Luke 1:31

Luk_1:31

Call His name Jesus

The name Jesus

Bernard has delightfully said that the name Jesus is honey in the mouth, melody in the ear, and joy in the heart.

I rejoice in that expression on my own account, for it gives me my share of the delight, and leads me to hope that, while I am speaking, the sweetness of that precious name may fill my own mouth. Here also is a portion for you who are listening: it is melody in the ear. If my voice should be harsh, and my words discordant, you will yet have music of the choicest order, for the name itself is essential melody, and my whole sermon will ring with its silver note. May both speaker and hearer join in the third word of Bernards sentence, and may we all find it to be joy in our hearts, a jubilee within our souls. Jesus is the way to God, therefore will we preach Him; He is the truth, therefore will we hear of Him; He is the life, therefore shall our hearts rejoice in Him. His transporting name is an ointment poured forth, and its scent is varied so as to contain the essence of all fragrances.

I. THE NAME OF JESUS IS A NAME DIVINELY ORDERED AND EXPOUNDED. Like Himself it came down from heaven, for an angel brought it.

1. It is the best name He could bear. To be the Saviour is His glory.

2. It is the most appropriate name He could receive. God the Father, who knows Him best, sees this to be His grand characteristic, that He is the Saviour, and is best represented by this name.

3. It is a name which must be true, since Infinite Wisdom has selected it. A Saviour He must be upon a grand scale, continually, abundantly.

II. OUR LORD WAS ACTUALLY CALLED BY THE NAME JESUS BY MAN. The God of heaven by His angel appoints the Childs name, but He leaves it to Joseph and Mary to announce it. Those who are taught of God, joyfully recognize that Christ is salvation, and without a question name Him thus.

III. THE NAME HAD BEES TYPICALLY WORN BY ANOTHER, BUT IS NOW RESERVED FOR HIM ALONE. Jesus and Joshua are the same word: Joshua the Hebrew form, Jesus the Greek. The son of Nun was a type of the son of Mary. Jesus of Nazareth alone can save fully from sin.

IV. THIS NAME IDENTIFIES OUR LORD WITH HIS PEOPLE. He declares His relation to them. It is to them that He is a Saviour (Mat_1:21).

V. THE NAME JESUS IS ONE WHICH INDICATES HIS MAIN WORK.

1. He saves by taking all the sins of His people upon Himself.

2. He saves His people by bearing the penalty due to their sins.

3. He saves by driving out the vipers of sin from the heart, and implanting in their stead fresh and holy objects, ambitions, motives.

VI. THIS NAME IS ONE WHICH IS COMPLETELY JUSTIFIED BY FACTS. Given Him before He had done anything, while yet a babe, has He not earned it? Does He not well deserve the name He bears?

VII. THIS NAME IS CHRISTS PERSONAL NAME FOR EVER.

1. It is a home name. Given Him by His own mother.

2. It is a heart name. Full of the music of love--moving our affections, and firing our souls.

3. It was His death name. Written over the cross.

4. It is His resurrection name.

5. It is His gospel name.

6. It is His heaven name.

There He is ever adored as the Saviour. Let us go and tell of this name; let us continually meditate upon it; let us love it henceforth and for ever. (C. H.Spurgeon.)

The Incarnation

The Incarnation was--

1. A fact, revealed in life, words, works.

2. An unfathomable miracle, unprecedented, intimate, voluntary union of Divinity with humanity.

3. A glorious benefit; it is the glory, the light, the life of men.

(Van Doren.)

Signification of the name Jesus

Means Saviour. Salvation is the beginning and end of revelation Substance of gospel truth.

1. Light.

2. Life.

3. Liberty.

4. Pardon.

5. Sanctification.

6. Comfort.

7. Peace.

8. Hope.

9. Triumph.

Christ was and is a Saviour such as the world needs, not as the Jews expected. (Van Doren.)

The name of Jesus

1. Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem.

