The name of Jesus holds unparalleled significance in Christianity, and in the world generally. He is the embodiment of divinity and salvation. Throughout the Bible, there are many names given to Jesus, which focus on various aspects of who He is, His relationship to the other persons of the Godhead, His character and His role in creation and salvation.
In 2022, I chose 29 names of Jesus as I read through scripture and listened to Christian songs, hand lettered them and included them on some Christian products. You can get a tea towel and a lined notebook with these 29 names written in navy blue and set on a dusty pink background for a lovely modern feel. I’ve included some photos of the tea towel throughout this blog post, as I think they help to reflect on the words written about each of the names of Jesus.
In this blog post, I will give a short description and explanation of the 29 names of Jesus I chose for these products, as they are ones that have particularly struck me, and I have spent time meditating on them as I have chosen and then lettered each one.
1. Lamb of God:
”Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” In the Old Testament, lambs were used as a sacrifice. They were to be perfect, without blemish and one was sacrificed each Passover from the first Passover when the Israelites were about to flee.
In John 1:29, John the Baptist proclaims upon seeing Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" Not just the sins of the household taking shelter behind the blood of the lamb they had painted on the lintel and door posts of their homes, but this perfect lamb, THE lamb of God, would take away the sins of the whole world. He was so perfect, that He was able to do this incredible thing.
This title highlights Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins, symbolizing His selfless act of redemption on the cross. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus offers salvation to all who believe in Him, bringing forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
One of the earliest titles attributed to Jesus, "Lamb of God," comes from the symbolism of sacrifice. As the Passover Lamb, Jesus willingly gave His life as an atonement for the sins of humanity, offering redemption and salvation to all who believe in Him.
2. King of Kings:
In Revelation 19:16, Jesus is described as the "King of kings and Lord of lords." This title emphasises His supreme authority and sovereignty over all rulers and kingdoms, and over all creation. Jesus' kingship extends beyond earthly rulers; He reigns over every power and principality, and His eternal dominion is unmatched. Kings in this world have power. But this king is king over all the kings of the world, his power and authority extend over every person on earth. These days, those who seem to have power and authority are celebrities - but they are just like us, sinful and lost without Jesus.
3. Son of Man:
The term "Son of Man" appears throughout the Gospels, where Jesus uses it to refer to Himself. In Mark 10:45, He explains, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." This name emphasises Jesus' humanity.
By calling Himself the "Son of Man," Jesus identifies with humanity, displaying His compassion, empathy, and solidarity with mankind. This term underscores both His divinity and humanity, reminding us of His unique dual nature, which gives Him the authority and ability to serve and save men and women through His sacrificial death.
4. Jesus (Yeshua)
The name "Jesus" comes from the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Yeshua," meaning "Yahweh saves." In Matthew 1:21, an angel instructs Joseph regarding the child's name, "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." This name underscores His role as the Saviour, fulfilling the prophecy to save men and women from sin that cuts them off from God, and reconcile them with God.
5. Rescuer:
In 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Jesus is described as the "Rescuer from the coming wrath." This title portrays Him as the Deliverer who rescues believers from the judgment that awaits those who reject God. Through faith in Jesus, we find refuge from condemnation and eternal security in Him. Colossians 1:13 says “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son“.
Jesus also rescues us from sin, giving us the supernatural power to resist temptation. What is impossible with man is possible with God. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Be encouraged!
6. Way Maker:
In the Bible, God is referred to as a way maker in Isaiah 43:16-19.
In this passage, God says, "I am the Lord, who opened a way through the waters, making a path right through the sea. I called forth the mighty army of Egypt with all its chariots and horses. I drew them beneath the waves, and they drowned, their lives snuffed out like candles. But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!"
These verses emphasise God's ability to create a way where there seems to be no way and to lead His people through challenging situations.
