Who Is Yeshua?
Yeshua is the original Hebrew name of Jesus Christ. It means "salvation" or "Yahweh saves." While most Christians recognize the name Jesus, Yeshua was how His followers addressed Him during His time on earth. Understanding His Hebrew name helps believers connect with the deep roots of their faith.
The Meaning of Yeshua’s Name
The name Yeshua is a shortened form of Yehoshua (Joshua), which means "The Lord is salvation." This meaning aligns with the purpose of His life and mission. When the angel appeared to Joseph in Matthew 1:21, he said:
"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."
In Hebrew, this verse would refer to Yeshua, emphasizing His role as the Savior.
Why Do We Call Him Jesus Instead of Yeshua?
The transition from Yeshua to Jesus happened over time as the name was translated across languages. Here’s how the name changed:
- Hebrew: Yeshua
- Greek: Iēsous
- Latin: Iesus
- English: Jesus
Greek, the language of the New Testament, didn’t have a direct equivalent for the "sh" sound in Yeshua. Instead, the name was written as Iēsous. Later, Latin writers dropped the final "s," and eventually, English translations added the letter "J" when it became common in the language.
Yeshua in the Old Testament
The name Yeshua appears in the Old Testament as well. It is often used for Joshua, Moses’ successor, who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. This connection is significant because, just as Joshua led God’s people to victory, Yeshua (Jesus) leads believers to eternal life.
Another reference comes from Isaiah 12:2:
"Behold, God is my salvation (Yeshua); I will trust and not be afraid."
This verse foreshadows Jesus as the ultimate source of salvation.
The Importance of Calling Him Yeshua
Some Christians believe calling Him Yeshua instead of Jesus is more accurate. While "Jesus" is widely accepted, using "Yeshua" can help believers:
- Understand His Jewish heritage – Jesus was born into a Jewish family and fulfilled Jewish prophecies.
- Recognize His role as the Messiah – His name literally means "salvation," reinforcing His mission.
- Deepen their biblical understanding – Knowing the original language of the Bible brings clarity to its meaning.
However, the Bible never insists on using one specific name. What matters is faith in who He is and what He has done.
Yeshua’s Mission and Teachings
Yeshua came to fulfill God’s promises and bring salvation to the world. His teachings focused on:
- Love and Forgiveness – He taught His followers to love their enemies and forgive those who hurt them (Matthew 5:44).
- The Kingdom of God – He preached about God's kingdom and how believers should seek righteousness (Matthew 6:33).
- Faith and Salvation – He emphasized that salvation comes through faith in Him (John 3:16).
His mission was completed through His death and resurrection, proving His power over sin and death.
Yeshua in the End Times
The Bible teaches that Yeshua will return as the King of Kings. Revelation 19:11-16 describes His second coming, where He will bring justice and establish His eternal kingdom. This gives hope to believers, reminding them that He will reign forever.
Conclusion
Yeshua is more than a name—it is a declaration of God's salvation. Whether you call Him Jesus or Yeshua, the most important thing is to believe in Him and follow His teachings. He is the same Savior, yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