2. Jesus, the Saviour of the world

3. Jesus, the Mediator between God and man.

4. Jesus, the Judge of all man kind. (A. F. Barfield.)

The miraculous conception

Had the narrative of the miraculous conception occurred in the literature of a heathen nation, it would justly have raised doubts. But in the sober verses of the Gospels, written by Jews, it takes a far different character. The idea was altogether foreign to the Jewish mind. The Hebrew doctrine of the unity of God, and of the infinite elevation of the Divine Being above man, the profound regard of the Jews for the married state, and their abhorrence of unwedded life, make it impossible to imagine how such a thought could ever have risen among them. The improbability of its being invented by a Jew is heightened by the fact, that, though lofty thoughts of the nature of the Messiah were not wanting in some Israelites, the almost universal belief was that He was to be simply a man, who would receive miraculous endowments on His formal consecration as Messiah. (Dr. Geikie.)

The name Jesus

An old divine has somewhere said: There is majesty implied in the name God. There is independent being in Jehovah. There is power in Lord. There is unction in Christ. There is affinity in Immanuel; intercession in Mediator; and help in Advocate; but there is salvation in no other name under heaven but the name of Jesus (Act_4:12). A Freedmans teacher writes of a coloured woman who, having learned her alphabet, said, Now I want to learn to spell Jesus, for pears like the rest will come easier if I learn to spell the blessed name first. A good many things come easier when we learn that name first. (Students Handbook to Scripture Doctrine.)

Fulness of meaning in the name Jesus

So the name of Jesus, the Saviour--a word often pronounced with little estimate of its meaning--will grow in the experience of believing hearts, the hearts of the redeemed, as all the height, and depth, and length, and breadth of its unspeakable tenderness, and patience, and love, are more and more in the lapse of ages disclosed to faith; till that name shall be as much more precious than all human names of tenderness and love, as the whole material universe, if crystalized into one huge diamond, would be more precious than one atom of common dust! Do not think we exaggerate. It is impossible to exaggerate the glory of the love which passeth knowledge, the value of the riches which are unsearchable. (G. W. Heacoek.)

The lock of the heart

A lock was shown to Gotthold, constructed of rings, which were severally inscribed with certain letters, and could be turned round until the letters represented the name Jesus. It was only when the rings were disposed in this manner that the lock could be opened. The invention pleased him beyond measure; and he exclaimed, Oh that I could put such a lock as this upon my heart! Our hearts are already locked, no doubt, but generally with a lock of quite another kind. Many need only to hear the words gain, honour, pleasure, riches, revenge, and their heart opens in a moment; whereas to the Saviour and to His holy name it continues shut.

The divinity of the name Jesus

Jesus was to be the special and peculiar name of the virgins Son. It fulfilled prophecy (Isa_42:2).

1. This name was new to the Saviour, who was before called The Word of God, The Son of God, The Wisdom of the Father, &c.

2. It now gained a significance it never heretofore possessed.

3. It became the antitype. Joshua as leader of the chosen people into the Promised Land, and Josedech as high priest, are eminent types of Jesus Christ. By Divine appointment our Lord received this name, implying--

I. THE SUBORDINATION OF THE SON. A name to be imposed upon any one, implies the subordination of the recipient to the giver. God the Father alone could have any proper right or authority over Jesus Christ.

II. THE PERFECT KNOWLEDGE OF THE FATHER. He alone perfectly knew the office, end, and effects of the Son coming into this world.

III. A SIGN OF SPECIAL PRIVILEGE. A God-given name always means special favour and goodwill to the person it is bestowed on. Abraham, Jacob, Samson, Peter, Paul, &c. Conclusion: This name of Jesus being Divine must be--

1. Reverenced and honoured.

2. Loved.

3. Obeyed. Then will its salvation become our own.

(James Merchant.)

The preciousness of the name Jesus

Jesus! Name stupendous and venerable; a font of mercy; an abyss of judgment; wishing to be loved rather than feared. He took the name of Saviour rather than that of Judge. The sinner must hide as did Adam, or despair as did Cain, when he is without Jesus; but with Him he repents in hope, and rejoices in pardon and grace. This name of Jesus is--

1. Of the highest import to the faithful (Joh_1:12). The power by no work of ours; which we cannot take away; a grace given to the willing only; by the conformation of the will and love wholly to God.

2. The one refuge for the penitent.

3. The security in conflict. This name supported many martyrs in their fierce trials. It acts upon the unseen powers of sin.