As the "Way Maker," Jesus provides this way back to God were there seemed to be no way. He is the bridge that connects us to our Maker who we denied, offering a way for us to experience eternal life and union with the Father. “No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
More than that, Jesus also makes a way for us in our daily lives here on Earth. He guides us and directs us, leading us in the path of righteousness. He provides for our needs. He gives us strength and courage to face any challenge, and He is with us in everything giving us what we need to overcome.
7. Lion of Judah:
A couple of songs I love are reasons I included this name of Jesus “you’re the lion of Judah, the lamb who was slain” sung by Robin Mark is such a rousing and exciting song that speaks of the end times when the Lion of Judah will triumph over darkness and lead us in to spiritual victory. The other song is newer and one we sing in church on a regular basis called Lion and the Lamb - again paralleling the pictures of the lion (power and might) and the lamb (gentleness and sacrifice). The line “our God is the lion, the lion of Judah, he’s roaring with power and fighting our battles - every knee will bow before him”
There is more to this name than just power though - it is a prophetic name, originating from the book of Genesis, specifically from the blessing that Jacob, also known as Israel, gave to his son Judah:
"Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your father's sons shall bow down before you. Judah is a lion's cub; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion and as a lioness; who dares rouse him? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples." (Genesis 49:8-10 ESV)
In this prophecy, Jacob envisions Judah as a lion, symbolizing strength, authority, and leadership. The reference to the scepter and ruler's staff indicates that a significant ruler or king will emerge from the tribe of Judah.
In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the fulfilment of these prophecies, particularly in the Book of Revelation, where Jesus is described as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Revelation 5:5). This image is used in the context of the heavenly vision, where Jesus is portrayed as the one who has triumphed and is worthy to open the seals of God's plan for the future.
8. Good Shepherd:
These days, we don’t really know much about shepherds, so this name may have lost some of its meaning. A shepherd’s role was to look after his sheep in various ways. A shepherd cares, guides and directs, protects, knows his sheep and is willing to die in their place - if a wolf or a bear comes for them for instance.
In the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the Good Shepherd. In John 10:1-18, Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to convey profound spiritual truths about his relationship with his followers: he cares for his flock (us), he knows us each by name and knows when we go astray, will come looking for us and bring us back. We know the voice of the shepherd, too. We know and are known by this Good Shepherd, this is an intimate relationship.
He guides and directs us to green pastures and still waters, he protects us from harm and he’s willing to lay down his life for us, which he did. This portraiture of Jesus should cast our minds to Psalm 23, which says The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
9. Chosen One:
Recently, the series on the life of Jesus, The Chosen is what may come to mind when I say that Jesus is the chosen one. In the Bible, the term "chosen one" is often used to refer to individuals whom God has selected for specific roles, purposes, or missions. But Jesus is the ultimate and unparalleled "Chosen One" because of his unique identity and mission as the Messiah, Saviour, and Son of God.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are numerous prophecies and promises that anticipate the coming of a special individual who would fulfill God's plan of redemption. For example, in Isaiah 42:1-4, the "Servant of the Lord" is described as the chosen one who will bring justice, righteousness, and salvation to the world.
Gospel accounts of the birth of Jesus highlight his unique status as the chosen one. In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and give birth to the Son of the Most High, who will be called the Son of God. This emphasises Jesus' divine origin and purpose.
At the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17), a voice from heaven declares, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and further affirms his identity as the chosen one.
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are understood as the ultimate confirmation of his role as the chosen one. Through his sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, Jesus accomplishes the redemption and reconciliation of humanity with God, fulfilling the prophetic expectations.
10. The Vine:
For some reason, as a child, John 15 was one of my favourite passages of scripture. I think it was because a few of us has been asked to look further in to one of the I Am statements of Jesus, and I was assigned this one. By looking at it and seeking to understand it, it became dear to me. John 15:5 says:
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
In this metaphor, Jesus compares himself to a vine, and his disciples (believers) are compared to branches. Three things come from this: connectivity, fruitfulness and utter dependence.
1. Just as branches need to be connected to the vine to receive nutrients and thrive, believers are urged to maintain a deep and ongoing relationship with Jesus to receive spiritual nourishment and guidance.
