The name “Jesus” evokes a myriad of responses and associations.
To some, he is a historical figure, a teacher, or a prophet. To Christians, he is the cornerstone of our faith. He is also the Son of God, and the long-awaited Messiah.
In this article, we will explore the multifaceted nature of Jesus, examining his role as the Son of God, his unique personage, and the impact he has had on countless lives and the religious landscape. Get ready to embark on a journey that will deepen your understanding of one of the most influential figures in human history.
The 3 Main Names and Titles of Jesus: Unraveling the Richness of His Identity
1. Jesus, the Son of God:
Throughout the Gospels, we Jesus referred to as the Son of God by many people such as Mark in Mark 1:1, and John in John 1:34 emphasizing his divine nature (Mark 1:1, John 1:34).
All throughout scriptures, Jesus never refuted anyone for calling him this name. Rather, we see him actively or passively accept and this claim as true. In Matthew 16, He asked His disciples who people say he was. Their answers were really funny I would give you that. But when Peter acknowledges him as the Son of God, he proclaims it as true. Lets look at Matthew 16:16
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.
It makes sense why a lot of people didn’t know who he was at the time; it required spiritual discernment. That is why today, having fulfilled prophecy, the title “Son of God” is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology that carries significant weight.
Not only does it signify Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father, it is also a declaration of his divinity being of the same essence as God.
This title sets Jesus apart from all other religious figures and prophets, establishing his place within the Trinity.
Furthermore, at Jesus’s baptism, a voice from heaven declares, “This is my beloved Son,” as the Holy Spirit descends like a dove. This moment affirms Jesus’s identity and mission, highlighting His unique relationship with God the Father.
2. Christ, the Anointed One:
“Christ” is derived from the Greek word “Christos,” which translates to “anointed one.” The Hebrew equivalent is “Messiah.”
Many people misconstrue the name “Christ” to be Jesus’ surname. But in truth, it is a title belonging to a person foretold from old by Prophets to be the elect Savior of God’s people (Isaiah 9:6, Daniel 9:25).
Jesus’ fulfillment of Messianic prophecies, such as his virgin birth, solidifies his identity as the Christ.
3. Son of Man.
This is one of Jesus’ titles I am really fond of. Maybe it is because of the way Jesus stylizes it or its meaning and relatability to the human heart. I can’t say for sure.
The phrase “son of man” originates from the Hebrew phrase “ben adam,” which means “a human being.” In the Old Testament, the term is used to refer to a human in contrast to God or to emphasize the frailty and mortality of mankind.
In the Gospels, the title “Son of Man” takes on a deeper and more complex significance. Jesus himself used the title “Son of Man” to refer to his earthly messianic mission and divine nature. Interestingly, This title appears over 80 times in the Gospels, often in Jesus’ own statements about his identity and purpose.
The title “Son of Man” carries a sense of humility and identifies Jesus with the human condition. By using this title, Jesus presents himself as the representative of humanity, embodying the struggles and experiences of mortal life.
Other Names and Titles:
Jesus is also known by various other names and titles throughout the Bible, each carrying symbolic meaning. “Lamb of God” signifies his sacrificial nature and role in redemption (John 1:29). “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords” highlight his sovereignty and authority (Revelation 19:16, 1 Timothy 6:15). Other titles include “Light of the World” (John 8:12), “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), and “Bread of Life” (John 6:35).
The Nature and Personage of Jesus: Delving into His Divine-Human Identity
The Incarnation:
The doctrine of the Incarnation asserts that The Word who was with God and is God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14) in the person of Jesus. This mysterious and miraculous event is central to Christian belief. It means that Jesus, while fully God, took on human form, experiencing the fullness of human life and emotions (Philippians 2:6-7).
Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Fully God, Fully Man:
The hypostatic union is a theological concept describing the dual nature of Christ. It asserts that Jesus is fully God and fully man, possessing both divine and human natures in one person.
This unique union allows Christians to relate to Jesus as both their Savior and their brother, bridging the gap between the divine and the human.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.” – Hebrews 1:3-4 (NIV)
Jesus’ Role in the Trinity and the Church: Understanding His Unique Position
The Second Person of the Trinity:
Jesus, as the Son, is the second personage of the Trinity.
He is equal in essence and glory to the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1-2). This doctrine asserts that Jesus is eternally begotten of the Father, sharing in the divine nature and will. As the second person, he mediates between God and humanity, making God known to us (John 1:18).
