John 3:16-21; Acts 4:5-12

Introduction:

1. The question in the title comes from Shakespear’s Romeo and Juliet as Juliet decried her inability to marry her beloved Romeo because of their names.

2. The phrase now means that while a name may imply a certain rank or station, the implied information may not be accurate.

3. This is the question skeptics hurl at the name of Jesus to undermine His authority; this year’s VBS highlights the truth that He bears the name above all names (Philippians 2:9).

Discussion:

I. Deity (Matthew 1:22-23)

A. From the time of Isaiah onward, God’s people were looking for the Messiah to usher in God’s ideal era (Isaiah 2:1-5; 7:10-14; 9:1-7; John 1:19-20, 25, 41; 4:25).

B. When Gabriel announced His coming birth and name, Matthew’s inspired account stated this fulfilled Isaiah’s “Immanuel” prophecy (9:1) meaning, “God with us.”

II. Salvation (Matthew 1:20-21; John 3:16-21; 1 John 5:13; Acts 4:5-12)

A. The name Jesus literally means “The Lord shall save” or simply “Savior.”

B. John’s inspired account tethers salvation (John 3:16-8) and eternal life (1 John 5:13) to faith in the name of Jesus.

C. Peter was clear there is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:5-12).

III. Authority (Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:19-21; Philippians 2:9-11)

A. Paul argued that Jesus sits at the pinnacle of all power and authority with the name above all names (Ephesians 1:19-21; Philippians 2:9).

B. Therefore, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess His name (Philippians 2:10-11).

C. We can do so in this life or in the judgment, but we will one way or the other.

Conclusion:

1. Much more will be discussed about this name above all names.

2. Hopefully this primer will motivate us all to come out this week to hear more.

3. What’s in a name? In this Name, the answer is everything.