4. A loving yearning in those using it. It brings before the mind all the cost, agony, and suffering by which our salvation was wrought out by Jesus.

5. An ineffable joy to those loving it. It tells of a past work, a present gain, a future glory. (P. von Hartung.)

The efficacy of this name

The name of Jesus--

1. Consoles the afflicted. Honey in the mouth; melody in the ear; joy in the heart. It speaks of love, pardon, peace.

2. Arms against dangers.

3. Quiets the soul.

4. Renders all prayer profitable. Engrave this name on thy tongue, and if that fail on thy heart, have it ever in thy hand; by it direct thy every thought, word, deed. (M Faber.)

The name of Jesus a New Year watchword

Name of Jesus a watch word for New Year. An excellent and precious treasure; a treasure-house, full of all help, guidance, and comfort.

1. To prodigals, unconverted, ungodly (Act_4:12; Act_3:16).

2. To disciples--partakers of the righteousness of God in Him--full of fightings without and fears within, the name of the Lord, &c. Pro_18:10).

3. To Christian Church-workers (Col_3:17).

4. To the bereaved and afflicted, missing this year from the family and Church well-beloved names (Heb_13:8). Take this watchword in four different applications.

I. IN CHURCH LIFE. Perilous times, owing to sinful lives and divided interests of those belonging to the Church. Ship toiling through heaving waves, storm-tossed, timbers strained, sails rent; but look at her name, Jesus, and know that she must crest every wave, and weather every storm, till the haven be reached. The name of Jesus teaches of holiness and unity; truly borne, it will rebuke sin and division; known in its saving power, it will make Christians holy in Him, and one in Him.

II. IN THE WORLD. We have to live in the world, unsympathizing, scoffing, persecuting. We must not tolerate or countenance sin. Go into the world with the name of Jesus in your heart, and let it not be tainted with evil; hallow the worlds work by it, and let the worlds habits and customs testify of it. As Columbus leaped to plant the banner of Spain upon the new-found world, plant on the unknown land of the New Year the Cross--seize the year for Jesus; carry His name everywhere; let everything bearits impress. The name of Jesus teaches of purity and resolution; truly known it will make the Christian in the world pure in heart, and resolved to stand his ground.

III. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. That were a strange year which should bring us no trouble. As well might we look for a year of undimmed sunshine, without clouds or rain. There will be dark, dreary days, biting frosts, heavy storms and tempests and it is for our good in reaping the fruits of the earth that it is so. In like manner afflictions, trials, sicknesses, losses, disappointments, will come, and for our good, to the bringing forth of the peaceable fruits of righteousness. What does the Christian say to such prospects? He trusts in the name of Jesus and fears no evil, He knows in whom he has believed. The name of Jesus is his comfort and stay and peace. It teaches him resignation and unshaken trust.

IV. IN THE HOUR OF DEATH. This may come during the present year. The name of Jesus is the password to heaven. It teaches, in the moment when this world passes away, simple faith in His merits and mediation, by whom alone we can be saved. Other experiences may or may not be ours: death must be. How shall we meet it? Leaning on what rod or staff? The name of Jesus, and faith in His name, is the only sure refuge, and the only secure hope, (Thos. H. Barnett.)