You believe in God; believe also in me. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:11
Jesus’ Mediatorial Role:
Jesus serves as our High Priest and Advocate before the Father (1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:1). As our High Priest, he intercedes for us, sympathizing with our weaknesses and presenting our prayers to God (Hebrews 4:14-15).
In the Old Testament, Jewish custom dictated that only ritually pure priests could enter the Holy of Holies—the innermost chamber of the Temple—to offer sacrifices and intercede for the people’s sins.
However, these priests themselves were plagued by sin, requiring a mediator for their own transgressions. This practice was never intended to be a lasting solution but rather pointed toward the coming of Jesus Christ, the sinless High Priest of the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17).
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) reads:
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
This is one my favorite passage of scripture because it transformed my prayer life. Not only does it encourage us to pray, positing that God wants to hear from us even more than we want to speak to him, it also assures us that there is no situation or sin that is beyond God’s mercy and grace! We have a sinless, compassionate and empathic Mediator in the person of Jesus, there in the throne room and he is always interceding on our behalf. Talk about reassurance! Thank you Jesus!!
As our Advocate, he defends and represents us before the Father, ensuring our salvation (1 John 2:1).
Head of the Church:
Jesus is the head of the body, which is the church (Ephesians 5:23). This means that he is the source of its life and authority. The stone which the builders abandoned became the cornerstone. As the head, he provides direction, protection, and unity to the church.
More than being the head of the Church, Jesus sees the church as an extension of himself. To drive it home lets look at the account of Paul’s Conversion.
A voice, identified as Jesus, asked Paul, “Why are you persecuting me?” (Acts 9:4). Keyword here is “me”. Jesus didn’t say “my people”. He said “Me”. Jesus, being the head of the Church means we, as members of his body, are extensions of Christ Himself upon the face of the earth.
While this is beautifully reassuring, it signifies that we, as believers, have the purpose of revealing Christ to the world through our words, actions, and the details of our daily lives.
The Work and Ministry of Jesus: A Journey of Service and Sacrifice
Jesus’ Earthly Ministry:
Jesus’ public ministry, lasting around three years, was marked by powerful teachings, miracles, and interactions with diverse audiences. He related with Common People, Royalties, Religious People, Women, Marginalized, Gentiles, Samaritans etc.
This broad audience reflects Jesus’ inclusive approach and his mission to serve and save all people.
He preached the good news of the kingdom, calling people to repentance and faith (Mark 1:14-15). His teachings, recorded in the Gospels, form the foundation of Christian doctrine and ethics.
His teachings emphasized love, compassion, and the importance of treating others with kindness, encapsulated in principles such as the Golden Rule and the call to love one’s enemies.
He performed numerous miracles, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the hungry, which not only demonstrated his divine authority but also revealed his deep empathy for human suffering.
Acts of generosity characterized his ministry, as he often spent time with outcasts, sinners, and the marginalized, offering them hope and inclusion.
Through these teachings, miracles, and acts of generosity, he illustrated a radical and transformative approach to life that urged followers to embrace both faith and action in their daily lives.
The Passion of Christ:
The Passion of Christ encompasses the profound and pivotal events leading up to his crucifixion, including his arrest, trial, suffering, and ultimately, his death on the cross. This series of events is documented in the Gospels: Matthew (chapters 26-28), Mark (chapters 14-16), Luke (chapters 22-24), and John (chapters 18-19).
These events were not only historical occurrences but also a fulfillment of prophecy. For instance, Isaiah 53 vividly portrays the suffering servant, declaring that he would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows, and that by his wounds we would be healed (Isaiah 53:4-5). This prophecy directly points to Jesus’ sacrificial role in humanity’s redemption.
Furthermore, Jesus’ willingness to endure suffering showcases his absolute obedience to the will of the Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he expressed his anguish over the impending crucifixion but submitted to God’s plan, stating, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). This moment highlights the depth of his commitment to fulfilling his purpose as the Messiah and at the same time showing that he too was human riddled with extreme grief.
There is something about the pure honesty and vulnerability of Jesus while in Gethsamane that clears all doubt against his humanity and encourages me to remain committed to God’s will in spite of difficulty.
Through these events, the Passion of Christ not only signifies his immense suffering but also illuminates the profound love and grace of God. He passed through such an agonizing fate to reconcile humanity with the Father, as articulated in Isiah 53:6 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.” Thus, the Passion of Christ is central to the Christian faith, embodying the core belief in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for our sins.
The Ascension and Second Coming:
After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to his disciples and ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). His ascension marked the end of his physical presence on earth but also signaled his exaltation and ongoing intercession for us (Romans 8:34). Christians anticipate Jesus’ second coming, when he will return in glory to judge the living and the dead (Revelation 19:11-16).
