Here's the "POINT"!

"JESUS" (2)

In the previous Article about the Lord's “NAME", we studied a few introductory passages. We shall continue the study "from time to time". But, we remind you that it may take "some time" to do so with any sense of completeness. If you did not already know it, there are seven hundred and twelve (712) verses in which "”JESUS” is found. There are also one hundred, ninety seven (197) verses in which “The NAME" of "JESUS CHRIST" is mentioned. These numbers comprise a daunting list, but it should not be a big surprise. Many of the verses only mention HIS "Name” in that HE went somewhere or HE talked to someone. We will endeavor to choose the passages which have a "Doctrinal" or "Educational" significance in their content and context.

The next thing we note is, that Mary remembered all that the Angel told her (Lk. 1:26-55) and it says, ". . . but His Mother kept all these sayings in her heart." (Lk. 2:51) We can hardly imagine all the thoughts she had, all the wonders deep within, all her expectations, all her fears! What could it have been like? But, we do know that she and Joseph began to comprehend, little by little, all which was happening to them . . . during the first nine months, and through the coming years. When "the Child" was born, it says, "And, he knew her not till she had brought forth her first born son, and he called His NAME, JESUS." (Mt. 1:25) It says, "And, Jacob beget Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born JESUS, who is called 'Christ'". (Mt. l:16) And, then, "Now the birth of JESUS Christ was on this wise. . . ". (Mt. 1:18-25)

So, as the Angel said, "And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a Son, and shall call HIS Name, 'JESUS'". (Lk. 1:31) And, after His birth—“when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His NAME was called 'JESUS', which was so-named of the Angel before He was conceived in the womb." (Lk. 2:21) It says, "After JESUS was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem." (Mt. 2:1) And, so it all happened just as it was said seven hundred years before it did happen. "Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." . (Isa. 7:14, see Mt. 1:23, Lk. 1:31, Jn. 1:45, Rev. 12:5)

We learn next some brief excerpts about JESUS' childhood. A few are noted in which HIS "NAME" is listed. The first Temple Visit (Lk. 2:22-38), Visit of the Wise Men (Mt. 2:1-12), Flight into Egypt and Massacre of the Innocents (Mt. 2:13-18), Return from Egypt to Nazareth (Mt. 2:19-23, Lk. 2:39), Childhood (Lk. 2:40,51), Visits the Temple, 12 yrs old (Lk. 2:41-50), Later life (Lk. 2:51-52).

The next major event in the beginning of JESUS' adult life in which HIS "NAME" is used, is when "John the Baptizer" baptizes Him. John was baptizing everyone (Mt. 3:5-6) and JESUS also comes to him "to be baptized". But, John "forbad Him" claiming his need "to be baptized" by JESUS. Whether that ever happened or not, we doubt. But, JESUS insists saying, "For thus, it becometh us to fulfill all Righteousness." . (Mt. 3:15) How interesting! It would be good for all those of past and present who deny and reject baptism as necessary for salvation to consider the importance JESUS placed on HIS own! He instructed John, "For thus it becomes us to fulfill all Righteousness"! If you (even Jesus) were not baptized, "Righteousness" could not be fulfilled! Find another conclusion to the Lord's words! How could "JESUS" the "SAVIOR" say anything other?

This passage about "JESUS" and "BAPTISM" has to be one of the premiere teachings. First, it connects personally the Lord and the subject of "Baptism". Also, it is not a passage of just what "JESUS" said about, “Baptism”, but it is clearly one about what HE did concerning it. And, what HE did was to submit to it, Himself! And, HE also stated HIS reason for being "Baptized", in no uncertain terms--"to fulfill all Righteousness"!
by Arles Vandiver, Minister
Church of Christ
Point, Texas 75472