J.C. Ryle wrote in The Gospel of Matthew, “Happy is the person who trusts not merely in vague notions of God’s mercy and goodness, but in ‘Jesus.’” The name Jesus means “Savior” and is surely the most encouraging name to wearied, burdened sinners. Yes, He is Lord of lords and King of kings, but the simple name of Jesus brings peace because it means “he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Was ever there anyone who lived up to His namesake as Jesus, the Savior, did?
There is only one person recorded in the Bible as addressing Jesus by His name. He himself is not named at all, other than with the humiliating designation of “criminal.” The dying thief on the cross had wasted his life. Yet he put his trust fully in Jesus at the end. He watched Jesus voluntarily suffer for the sake of others.
So he spoke out in confident, simple faith, “Jesus, remember me…”
Many of us find ourselves beset by sin. We find the daily struggle of it too much to bear. Turn to your Savior, Jesus. He has lived up to His name for you.