The Character and Attributes of Jesus: Reflecting His Divine Nature
Love, Compassion, and Mercy:
Jesus embodied perfect love, compassion, and mercy during his earthly ministry. He loved the outcasts, forgave sinners, and showed compassion to the hurting (Matthew 9:36). His interactions with people, such as the woman at the well (John 4:1-42) and the leper (Mark 1:40-42), reveal his heart of mercy and grace.
Holiness and Righteousness:
Jesus was sinless and perfectly holy, fulfilling the requirement of being a spotless sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22). His righteousness was not just external but also internal, as he resisted temptation and remained obedient to God’s will (John 8:46).
Faithfulness and Obedience:
Jesus was unwavering in his devotion to the Father’s will, even when faced with suffering and death. His obedience to God’s plan, even unto the cross, is a testament to his faithfulness (Philippians 2:8). Jesus’ obedience brought about our salvation and sets an example for believers to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
When was Jesus born?
Short answer: Jesus was born between 6 BCE and 1 CE, with the exact year unknown.
Long answer: The exact year of Jesus’ birth is not specified in the Bible, but it is estimated to have been between 6 BCE and 1 CE. While the exact date is not crucial to our faith, it highlights the historical context in which Jesus entered the world.
Where was Jesus born?
Short answer: Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town in Judea (Luke 2:4-7).
Long answer: Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem holds theological significance as it fulfills the prophecy of Micah 5:2, which states that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. This small town, often overlooked, became the birthplace of the Savior of the world. Also interesting, are the series of events that led up to Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem (I digress a little).
His parents, Mary and Joesph, lived in Nazereth at the time and as divine orchestration would have it, the Roman Governor called for a city-wide census that required Joseph and pregnant Mary return to their Hometown as with countless others thus maxing out service accommodations. This just goes to shows the zeal of God and his level commitment to every detail of his words and plans.
What year was Jesus born?
Short answer: The exact year is unknown, but it is estimated to be between 6 BCE and 1 CE.
Long answer: Determining the exact year of Jesus’ birth is challenging due to the lack of precise historical records. However, based on references in the Bible and historical context, scholars estimate his birth to have occurred within this timeframe.
How old was Jesus when he died?
Short answer: Jesus was approximately 33 years old when he died.
Long answer: While the Bible does not specify Jesus’ exact age at death, we can estimate his age based on the timeline of his ministry and other historical clues. Jesus’ public ministry is estimated to have lasted around three years, and he is believed to have been around 30 years old when he began his ministry (Luke 3:23).
When did Jesus die?
Short answer: Jesus died around 30-33 CE, during the Passover festival.
Long answer: Jesus’ death occurred during the Passover festival, which typically fell in the spring (March or April) of the year. The exact year is estimated to be around 30-33 CE, based on historical and biblical references.
Which is his name, Jesus or Yeshua?
The name “Jesus” is derived from the Hebrew name “Yeshua.” Both refer to the same historical figure, commonly known as Jesus Christ in Christian contexts. The transition from Yeshua to Jesus involves several transliterations through different languages and cultures.
- Yeshua: The original Hebrew name “Yeshua” (ישוע) is a common Hebrew name derived from “Yehoshua” (Joshua). In Hebrew, Yeshua means “salvation.”
- Aramaic: Yeshua is also used in Aramaic, the common language of the Jewish people in the time of Jesus. The Aramaic form is similar, retaining the same meaning.
- Greek: The New Testament was written in Greek, wherein Yeshua was transliterated to “Iesous” (Ἰησοῦς). Greek does not have the “sh” sound found in Hebrew, so the “sh” is replaced with “s.”
- Latin: The Greek “Iesous” was then transliterated into Latin as “Iesus.” Latin further dropped the Greek ending, adapting it to its phonetic structure.
- Old French and Middle English: The Latin “Iesus” made its way into Old French, where it was written as “Jesu.” This later influenced Middle English, where it evolved to “Jesus.”
- Modern English: The spelling “Jesus” in modern English ultimately comes from the Middle English form, reflecting changes in pronunciation and orthography over time.
Each of these steps involved phonetic changes, adaptations to different writing systems, and cultural interpretations, leading from the original Hebrew name Yeshua to the commonly recognized English name Jesus.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have delved into the life and ministry of Jesus, the Son of God. We have explored his unique nature, his role in the Trinity, and the impact he has had on Christian faith.
Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice have shaped the religious landscape and continue to inspire and transform lives.
As we conclude, reflect on the richness of Jesus’ identity and his ongoing presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
