What are the names of Jesus Christ? Introduction Names and titles in Scripture convey profound truths about character, mission, and authority. The names of Jesus Christ reveal His divine identity, His role in redemption, and His unique position as the eternal Son who entered history. These designations come from ancient manuscripts that align with what believers and scholars alike recognize as reliable and consistent evidence. What follows is a comprehensive look at the names of Jesus Christ, supported by biblical passages from the Berean Standard Bible. 1. Jesus (Yeshua) The name “Jesus” derives from the Hebrew “Yeshua,” which means “Yahweh saves.” This name directly ties Him to the covenant God of Israel. According to the Gospel of Matthew, an angel instructed Joseph: “And 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) From preserved New Testament manuscripts, this name appears repeatedly, signifying the core of His mission: to deliver humanity from the bondage of sin. 2. Christ (Christos) “Christ” comes from the Greek “Christos,” meaning “Anointed One,” equating to “Messiah” in Hebrew. The Gospel of John records: “Andrew… found his own brother Simon and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated as Christ).” (John 1:41) Archaeological findings and early Christian writings (such as first- and second-century patristic sources) affirm the frequent use of this title, reflecting the belief that He wholly fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of an anointed deliverer. 3. Emmanuel The title “Emmanuel” means “God with us,” echoing the prophet Isaiah. In the Gospel of Matthew: “Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”). (Matthew 1:23) This emphasizes the incarnational mystery: God Himself dwelling among humanity. Excavations in regions like Galilee have uncovered first-century remains consistent with the timeline offered in the Gospels, where Emmanuel—the incarnate God—walked and taught. 4. Son of God Jesus is called “Son of God” throughout the New Testament. This declares His eternal relationship to the Father and His divine nature. The Gospel of John explains its purpose: “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…” (John 20:31) Earliest manuscript evidence (including fragments and codices) consistently testifies to this title. Such early textual witnesses reinforce that the Gospel writers intended to present Jesus as truly divine. 5. Son of Man “Son of Man” appears frequently in the Gospels as the most common way Jesus referred to Himself. It is rooted in Daniel 7:13–14, describing a figure with authority and dominion. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus says: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) This title integrates His humanity with His heavenly authority, reflecting prophecy’s fulfillment and the deep compassion of His mission. 6. Lamb of God John the Baptist declared: “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) This title unites Old Testament sacrificial imagery (Exodus 12; Leviticus 4) with the atoning work of Jesus. Early Christian documents affirm that the sacrificial overtones of “Lamb of God” formed a crucial part of the earliest theology about the Messiah’s purpose. 7. Light of the World Jesus proclaims: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) This presents an image of divine illumination leading humanity out of darkness. The Dead Sea Scrolls, though predating the New Testament, also contain rich images of light versus darkness, aligning with themes Jesus fulfills as the “Light of the World.” 8. The Word (Logos) In the prologue of the Gospel of John: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:1,14) This emphasizes Jesus’s eternal existence and creative power. Early fragments of John (like Papyrus P52) attest to the preservation of this lofty Christological portrayal, confirming that this doctrine was present from the earliest gospel records. 9. Alpha and Omega In apocalyptic literature, Jesus identifies Himself: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 1:8; see also 22:13) Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing Christ’s eternal presence and sovereignty over all time and creation. 10. King of Kings and Lord of Lords Describing the final triumph: “On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:16) This conveys His supreme authority over earthly and spiritual realms. The earliest manuscripts of Revelation uphold the continuity of this title, further demonstrating Christ’s exalted and unmatched dominion. 11. The Way, the Truth, and the Life Jesus asserts: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) This name emphasizes exclusivity of His role as the sole mediator. In tandem with archaeological evidence for first-century Christian communities, records show that this conviction defined the early church’s character and worship practices. 12. The Good Shepherd He says: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) The concept of shepherding runs deeply in Israel’s history (Psalm 23). Jesus embodies the protective, loving caregiver who sacrifices Himself, integrating the threads of Old Testament motifs with New Testament fulfillment. 13. The Bread of Life He declares: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:35) This symbolizes spiritual sustenance. References to Jesus as essential “bread” echo Israel’s manna experience in the wilderness, confirming Him as the ultimate provision for the deepest human needs. 14. Mediator The apostle Paul writes: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) This underscores the unique position Christ holds in reconciling sinful humanity to a holy God. Early manuscript evidence, including quotations by figures such as Polycarp, Ignatius, and later Irenaeus, supports the authenticity of this theme in Pauline writings. 15. Advocate The first letter of John affirms: “If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One.” (1 John 2:1) Here, “advocate” captures the idea of legal representation before God’s throne, adding depth to His intercessory role. Early Christian communities viewed this advocacy as a source of hope and comfort. 16. Redeemer “For the grace of God has appeared… Jesus Christ… who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness.” (Titus 2:11,13–14 paraphrased from) This identifies Him as the One who pays the debt, connecting to the longstanding biblical concept of redemption from bondage. Archaeological data, such as first-century inscriptions hinting at ransomed slaves, illuminate cultural underpinnings for this concept, correlating with how the New Testament pictures Jesus’s redemptive work. 17. Rabbi (Teacher) Many addressed Jesus as “Rabbi,” reflecting their recognition of His authoritative teaching. The Gospel of John notes: “…they said to Him, ‘Rabbi’ (which is to say, being interpreted, Master).” (John 1:38, partly paraphrased) Jesus’s role as the supreme teacher is supported by consistent testimony across Gospels and early Christian writing, underscoring His unparalleled wisdom and understanding. 18. I AM When challenging the religious leaders of His day, Jesus claimed a title echoing God’s self-revelation in Exodus 3:14: “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58) This statement from first-century manuscripts points to His direct identification with the eternal, self-existent God. Its immediate context shows the audience’s reaction, confirming the magnitude of this claim in His original setting. Conclusion Each name and title of Jesus Christ reveals facets of His identity—divine, Messianic, and redemptive. Ancient manuscript evidence, historical corroboration, and archaeological discoveries consistently align with scriptural testimony. In proclaiming “Jesus, the Christ,” Scripture presents the Messiah foreseen by the prophets, crucified and resurrected, and exalted as Sovereign Lord. His names continue to inspire faith and understanding, uniting believers around the central truth that He is both fully God and fully man, the unique Savior of the world. |
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