In Philippians 2:9 we read that God (The Father) highly exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him “the name that is above every name”.
But why is Jesus’ name the “name above every name”?
Well, the answer comes from all that is shared about Him in the surrounding verses, starting in verse 6 (bold and italics mine);
…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:6-11 ESV)
So why is Jesus’ name so special, and above every name?
Well, about whom else could it ever be said that…
• Although He was (and is) God, was willing to make Himself nothing – becoming a servant of the lowest order?
• Being God’s Son, was willing to submit to His Father’s will, and allow Himself to be crucified?
• He, now exalted by His Father, is the One to whom every knee should bow, and tongue confess that Jesus is Lord?
Jesus’ name is special, and above all names not only because of what He did, but also because He is now to be acknowledged by all humanity as Jesus Christ, the Lord of all.
And although the name Jesus, which means “savior” was common in His time, there is only One who can ever be called Savior of the world. For as God’s Word says, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 ESV).
Do you know of anyone else who has saved people from their sins?
This Easter season, Jesus’ name will be on our lips often. When we say it, may we be quick to acknowledge that it is the name above all names!