The Gift of Jesus’ Name | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, December 14
God has given us many blessings, but the gift of the name of Jesus stands above them all. Discover the power, authority, and saving grace in the name above all names.
Scriptures
Matthew 1:18-21; Matthew 2:11; James 1:17; Acts 2:38; Matthew 1:21; Micah 5:2; Psalm 96:1; Philippians 2:6-11; II Corinthians 5:19; John 8:58; John 10:30; Matthew 28:18; John 14:9; John 18:6; John 8:24; John 14:11; John 14:6; John 4:26; John 8:24
Key Points
• The gift of the Holy Spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit is a promised gift to all believers. Once you receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit, you are never the same.
• Every good gift comes from God. Pastors, teachers, and all the offices of ministry are gifts to the church. The gift of life and health are from God. Grace, mercy, and peace are all gifts given to us through the blood of Jesus.
• The gift of God’s name. God revealed Himself as Elohim, Adonai, I Am, Yahweh, and many other names. The names of God reveal that there is no one else like Him. He is your banner of victory, healer, righteousness, provider, and peace. But the greatest name He has given Himself is the name of Jesus!
• Jesus is the I Am. Jesus is the one whom the Jews worshipped for ages. He Is the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Door, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, and the Life, the Way, the Truth, and the Vine.
Introduction
Today we’ll explore the message, “The Gift of Jesus’ Name” by Jentezen Franklin.
In a season filled with spending, gifting, and celebration, this message redirects our hearts to what God gave humanity at Christmas—the greatest gift of all: the name of Jesus. From the moment the angel declared, “You shall call His name Jesus,” heaven released more than a name—it released salvation, authority, healing, and power wrapped into one divine gift.
Pastor Jentezen reminds us that God has always been a God who gives. Throughout Scripture, He revealed Himself layer by layer—Creator, Healer, Provider, Peace—until every Old Testament name and promise was fully revealed in Jesus. Just as the wise men brought gifts to honor Him, we are invited to recognize, treasure, and boldly call upon the name that is above every name.
This message invites us to pause amid the noise of the season and rediscover the wonder, power, and beauty of Jesus’ name—not as a common word, but as a sacred gift that saves, heals, and transforms lives.
• What stood out to you from this message?
God's Many Gifts Leading to the Greatest One
The Christmas season is a time when the world overflows with gifts, and Pastor Franklin often reminds us that this earthly tradition is merely a pale reflection of the divine generosity of our Father in heaven. With characteristic warmth, he pointed to the staggering statistics of holiday spending, joking about how men start shopping on December 22nd and women from Thanksgiving. Pastor also spoke on how the wise men set a biblical precedent for gift-giving, but noted that even their gold, frankincense, and myrrh pale in comparison to God's ultimate offering.
God's love is an unending stream of gifts, beautifully cataloged throughout Scripture. James 1:17 (NIV) reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NIV): "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up."
Yet, all these blessings—from the joy of the Holy Spirit to the peace we find in Him—serve as guideposts, leading us to the ultimate, unsurpassed Christmas gift: the name of Jesus. The angel declared to Joseph in Matthew 1:21 (NIV): "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." This is the gift that guarantees all the rest, the one that makes salvation personal, forgiveness complete, and eternal life possible. It is the greatest gift ever given, delivered in a name.
Group Discussion Questions
• What is one gift from God (beyond salvation) that you received this past year that has been a significant personal turning point, and how did it change your perspective?
• If Pastor Franklin’s experience with the Holy Spirit at age 16 resonates with you, share a moment when a gift from God became a personal, tangible reality.
• How does understanding the reason for the name "Jesus"—"He will save his people from their sins"—shift your focus during the busy, material Christmas season?
The Revelation and Uniqueness of Jesus' Name
Pastor Franklin dove into the majestic unfolding of God’s identity, what Micah 5:2 (NIV) calls the Lord's "goings forth, who is from of old, from ancient days." This phrase suggests a progressive revelation—God moving from deep history to present reality—and it is most clearly seen in His names.
In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself in numerous powerful titles:
• Elohim (Creator God)
• Adonai (Sovereign Lord)
• Yahweh (The Existing One, YHWH)
He then personalized His care through the Compound Jehovah Names—the names that meet our needs: Jehovah-Jireh (The Lord Will Provide), Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord Who Heals), Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Is Peace), Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness), and Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There).
The profound lesson is that "there's nobody like Jehovah." The Scriptures repeatedly emphasize this contrast. Psalm 96:5 (NIV) says, "For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens." God’s revelation stands unique against the empty promises of false gods like Baal or Dagon mentioned in the Old Testament. Isaiah 45:5 (NIV) declares: "I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God."
• Which Old Testament compound Jehovah name (e.g., Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Rapha) has been most personally meaningful to you in a specific time of need, and how did you experience its power?
• Micah 5:2 speaks of God's "goings forth" being from eternity. How does the name "Jesus" fulfill and complete the progression of God's revelation from the Old Testament names?
• Why do you think God chose a simple, common name—"Jesus"—to carry the weight of all divine power, rather than an elaborate title?
The Deity and Power in the Name of Jesus
Pastor Jentezen drove it home on one uncompromised truth: Jesus is not just a good teacher, a prophet, or one of many ways—He is God in the flesh. From the burning bush where God declared “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14) to the moment Jesus stood before the Pharisees and said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58), He was boldly claiming the divine name. The religious leaders knew exactly what He meant—that’s why they picked up stones to kill Him.
Philippians 2:9-11 NKJV “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
That name is above cancer, above addiction, above depression, above every demon, and above every circumstance. When Jesus walked the earth, demons screamed because they recognized undiluted deity wrapped in human skin. When He said “I AM the bread of life… the light of the world… the door… the good shepherd… the resurrection and the life… the way, the truth, and the life,” He was doing far more than giving catchy titles—He was unveiling the eternal “I AM” who stepped into time to bleed for us.
• Have you experienced the power of Jesus' name in prayer, healing, or breakthrough? Share your story.
• Why is it essential that Jesus is fully God, not just a great teacher?
• In what area of your life do you need to trust the authority of Jesus' name more right now?
Conclusion
The core truth of this message is clear: the name of Jesus is God’s greatest Christmas gift. It carries salvation, authority, and the fullness of who God is. Every name revealed in the Old Testament—Provider, Healer, Peace, Righteousness—finds its fulfillment in Jesus. When we speak His name, we are calling on the power of heaven itself.
This season, we are encouraged not just to celebrate Jesus’ birth, but to honor His name—to praise it, worship it, and call on it boldly in every circumstance. Let us resist using His name casually and instead lift it with reverence and faith. As Pastor Jentezen emphasized, there truly is “something about that name.” It brings joy, confidence, healing, and hope.
As a response, take time this week to reflect on how the name of Jesus has impacted your life. Share that testimony with someone. Speak His name in prayer over your family, your challenges, and your future. Celebrate Him not just with gifts, but with worship.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the greatest gift ever given—the name of Jesus. Thank You that in His name we find salvation, healing, peace, and eternal life. Help us to honor His name, call on it boldly, and live in the power it carries. This season and always, may Jesus be glorified in our hearts, our homes, and our lives. Amen.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” — Matthew 1:21
(See also Philippians 2:10–11)
• Final Discussion Question:
How can you intentionally honor and lift up the name of Jesus in your daily life this week?
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