The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk 1:31-33. Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb — Though a virgin, strange to say, thou shalt have the honour of being a mother; thou shalt bring forth a son, and that son no ordinary person, but the restorer of human nature, and Saviour of the world; and therefore thou shalt call his name Jesus — Or Joshua, a Saviour. He shall be great — Great indeed! greater than all others that ever partook of the human nature: great in respect of his person, his offices, and his kingdom: for he shall be called, and shall be, the Son of the Highest — And that in a peculiar sense, a sense in which no man or angel is or can be God’s son, being not only unspeakably dear to him, as a son is dear to his father, but of the same nature with him, as a son is of the same nature with his father. Therefore, the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his earthly father, David — Or the throne typified by that of David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob — The spiritual Israel, even over all who imitate the faith and obedience of that good patriarch; and of his kingdom there shall be no end — So Isa 9:8, Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. All other kingdoms have had, or shall have, their periods, but the gospel church, which is Christ’s kingdom, shall continue for ever; first on earth, in its militant state, and then in heaven, in a state triumphant. See the notes on the places referred to in the margin. “The kingdom of Christ,” the reader must observe, “is twofold: 1st, His spiritual kingdom, or the dominion of righteousness in the minds of men. 2d, His temporal kingdom, or the outward dispensation of the gospel, together with an exercise of government over the world: by which all events are ordered, so as to promote the empire of righteousness in the hearts of men. This distinction removes the difficulty arising from 1Co 15:28, where we are told, that after the worlds are judged, Christ shall deliver up the kingdom to God the Father; compared with what Gabriel said to Mary, on this occasion, and with the other passages of Scripture, which affirm that our Lord’s kingdom shall be everlasting. His temporal kingdom, or the gospel dispensation, will end with the world, being of no further use. At that period, likewise, he will deliver up to God the government of the world, that was committed to him for the good of his church, after having accomplished the end of his coming by putting down all rule, and all authority, and power opposite to God’s. But his spiritual kingdom, or the dominion of righteousness in the minds of reasonable beings, which he came down to establish, will continue with them to all eternity; and Jesus will still preside as head over the redeemed society in heaven, and perform such acts of government as their condition allows and circumstances require, though still in subordination to the Father. See 1Co 15:28, and Macknight.”

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

1:31 you will name him Jesus: Jesus means “the Lord saves.”

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Luk 1:31. Ἰδοὺ, behold) In the words following is contained a summary of the Gospel, which is repeated at Luk 1:50-51; Luk 1:68-69; ch. Luk 2:10-11; Luk 14:30-31. Comp. the words, 2Sa 7:8, etc.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk_1:31. See on Mat_1:21.

Meyer — Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament — English translation by Peter Christie, edited by Frederick Crombie (T&T Clark, 1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Luk 1:31 . Ἰησοῦν : no interpretation of the name here as in Mat 1:21 ; a common Jewish name, not necessarily implying Messianic functions. There may have been ordinary family reasons for its use.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

The angel purposely conforms his language to Isaiah's famous prophecy (Isa 7:14) [CALVIN].

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 31. Thou - shalt call his name JESUS.] See on Mt 1:20-21, and here, on Lu 2:21, and Joh 1:29.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(31) Behold, thou shalt conceive.—St. Luke does not refer to the prophecy of Isa_7:14, but it is clear from Mary’s answer that she understood the words of the angel in the sense which St. Matthew gives to those of the prophet. What perplexed her was the reference to the conception and the birth in a prediction which made no mention of her approaching marriage. The absence of the reference is at least worth noticing, as showing that men were not necessarily led by their interpretation of the prophecy to imagine its fulfilment.

Shalt call his name JESUS.—See Note on Mat_1:21. The revelation of the name, with all its mysterious fulness of meaning, was made, we may note, to Joseph and Mary independently.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

31. Jesus] The Greek form of the Hebrew name Jehoshua (Num_13:8), Joshua, Jeshua (Zec_3:1), which means ‘The salvation of Jehovah’ (Philo, 1:597). It was one of the commonest Jewish names. Jesus is used for Joshua (to the great confusion of English readers) in Act_7:45; Heb_4:8. St Matthew (Mat_1:21) explains the reason of the name—“for He Himself shall save His people from their sins.” On Joshua as a type of Christ see Pearson On the Creed, Art. ii.

He shall save His people from their sins, “Summa Evangelii.” Bengel.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb,.... Though a pure virgin, which never knew a man; and therefore, "a behold", is prefixed to it, as being what was extraordinary and wonderful; as it is also, in the prophesy of it, in Isa 7:14 to which the angel manifestly refers, and is, by Matthew cited, as accomplished hereby; see Gill on Mat 1:22, Mat 1:23.

and bring forth a Son, and shalt call his name Jesus; which signifies a "Saviour"; and a Saviour Christ is of God's appointing, providing and sending; and a very suitable one, being a spiritual Saviour, and a complete one, both able and willing to save to the uttermost all that believe in him; nor is there any other, nor salvation in any other: he is the Saviour of his people, whom the Father has given him, even of all the elect, whether of Jews or Gentiles; and of them from all their sins, and from all their enemies; and whom he saves with a spiritual and eternal salvation.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Ver. 31. Shalt call his name Jesus] {See Trapp on "Mat 1:21"} If it were such a mercy to Israel that God raised up their sons for prophets, and their young men for Nazarites, Amo 2:11, what was it to Mary, and in her to all mankind, that she should be mother to the arch-prophet, to that famous Nazarite?

