Series: The Call of Christmas
Message: The Call to Protect
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 42:6-11.
Read: Matthew 1:18-25—As you read in the New International Version, note 1-3 insights that arise.
Reflect: “What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." comes from William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, in which Juliet is trying to argue names do not matter. Romeo is from the enemy house of Montague. Too many civilizations have experienced at some time in their past, domination by some other group. So much that their names would for a period of time be associated with slavery or disgrace. Breaking away from that past is not an easy journey. We have too many stereotypes of communities and cultures today that cause damage in our relationships with each other. The power of words carries weight. We are called to protect and lift up others.
The name Jesus was very popular at the time He came to earth, just as popular as Joshua. But the name Emmanuel was rare. This was closely linked to the Messiah. Matthew wants us to see this connection that Emmanuel arrives at the start… “God with us” and when Jesus leaves, he leaves the same promise in Matthew 28:20, “…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” God has never left us and will never leave us. His name carries strength and a promise that does not fail. He is our protector and we are called to be protectors of others too.
Recalibrate:
Respond: Pray for insight and a tender heart.
Research: The names given to Jesus. What are the top 10 most popular ones and what do they mean?