What’s in a Name?
Merry Christmas!
(My Christmas special aired on AccessNow TV on Eternity with Susan Harris. Includes the story of Jesus’ birth for the children. View it at https://youtu.be/Ewtr8DtByvQ
Have you ever considered what’s in a name?
Centuries before Jesus was born, His birth was prophesied. But not just His birth, but also His names and titles.
In the Bible, names are fundamentally significant. Names were not randomly assigned because a name represented the core of an individual, his/her character, identity, purpose, and covenant. Names were often prophecies of the destiny of persons, and reflections of God’s attributes.
In essence, names were divine declarations, and this is best seen in the names Jesus. The verses below indicate a few of the more popular names/titles of Jesus. As we reflect on Christmas, the reason why Jesus came to earth, I encourage to call on him by the names you need Him most. He will answer.
Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Christ: A title, not a name, meaning “anointed one”.
Matthew 16:16 – Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Lord: Used more than 97 times in the Gospels, and refers to God Supreme authority on Jesus.
Luke 2:11 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Son of Man: The most frequent title Jesus used for himself, appearing over 100 times in the Gospels. It indicates that He was the son of a human mother.
Matthew 20:28 – “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.
Jesus of Nazareth: An earthly name referring to the city from which His family came, and is mentioned 17 times in the Bible.
John. 18:4-5 – Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
Messiah: A title meaning “anointed one” or “savior,” from the Hebrew word for “Christ”.
John 1:41 – “We have found the Messiah”.
Saviour: A title that comes from the Greek word for “Christ,” meaning “to save” or “to deliver”.
Titus 2:13 – “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”.
Good Shepherd: A title that symbolizes Jesus’ care for His followers.
John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”
Lamb of God: A title that refers to Jesus’ role as a perfect sacrifice, found in the Gospel of John.
John 1:29 – “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world”.
Light of the World: A title used in the Gospel of John to describe Jesus’ mission of bringing light to a darkened world.
John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.
Bread of Life: A title used by Jesus in the Gospel of John to refer to Himself as the source of eternal life.
John 6:35 “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”.
King of the Jews: A title used at the beginning and end of Jesus’ life, indicating His royal lineage and claim to the Davidic throne.
Matthew 2:2 – Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.
Matthew 27:37 A sign was fastened above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”
Jesus’ are no ordinary names. He will do for you what His name signifies. Why not put Jesus in your Christmas by calling on His holy names?