2. A tree is known by its fruit, and so are we, people known by ours - we will be known as belonging to Christ by what we do with our lives, what we value, and whether we are loving, joyful, peace makers, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled.
3. Apart from Me You Can Do Nothing: This phrase emphasizes our utter dependence on Jesus for life, faith and everything.
In describing Himself as "The Vine," Jesus illustrates the intimate connection between believers and Himself. Just as branches draw nourishment from the vine, Christians draw spiritual sustenance from their relationship with Him.
11. The Door:
In John 10:9, Jesus refers to himself as the door. He says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." This metaphor is part of a larger passage in which Jesus uses the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to describe his relationship with his followers. In fact, it comes just a couple of verses before he says that he is the good shepherd.
The metaphor of Jesus as the door has several layers of meaning:
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Salvation: Jesus is portrayed as the entryway or gateway to salvation and eternal life. Through belief in him and accepting his teachings, individuals are able to establish a personal relationship with God and receive the promise of forgiveness and eternal life. There is no other way.
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Access to God: Just as a door allows entry into a physical space, Jesus serves as the means by which people can approach and connect with God. He is the intermediary who bridges the gap between humanity's fallen state and the holiness of God. Again, there is no other way.
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Protection and Security: In the context of a shepherd and his sheep, the door serves as protection against threats and dangers. Similarly, Jesus provides spiritual protection and security for his followers, guarding them from spiritual harm and the temptations of the world.
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Guidance and Direction: A door not only provides access but also guides people in and out. Similarly, Jesus offers guidance and direction in the lives of believers, helping them navigate challenges, make righteous choices, and find a sense of purpose.
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Unity and Inclusion: The concept of Jesus as the door emphasizes that he is open to all who seek him, regardless of their background, social status, or past mistakes. It signifies that salvation is available to everyone who comes to him in faith.
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Exclusivity of Salvation: In this metaphor, Jesus implies that he is the only legitimate way to attain salvation and eternal life. This exclusivity emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ's role in the redemption of humanity.
12. I AM:
The phrase "I am" holds profound significance and points to the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
This expression is closely tied to the encounter between God and Moses at the burning bush in the Old Testament, where God identifies Himself as "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14).
So when Jesus said "I am," He was making a clear claim to His deity. By using the same phrase that God used to reveal His identity to Moses, Jesus was associating Himself with the God of the Old Testament. This assertion startled the religious leaders of His time, as they understood the weight of this statement.
By using the same phrase, Jesus demonstrated the continuity of God's covenant with His people. He was essentially proclaiming that the God who spoke to Moses and established the covenant with Israel was present in Him. Jesus' ministry was the fulfilment of the promises made throughout the Old Testament.
In various instances in the Gospels, Jesus used the phrase "I am" to make authoritative declarations about His nature and mission. Some of these I am going in to more depth on in this blog post. For example, "I am the door” and “I am the good shepherd” above, and “I am the bread of life below. These statements underscore His role as the ultimate provider of spiritual nourishment and the sole path to salvation.
13. Bread of Life:
The statement "I am the bread of life" said by Jesus in John 6:35, conveys several important concepts about the nature of Jesus and his role in the lives of believers:
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Spiritual Nourishment: Just as bread provides essential sustenance for physical life, Jesus offers spiritual nourishment for the soul. Believers are invited to partake in a relationship with him that satisfies the deepest spiritual longings and needs. The full verse specifically says “whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in my will never be thirsty” - obviously this is not speaking of physical hunger and thirst. Jesus himself was both hungry and thirsty during his life on earth, but was satisfied spiritually.
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Eternal Life: Bread is a basic necessity of physical life, and by likening himself to the bread of life, Jesus is indicating that through faith in him, believers can attain eternal life. He is the source of the life that transcends earthly existence and continues beyond death.
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Communion: This statement is also connected to Communion or the Eucharist. In the Last Supper, Jesus broke bread and shared it with his disciples, and said “take eat, this is my body broken for you”.
