us what is meant by being led, blessed, and protected by the Holy Spirit.
He revealed our GOD as One being who lived in harmony and fellowship as three persons.
John the Baptist, Paul, and The Power of Resurrection
John the Baptist and the apostle Paul took such vows. Most of these relate to the physical body, but two helped daily in terms of the spirit and soul.
Their desire was to be separate from sin and to be devoted to God. These fueled their daily prayers, study of the Scriptures, and being led by the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist summarized these vows in the words:
"He must increase, I must decrease." (John 3:30)
Paul's commitment adds to our joy as we celebrate Easter:
"That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death... Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own."
(Philippians 3:10–12)