Abraham means “father of many nations” which reflected God’s purpose for him (Genesis 17:5). Similarly, Jesus’ name reflects God’s purpose for Him. Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua (Hebrew Yeshua) which means “the Lord [Yahweh] saves.” So Jesus was given a name which meant “the Lord saves” because it reflected His purpose: “He [would] save His people from their sins.”

This purpose of Jesus was pictured beautifully in Isaiah 53 where the Servant of the Lord (the Messiah) would take upon Himself the sins of Israel and by extension the sins of the Gentile world as well. Jesus took upon Himself the terrible burden of bearing the sins of mankind, being judged in our place so we would not be judged. At the right time God sent forth His Son to redeem those who deserved the judgment the law demanded (Galatians 3:13; 4:4). He came to seek and save all who were lost (Luke 19:10).

God’s purpose for you is to make you like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Thank God today that Christ fulfilled His purpose so you may fulfill yours.

Salvation, the salvation of man, is the final purpose of the whole Bible.
J. H. Bernard