Jesus, the "Bread of Life," is the spiritual sustenance that satisfies our deepest longings and nourishes our souls, providing eternal life to all who partake in Him.
14. Messiah:
Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah, which means he is the anointed one, the Savior, and the fulfiller of Old Testament prophecies regarding the coming of a chosen deliverer. This belief is fundamental to Christian theology and forms the core of their faith. Here are some key beliefs that Christians hold about Jesus being the Messiah:
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Fulfillment of Prophecy: Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies found in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) that describe the characteristics, life, and mission of the Messiah. These prophecies include his birthplace (Bethlehem), his lineage (descendant of David), his ministry, his suffering, and his ultimate triumph.
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Son of God: Christians view Jesus as the divine Son of God, who took on human form through the Incarnation. They believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, and that he came to Earth to bridge the gap between humanity and God, providing salvation through his sacrifice.
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Salvation through His Sacrifice: Christians believe that Jesus' death on the cross was a sacrificial offering that paid the price for humanity's sins. His resurrection from the dead is seen as a victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to those who believe in him.
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Redemption and Atonement: Christians believe that Jesus' sacrifice serves as a redemption and atonement for humanity's sins. Through faith in Jesus, believers are forgiven and reconciled with God, allowing them to have a personal relationship with Him.
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Second Coming: Many Christians also believe that Jesus will return in the future, as predicted in the New Testament. His second coming is anticipated as a time of final judgment, the establishment of God's kingdom, and the fulfillment of God's ultimate plan for creation.
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Kingdom of God: Christians believe that Jesus inaugurated the "Kingdom of God" during his earthly ministry. This kingdom represents the reign of God's love, justice, and righteousness in the hearts of believers and ultimately in the world.
"Messiah" is a title derived from the Hebrew word for "Anointed One." Jesus is the promised Messiah, who fulfils the prophetic scriptures and brings salvation to humanity.
15. Emmanuel:
I have been thinking about this name for Jesus a whole lot. Emmanuel translates to mean “God with us”. I find it mind boggling to think about. A song that has helped put in to words this concept of God with us is The Name of Emmanuel by Matt Redman.
Some lyrics for you:
Can it be the voice that said, “Let there be light”
Is heard within a newborn cry
The mystery of God with us
Can it be the King of all eternity
Has walked the ground beneath our feet
The Holy One as one of us
Can it be, Almighty God who never sleeps
Is resting here in perfect peace
The Holy One as one of us
The same blood, the same flesh - one of us
The same skin, the same breath - one of us
The same dust and dirt
The same trials and hurts
One of us
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Was there ever a name so wonderful?
God among us now
We are not alone
Forever sing the name of Emmanuel
Aren’t these words completely mind boggling and incredible? I hadn’t thought about the contrasts before, and imagining the creator of the universe condescending and coming to our world to be born as a baby, so helpless and small… it’s my favourite name of Jesus, if I can possibly have such a thing!
16. Faithful and True Redeemer:
If you are of a certain age or generation, you may know this name of Jesus from a song by Steven Curtis Chapman.
My redeemer is faithful and true
Jesus is faithful and true.
This is, of course, supported by many verses in the Bible too, or I wouldn’t have included it here. One of my favourites, is a verse that a friend recited by heart at a student ministry meeting, which says:
“The saying is trustworthy, for:
if we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself.”
(2 Timothy 2:11-23)
See that? He is faithfulness. He can be nothing but faithful.
The word redeemer simply means that he compensates or makes amends for our faults and sins. He has atoned for our sins. This is true, and the more you dig deep into the Bible, the more you find it to be true.
17. Light of the World:
“Light of the World, you came down in to darkness, opened my eyes let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore you, Hope of a life spent with you.” These words by Tim Hughes are what the words “light of the world” remind me of.