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb - See the notes at Isa 7:14.

And shalt call his name Jesus - A Saviour. See the notes at Mat 1:21. All this was announced. also, by an angel to Joseph, after this visitation to Mary. See the notes at Mat 1:20-21.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

It may perhaps in the first instance of reflection, appear shocking to our ideas, that a God should dwell in a human body; but does not the sun emit its rays into all kinds of places, without any detriment of its purity? How much more would the Sun of justice, assuming a most pure body, formed of the purest blood of the spotless Virgin, not only remain free from every the least stain himself, but even impart additional sanctity to his virgin Mother. (St. Thomas Aquinas)

George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).

These three verses contain the substance of the angel’s message or errand to the virgin, to tell her she should be the mother of

a Son, by what name she should call him, and what he should be. In telling her this, who knew herself to be a virgin, one who had not known man, (as she expresses it, Luk 1:34), he plainly minds her that the prophecy, Isa 7:14, should be fulfilled in her. Thus far the angel’s word signifieth a promise.

And shalt call his name Jesus: the angel saith the same to Joseph, Mat 1:21, and expounds it, adding, for he shall save his people from their sins; and thus the prophet expounds it, who saith, Isa 7:14, his name should be called Immanuel. There were two of this name before, Joshua and Jeshua, both of which were great types of Christ, as being great temporal saviours to the Israelites. The one brought them into Canaan; the other led them out of Babylon, Ezr 2:2. But this was yet a more excellent Joshua, who was to save his people from their sins. The angel further goes on describing him, saying,

He shall be great. Isaiah had said, Isa 9:6, his name shall be called Wonderful, mighty both in words and deeds, Luk 24:19.

And shall be called the Son of the Highest, that is, the Son of God, who is often in Scripture made known by this name, Gen 14:19; Psa 83:18; 92:1; Mar 5:7. He shall be called the Son, that is, he shall be so, for this phrase so signifieth often, Isa 1:26; Joh 1:12; for he shall be known and declared to be so, Rom 1:4. Peter so called him; so did the centurion who attended his cross. God himself called him so, Psa 2:7, and that in a sense agreeing to none but him; no, not to the angels, Heb 1:5, much less to saints.

And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: not the temporal kingdom, but the spiritual kingdom over the same people over whom David ruled, from whom he is descended. It appeareth from many passages in the prophets that David’s kingdom was a type of Christ’s, 2Sa 7:13; Psa 2:6; 132:11; Isa 9:6,7; Am 9:11. Hence we find the name of David given to Christ, Jer 30:9; Eze 34:23; Eze 37:24; Hos 3:5.

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes of Israel; so as the house of Jacob primarily signifieth the Jews, who were the natural branches in this excellent olive. Christ’s kingdom extended beyond the house of Jacob, but it began there, his law went first out of Zion, and he was in the first place sent to the lost sheep of Israel; he was the minister of the circumcision, Rom 15:8. Others were to be joined to the house of Jacob, Isa 14:1. Or Jacob, and the house of Jacob, may signify the whole church, all that should believe in Christ. The rod of his strength went out of Zion, Psa 110:2, though his kingdom was not confined to Jacob. All believers who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, are by the apostle determined the circumcision, Phi 3:3, and he is a Jew who is one inwardly, Rev 2:29.

And of his kingdom there shall be no end: this both expounds the words for ever, going just before, and also distinguishes the kingdom of Christ from all kingdoms of the world, which all shall have their periods; and also assures us of the continuance of the gospel church, which is Christ’s kingdom, till his kingdom of glory be revealed; and this agreeth with the prophecies of the Old Testament, concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, and the typical kingdom of David, Psa 145:13; Isa 9:7; Dan 7:14; Mic 4:7.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

31. Jesus—See note on Mat_1:21.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

JESUS; the ordinary Greek form, the well-known Hebrew Jehoshua, the shortened Joshua, "The Salvation of Jehovah.

