Nougat 23

August 2024 was historic for many, given the unique medal hauls at the Paris Olympic Games. But it was also historic as it was the month that embattled Jamaican artiste Vybz Kartel was released from prison. Naturally, there was mixed reactions to that. As I read Today’s Holy Nougat, I was struck by Vybz Kartel’s moniker … ‘World Boss’. It has me wonder, ‘what if ?’

Matthew 27:16 NIV

[16] At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.

Names Matter

In some circles, one’s name is one’s brand. This explains brand wars and the efforts behind establishing one’s brand through marketing. When reading the Bible, one can’t help but note that names carried significance, and were carefully chosen to convey messages or aspirations of families.

We might recall that the name ‘Jesus’ was mentioned in the New Testament firstly in Matthew 1. After the ‘begats’ genealogy record, Joseph’s connection to the Messiah is established. Verse 16 states, ‘Jacob was the father of Joseph, husband of Mary. Mary gave birth to Jesus, Who is called the Messiah.’ Matthew further expounded on the lineage by sharing Joseph’s story, and the reader is told that Joseph was instructed by an angel of God to name the Messiah Jesus, ‘… for He will save the people from their sins.’

The explanation allows one to infer that the name Jesus is affiliated with the premise of salvation. The inference is correct. Jesus transliterates from the Hebrew Yehodhua, YHWH is Salvation. A most appropriate name for the Messiah, don’t you think?

The Matthean writer was very strategic in weaving the Gospel narrative. Having laid the foundation about Jesus as Messiah, the next step was providing proof. It is not surprising then, that throughout the Gospel, Matthew uses ‘Jesus’ to refer to the Messiah. Then Matthew introduces Jesus Barabbas to the reader. But Jesus Barabbas was a well-known prisoner.

This begs the question about the significance of the name Jesus. Was it coincidental that Barabbas was infamous? Or that his name was also Jesus?Barabbas means ‘son of the father’, so his entire name transliterates as ‘YHWH saves Son of the Father’. It certainly wasn’t accidental that he was the one released from prison on that day. His name tells a story of our redemption.

Names matter.

Especially Biblical ones.

Adapting the Law of First Mention invites us to see that Messiah Jesus became the substitute for Jesus Barabbas. Because that is exactly how it transpired. Through Messiah Jesus, YHWH saved us from our sins, allowing us to be called ‘sons’ of God or sons of The Father (for more details on this, see Ephesians 1:4-5). Uncanny, isn’t it.

Now that we’re aware of this factoid, how shall we respond? Might we receive the exchange with grace, celebrating Messiah Jesus as our Lord, and sharing the Good News with others. Let’s celebrate the Boss of all Bosses, and not venerate World Boss.

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May all we seek be found in Christ