Again, the words are found in scripture, and they are words that Jesus says about himself in John 8:12:
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
This statement by Jesus is significant, as it is often interpreted to mean that Jesus leads people out of darkness (sin and ignorance) and into the light (salvation and truth).
Interestingly, he also says “you are the light of the world” speaking about us as believers. We are like a city on a hill, we cannot be hidden. Our role is to guide people out of darkness and towards Jesus, the light that can save.
18. The Way:
Jesus declares in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This name highlights Jesus as the exclusive path to God and eternal life. So while we are also light of the world, we are not also the way. We are just signposts along the way to show people which way to follow. One way! Jesus! You’re the only one that I can live for!
When people say that there are many ways to God and different religions all point to the one God, this cannot be true, as Jesus is the only way. Believing in Him is the only way to forgiveness from the father and for our sins to be paid for.
19. Christ:
The term "Christ" is technically a title rather than a name. The word "Christ" comes from the Greek word "Christos," which means "anointed one" or "chosen one” and it is equivalent to the Hebrew word “Messiah”. In the Bible, Christ means the promised deliverer of God’s people. With that explanation, these verses make a lot of sense now:
Matthew 16:16: Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
John 20:31: But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Acts 17:3: explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," he said.
1 John 2:22: Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son.
These verses emphasise that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the anointed one, and the Son of God who fulfils the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament.
20. Son of God:
The song by Starfield Son of God is one I could sing in adoration every day. The words of this are:
Son of God
Shaper of the stars
you alone
The dweller of my heart
Mighty King
How beautiful you are, how beautiful
Son of God
The Father’s gift to us
You alone
were broken on the altar of love
Precious Lamb
Our freedom’s in your blood
Jesus' identity as the Son of God signifies His divine nature, being one with the Father and the Holy Spirit in the Holy Trinity. It is vital to theology, being fully God. In the Gospel of John, John writes "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This Word refers to Jesus, and it goes on to say that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Incredible!
21. Lord:
The name Lord reflects the belief that Jesus is not just a historical figure but still has supreme authority and rulership over us individually and over all creation. Here are some Scripture verses that emphasize Jesus as Lord:
Philippians 2:9-11: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - this verse is vital as it shows us clearly how we can be saved. If this is true of you, then you are a believer, and a Christian. It is of first importance.
1 Corinthians 8:6: "yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live."
Acts 2:36: "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."
22. The Resurrection and the Life:
In this title, Jesus proclaims His power over death, assuring believers of eternal life through faith in Him.
The title "the resurrection and the life" is given to Jesus in John 11:25-26. These verses are part of a significant event in Jesus' ministry, where he raises Lazarus from the dead:
"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"
In this context, Jesus is speaking to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, who had died four days earlier. Martha was expressing her faith in Jesus and her belief in the resurrection of the dead on the last day. Jesus responds by declaring that He Himself is the source of both physical and spiritual resurrection.
"I am the resurrection and the life" means that Jesus has the power and authority to raise the dead, as He did with Lazarus, and to give eternal life to those who believe in Him, and that he is the only way to eternal life. It's a profound statement of His divinity and His role in providing salvation and eternal life to those who have faith in Him.
23. The Word:
“You’re the Word of God the Father
Since before the world began
Every star and every planet
Has been fashioned by your hand
All creation holds together by power of your voice”
These words by Stuart Townend reflect on the words of John 1 again, which tells of Jesus being the Word and showing his vital role in the work of creation:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
[…]
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
The term "Word" (Greek: "Logos") was significant in both Greek philosophy and Jewish thought. In Greek philosophy, the Logos was seen as the rational and creative principle that ordered the universe. In Jewish thought, it could be associated with the Word of God through which God created and sustained all things. John's Gospel takes this concept and applies it to Jesus, suggesting that Jesus is not only the revealer of God's message but also the very embodiment of God's creative and redemptive power.
24. Great High Priest:
To understand Jesus as Great High Priest, it’s important to understand the role of the high priest.
