The Names of Jesus
Blog #65 - The Names of Jesus
Over the last 3 months, we (I) have enjoyed walking through the names of Jesus. In total, we have studied 12 names, of which the biblical writers ascribed (and more importantly the Spirit of God) to Jesus. From Immanuel to the Word, we have learned about the importance of the names of Jesus and how they enlighten, encourage, and center us on the power we have available to us.
To review, I would to remind you of each name we studied, so that you can appreciate and worship Jesus and give Him the praise He so rightfully deserves. We opened our study with the name “Immanuel.” This name of God, which we so adeptly ascribe to Jesus at Christmas gives us peace knowing God will always be with us. Not only was God with Isaiah when he prophesied this in Isaiah 7:14, but also through Matthew’s pen as he called Him “Immanuel” shortly after Christ’s birth.
Next, we spoke of Jesus, using two different names, both “Alpha and Omega,” and “King.” Jesus claimed both names for Himself. In Revelation 22:13, He (rightfully!) calls Himself, “the Alpha and the Omega," the first and the last letter of the Greek alphabet. He is also “King” as He is called, also in Revelation. In 19:16, we learn of the ascription of Jesus’ robe in heaven, which reads, “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.” If Jesus is our King, then He is rightfully warrants our worship. We must praise Him continually because the King of Kings, put on man’s clothing, and gave His life for ours.
Christ is also the “Lamb of God” a phrase reference in Exodus 12:13 to describe act of passing over the doorposts of the obedient Israelites with a swath of blood painted over their doors. John the Baptist, as Jesus was coming toward him, exclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Because He is the Lamb of God, He is qualified to the our Great High Priest. He intercedes for us, when we could not. He has, rightfully, as Hebrews 4:14-16, describes, passed through the heavens, to rightfully intercede on our behalf!
Jesus is the Sovereign God. He knows all, controls all, and will bring all to completion. Colossians 1:15-16 informs us that all things have been created “through Him and for Him.” There is nothing we will encounter today or tomorrow which God hasn’t already foreseen and exists by His permission. He is sovereign, therefore, He is the great I AM. Ever since ascribing this name to Himself at the Burning Bush in Exodus 3:14, He reminds us of this powerful name before the Pharisees. Inn John 8:58, Christ states, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Because He is the great "I AM,” He can also be our Lord. Philippians 2:10-11, reminds us of His position within our lives. He is Lord. One day, “every knee will bow” and “every tongue” will confess that “Jesus is Lord.” He is our great I AM!
Jesus is Lord of all. When we call Him, “Lord,” we are, at the same time, relinquishing, all rights and privileges we have in ourselves. When we call Him, Jesus, we are affirming our belief in the fulfillment of His mission to earth. 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds us was were “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified” through His life, death, and resurrection. His name is Jesus, our Savior.
Knowing Jesus as our “Christ" makes all the difference in our life. Paul reiterated this phrase in Philippians 3:8, speaking of the unsurpassable name Jesus Christ, writes, “for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” To know Him as “Christ,” means to know the completeness of His revelation to us. He is God, and we are not.
He is also known as the “Son of God, Son of Man,” which gives us a full definition of His divinity. This phrase was placed upon Him, not by a disciple or known follower, but by a Roman centurion overseeing His death. He is, as the Roman soldier stated, truly the Son of God, the Son of Man. Finally, Jesus is called the living Word. John 1:1 reads, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 further clarifies as it reads, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Word or Jesus seeks to teach us that He is all we need.
The names of Jesus spell out the necessary descriptions leading to one unmissable fact - Jesus is Lord. Hopefully, now through studying, reading, and hearing the Word can most obediently follow Him.