Westminster Larger Catechism Q&A 41
Q. 41. Why was our Mediator called Jesus?
A. Our Mediator was called Jesus because he saveth his people from their sins.
Devotional
Title: The Name Above All Names
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:21 (ESV)
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, names often become mere identifiers, useful for distinguishing one person from another. Yet, in the biblical narrative, names carry profound significance. They reveal character, mission, and destiny. This is especially true of the name given to our Mediator: Jesus.
The angel’s proclamation to Joseph was not just an announcement of birth but a declaration of purpose. The name Jesus, derived from the Hebrew Yeshua, means “The Lord saves.” This name encapsulates the essence of Christ’s mission and the heart of the gospel.
Jesus: The Saving Name
When we consider why our Mediator is called Jesus, we are invited to reflect deeply on the salvation He brings. Sin, in its essence, separates us from God, darkens our understanding, and enslaves our wills. We were lost, wandering in the shadow of death, with no means of rescuing ourselves. Into this bleak reality, Jesus steps as the Savior, the One who saves His people from their sins.
The Westminster Larger Catechism rightly emphasizes that Jesus saves His people from their sins. This salvation is comprehensive. He saves us from the penalty of sin, having borne it on the cross (Romans 8:1). He saves us from the power of sin, breaking its dominion over us (Romans 6:14). He will ultimately save us from the presence of sin, when we are glorified with Him (1 John 3:2).
The Personal Implication
Beloved, the name of Jesus is not just a theological truth to be affirmed; it is a personal reality to be embraced. When we call upon the name of Jesus, we are acknowledging our need for salvation and our faith in His sufficiency to save. This is not merely an intellectual assent but a heartfelt cry of dependence and trust.
Consider your own life. Are there areas where sin still holds sway, where you need the saving power of Jesus to break chains and bring freedom? Are there burdens of guilt and shame that you need to lay at the feet of Jesus, trusting in His finished work on the cross?
Application: Trust and Proclaim
Let us take this truth to heart: Jesus saves. Trust Him fully. Lean not on your own understanding or efforts but rest in His completed work. And as we experience His saving grace, let us also be faithful to proclaim His name to others. The world is in desperate need of the salvation that only Jesus can provide. Let us not be silent but boldly declare, “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for the power of Your name and the salvation You bring. Help us to trust You more deeply and to rest in the assurance that You have saved us from our sins. Empower us to live in the freedom of Your grace and to boldly proclaim Your name to a world in need. Amen.
May this devotional encourage you to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus’ name and to live in the joy and freedom of His saving grace.