1. Matthew 1:1–25 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does "Jesus" mean?

Matthew 1:25 (ESV)

25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

The angel had explained to Joseph the meaning of “Jesus”: “He will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). And so when Joseph gives this name to the child, he is making public the purpose and task of this child. “Jesus,” like Joshua in the Old Testament, means “Saviour.” Jesus came to rescue.