Vers. 31-33. The greatness of Jesus Christ.

To Mary, as to Elisabeth, it was foretold by the celestial messenger that her Son should be "great." There can be no doubt that, after all that was then said, Mary expected unusually great things of the Child that should be born of her. But how very far short of the fact her highest hopes have proved to be! For to whatever exalted point they reached, the Jewish maiden could not possibly have attached to the angel"s words such meaning as we know them to have contained. The greatness of that promised Child was threefold; it related

I HIS DIVINE ORIGIN. He was not only to be her offspring, but he should "be called the Son of the Most High." And there was to come upon her and overshadow her the Holy Ghost, the Power of the Most High. He was to be not only a son of God, but the Son of God, related to the Eternal Father as no other of the children of men had ever been or should ever be. He was to be One that would in the fullest sense partake of the Divine nature, be one in thought and in aim and in action with the Father. (Joh_5:19, 23 8:28 10:30 14:10, 11) He was to be "God manifest in the flesh.

II THE WORK HE SHOULD ACCOMPLISH. "Thou shalt call his name Jesus;" and he was to be so called because he would "save his people from their sins". (Mat_1:25) There have been "saviors of society" from whom this poor wounded world might well have prayed to be delivered, men who tried to cover their own hideous selfishness under a fair and striking name. What they have claimed to be, Jesus the Savior was and is. He saves from sin. And to do that is to render us the very greatest conceivable service, both in its negative and positive aspects.

1. Negatively considered. To destroy sin is to take away evil by the root. For sin is not only, in itself, the worst and most shameful of all evils by which we can be afflicted, but it is the one fruitful source of all other evils poverty, estrangement, strife, weariness and aching of heart, death.

2. Positively considered. Saving from sin means restoring to God; it includes reinstatement in the condition from which sin removed us. Jesus Christ, in the very act in which he redeems us from the penalty and power of sin, restores us to God to his Divine favor, his likeness, his service. Accepting and abiding in the Savior, we dwell in the sunshine of God"s everlasting friendship; we grow up into his perfect image; we spend our days and our powers under his direction. It is not only that Jesus Christ delivers us from the darkest curse; it is that he raises us to the loftiest heritage, by the salvation which he offers to our hearts.

III THE DIGNITY AND POWER HE SHOULD ATTAIN. He was to reign upon a throne, "over the house of Jacob for ever;" and "of his kingdom there should be no end." Great and large as Mary"s expectations for her promised Child may have very justly been, they can have been nothing to the fulfillment of the angel"s words. For the kingdom of Christ. (as it is or as it shall be) is one that surpasses in every way that of the greatest Hebrew sovereign. It does so:

1. In its main characteristics. It is spiritual. The only homage which is acceptable to its King is the homage of the heart, the only tribute the tribute of affection, the only obedience the obedience of love. It is beneficent. Every subject in this realm is sacredly bound to seek his brother"s wellbeing rather than his own. It is righteous. Every citizen, because he is such, is pledged to depart from all iniquity, to pursue and practice all righteousness.

2. In its extent. It has "no end" in its spacial dimensions. No river bounds it; no mountain, no sea; it reaches the whole world round.

3. In its duration. He shall reign "for ever;" his rule will go down to remotest times; it will touch and include the last generation that shall dwell upon the earth. Let us rejoice in his greatness; but let us see to it that

(1) we have a part in the heritage of those whom he is blessing, and that

(2) we take our share in the furtherance of his mission of mercy. C.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

31. Ἰησοῦν. The name involves the whole Gospel. See Life of Christ, I. 18, 19. It is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jehoshua (Num 13:8), Joshua, Jeshua (Zec 3:1), which means ‘The salvation of Jehovah’ (Philo, I. 597). It was one of the commonest Jewish names. ‘Jesus’ is used for Joshua (to the great confusion of English readers) in Act 7:45; Heb 4:8. St Matthew (Mat 1:21) explains the reason of the name—“for He Himself shall save His people from their sins.” On Joshua as a type of Christ see Pearson On the Creed, Art. ii.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Thou shalt conceive. See on verse 24.

Jesus. See on Mt 1:21.

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.