Circumcision and Name of Jesus
And at the end of eight days, when He was circumcised, He was called Jesus.
LUKE 2:21
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Circumcision and Name of Jesus
His name is rightly called on this day "Jesus," which is [translated] "Savior," for Savior means one who helps, redeems, saves, and cures everyone. The Hebrew language calls this one "Jesus." So the angel Gabriel spoke to Joseph in sleep: "She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Here the angel himself explains why He is called Savior, "Jesus," namely, because He is help and salvation to His people. . .. What, then, is our name? Doubtless as Christ gives us all that is His, so He also gives to us His name. Therefore, all of us are called Christians from Him, God's children from Him, Jesus from Him, Savior from Him, and whatever is His name, that also is ours. As St. Paul writes: "In this hope you were saved" (Romans 8:24), for you are "Jesus" or "Savior." See, there is therefore no limit to the dignity and honor of a Christian! These are the superabundant riches of His blessings, which He pours out on us, so that our hearts may be free, joyous, peaceful, and fearless. Then we keep the Law willingly and cheerfully.
From the Church Postil, sermon for New Year's Day on Luke 2:21 (Luther's Works 76:47)
LUKE 2:21
+
Circumcision and Name of Jesus
His name is rightly called on this day "Jesus," which is [translated] "Savior," for Savior means one who helps, redeems, saves, and cures everyone. The Hebrew language calls this one "Jesus." So the angel Gabriel spoke to Joseph in sleep: "She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). Here the angel himself explains why He is called Savior, "Jesus," namely, because He is help and salvation to His people. . .. What, then, is our name? Doubtless as Christ gives us all that is His, so He also gives to us His name. Therefore, all of us are called Christians from Him, God's children from Him, Jesus from Him, Savior from Him, and whatever is His name, that also is ours. As St. Paul writes: "In this hope you were saved" (Romans 8:24), for you are "Jesus" or "Savior." See, there is therefore no limit to the dignity and honor of a Christian! These are the superabundant riches of His blessings, which He pours out on us, so that our hearts may be free, joyous, peaceful, and fearless. Then we keep the Law willingly and cheerfully.
From the Church Postil, sermon for New Year's Day on Luke 2:21 (Luther's Works 76:47)
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