What’s in a name?

Image via Wikipedia

I don’t know about you but I like those movies that start with a BANG! From the very first scene they have you on the edge of your seat with nail-biting excitement. A car chase; a fight scene; something exploding…

That’s what comes to mind when I read the first chapter of John’s Gospel. In the very first chapter he uses no less than 7 names or titles for Jesus!

1. The Word – 1:1-3, 14
2. The Light – 1:4-13
3. The Son of God – 1:15-28, 49
4. The Lamb of God – 1:29-34
5. The Messiah – 1:35-42
6. The King of Israel – 1:43-49
7. The Son of Man – 1:50-51

John wrote his account later than the other three Gospels, probably sometime between 70 – 100 A.D. Why does John use such powerful imagery with all these names for Jesus? Because he’s on a singular mission.

But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. ~ John 20:31 (NIV)

The early followers of Jesus were undergoing some intense persecution and were perhaps wavering in their faith; so John writes to encourage them by reminding them that Jesus was indeed God’s chosen Messiah – the giver of life.

Take a few moments to reflect on how John speaks of Jesus.

• The Word – God’s creative power at work in the universe and in us.
• The Light – That which illuminates the way to God and real life.
• The Son of God – the one and only, equal with the Father and the Spirit.
• The Lamb of God – the One who sacrificed his very life to pay our sin debt.
• The Messiah – the anointed one, set aside for a special purpose.
• The King of Israel – the rightful ruler of life, our Lord.
• The Son of Man – fully God and fully man, able to identify with our struggles.

Which of these descriptions of Jesus and how He relates to us is most meaningful to you today? Identify it, thank God and enjoy Jesus!

Advertisement