His Name

Matthew 1:18–25

This part of the Bible tells about how Mary and Joseph learned that Mary was going to have a baby, Jesus, even though they weren’t married yet. This was a tough situation for them. The Bible often makes a big deal about people’s names, because a name can say a lot about who a person is and what they’re meant to do. Jesus’ name tells us that he’s more than just a regular person – he has the power and purpose to save people. This story reminds us to think about who we are and what we’re meant to do, suggesting that knowing we belong to God can help clear up these questions.

1. Whose are you?

Today’s world likes to tell us that we can decide who we are all by ourselves, and a lot of people try to figure out their identity through their jobs or by thinking really hard about it. This can lead to feeling out of balance or even financial problems. The Bible, though, says that trying to make up our own identity is pointless, because our real identity is something God gives us. Believing that our identity comes from God, not from things we do or people we know, helps us to be humble and to live the way God wants us to.

2. What then are you living for?

What’s important to us and what we commit to can shape our identity. When God is at the center, we can feel more secure about who we are. Believing in Jesus as our Savior and accepting that he did what needed to be done so we can be right with God is the start of a new identity. That identity becomes clearer as we obey and serve God, which helps us find our special talents and purpose in life.