In the Old Testament of the Bible, the high priest held a significant and central role within the religious and social structure of ancient Israel. The role of the high priest included several key responsibilities and duties which, most importantly included acting as an intermediary between the people and God, and offering sacrifices to God on behalf of the people for the atonement of sins.
Knowing these roles, you can quickly see how Jesus fulfils these roles, and does this completely. Being both God and man, he can be the perfect intercession and intermediary. Then, he doesn’t just offer sacrifices for God on behalf of the people, He offers himself as a sacrifice.
25. Prince of Peace:
The title "Prince of Peace" comes primarily from the old testament prophesies about the messiah who would come to be pierced for our transgressions to bring us peace with God. Even when Jesus was on earth, people expected him as messiah to bring them peace with the romans, but Jesus came to bring peace in a much deeper sense. We now have peace with God when we were once His enemies.
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Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
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Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."
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Micah 5:5: "And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders."
26. Miracle Worker:
Throughout His ministry, Jesus performed numerous miracles, demonstrating His divine power and compassion for those in need. You need only read a few verses of any of the gospels to quickly find that Jesus performed many miracles, from turning water into wine to walking on water. From healing the blind and the leper to commanding demons to flee from possessed people and being obeyed immediately.
And because Jesus is still alive today, he performs miracles still today. There are so many incredible stories in books and videos worldwide which tell of miracles Jesus has performed in people’s lives. Incredible conversions and life changes as a result, healing and transformation in all manner of ways. One of my favourite books is Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus which tells of miraculous conversion. Jesus worked in Nabeel Qureshi’s life using people and dreams mainly. He works miracles in so many ways, offing using the ordinary to perform the extraordinary.
27. Son of David:
In the New Testament, Jesus is often referred to as the "Son of David" to highlight his lineage from King David. This is a significant title because it connects Jesus to the promised Messiah, who was prophesied to be a descendant of David. Here are some scripture verses that refer to Jesus as the "Son of David":
Matthew 1:1: "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham."
Matthew 9:27: "And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, 'Have mercy on us, Son of David.'"
Matthew 12:23: "And all the people were amazed, and said, 'Can this be the Son of David?'"
Matthew 15:22: "And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.'"
Matthew 20:30-31: "And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, 'Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!' The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, 'Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!'"
Mark 10:47-48: "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'"
Luke 18:38-39: "And he cried out, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, 'Son of David, have mercy on me!'"
These verses emphasize the recognition of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of David, by various people who encountered Him during His ministry. This title is significant in the context of the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.
28. Saviour:
The name Jesus is given to Jesus because of its meaning: God saves. The angels Gabriel who visited Mary and Joseph told them to name the baby this, rather than a name that would come down through the family. Jesus is often referred to as the saviour from this moment on.
Matthew 1:21: "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."
John 3:16-17: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
Acts 4:12: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
1 Timothy 1:15: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst."
Titus 2:11: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people."
1 John 4:14: "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world."
29. Alpha and Omega:
Lastly, as the "Alpha and Omega," Jesus is the beginning and the end, the eternal God who was, is, and always will be. This name is from the book of Revelation, and is repeated multiple times in it.
Revelation 1:8: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelation 1:17-18: “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades."
Revelation 21:6: “And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment."
Revelation 22:13: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
These verses from the Book of Revelation emphasize Jesus' eternal and divine nature. He is the origin and the culmination of all things, and his sovereignty is everlasting. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
The names of Jesus offer profound insights into His character, mission, and divine nature. He is the Lamb of God, who sacrificed Himself for our salvation, the King of Kings with supreme authority over all, and the Son of Man, who came to serve and give His life for us. His name, Jesus (Yeshua), signifies the One who saves, while He remains the Rescuer from judgment and the Way Maker to God.
I love that all these names, though different, all overlap and create a fuller picture of who Jesus is. As we meditate on these names and the accompanying Scripture verses, may we grow in awe and adoration of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let us embrace His grace, follow His path, and share His love with the world, as we live as witnesses to the power and majesty encapsulated in His names. Soli Deo Gloria.
