The Titles and Names of Christ
The names and titles of Jesus Christ are more than mere labels; they reveal His identity, mission, and divine nature. Throughout Scripture, He is called by many names, each carrying deep theological meaning and reflecting different aspects of His person and work. From “Messiah” to “Son of God” and “Lamb of God,” each title speaks to who He is and what He has done for us.
Understanding these names enriches our faith, deepens our worship, and helps us see Christ in His fullness.
In this study, we will explore some of the most significant titles of Jesus, their biblical foundations, and what they mean for us today.
Jesus the Messiah (Christos)
The title “Messiah” (Hebrew: Mashiach) and its Greek equivalent “Christ” (Christos) mean “Anointed One.” In the Old Testament, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a sign of being chosen and set apart by God. The coming of the Messiah was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior who would redeem His people.
Jesus explicitly identified Himself as the Messiah. In John 4:25-26, He told the Samaritan woman, “I who speak to you am He.” Peter also proclaimed this truth in Matthew 16:16, saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The title Messiah emphasizes Jesus’ role as the divinely appointed King, Prophet, and Priest. As King, He reigns over all creation (Revelation 19:16). As Prophet, He reveals God’s truth (John 1:18). As Priest, He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:26).
For believers, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah means submitting to His lordship, trusting in His atoning work, and proclaiming Him as the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
One of the most significant titles of Jesus is Son of God, which affirms His divine nature. Unlike believers, who are called children of God through adoption (Romans 8:15), Jesus is the eternal Son, sharing the same divine essence as the Father. The title “Son of God” is used throughout Scripture to highlight Jesus’ unique relationship with God. In John 5:18, the Jews sought to kill Him because He was “calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.” At Jesus’ baptism, the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
The Son’s divine authority is seen in His ability to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7), command creation (Mark 4:39), and give eternal life (John 10:28-30). His divine sonship is central to the gospel, for only God Himself could bear the full wrath of God against sin and offer redemption.
As believers, confessing Jesus as the Son of God means recognizing His deity, trusting in His power, and worshiping Him as Lord.
While Jesus is often called the Son of God, He frequently referred to Himself as the Son of Man. This title, used over 80 times in the Gospels, has deep roots in the Old Testament and speaks to both His humanity and divine authority. In Daniel 7:13-14, the “Son of Man” is a heavenly figure who receives dominion and an everlasting kingdom from God. Jesus applied this prophecy to Himself, showing that He is the one who will rule over all nations (Matthew 26:64). The title Son of Man also emphasizes His humanity. Unlike the title Son of God, which highlights His divine nature, Son of Man reminds us that Jesus fully took on human flesh. He experienced temptation, suffering, and death so that He could redeem mankind (Hebrews 2:17).
For us, Jesus as the Son of Man means He is both the suffering servant who died for our sins (Mark 10:45) and the exalted King who will return in glory (Matthew 24:30).
In John 1:29, John the Baptist saw Jesus and proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This title connects Jesus to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where lambs were offered as atonement for sin. The most significant foreshadowing of Christ as the Lamb of God is found in the Passover. In Exodus 12, the Israelites were saved from judgment by the blood of a spotless lamb. Paul later confirms that “Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7).
Isaiah 53:7 describes the Messiah as a lamb led to slaughter, willingly taking the punishment for our sins. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate fulfillment of this imagery—He was the perfect and final sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-12).
For believers, Jesus as the Lamb of God means our sins are fully atoned for. His blood covers us, securing our salvation and freedom from judgment.
One of the most foundational confessions of the Christian faith is that Jesus is Lord. The Greek word for Lord, Kyrios, was used to refer to God in the Old Testament (LXX), making this title a clear declaration of Jesus’ divinity.
In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul declares, “God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” This passage emphasizes that Jesus is not only Savior but the sovereign ruler over all creation. Calling Jesus “Lord” means submitting to His authority in every area of life. It is not just an acknowledgment of His power but a personal commitment to follow Him in obedience. Jesus Himself said, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46), showing that true faith results in obedience.
As believers, recognizing Christ as Lord means yielding our lives to His will, trusting in His reign, and proclaiming His authority to the world.
Jesus as the Alpha and Omega
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus declares, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” This title affirms His eternal nature and sovereignty over all creation. “Alpha” and “Omega” are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing Christ’s complete authority over history. He was present at creation (John 1:3), sustains all things (Colossians 1:17), and will bring history to its ordained conclusion (Revelation 21:6).
As the Alpha and Omega, Jesus is our ultimate hope. He is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), ensuring that what He has begun, He will complete.
-Study Questions for Reflection
- Which title of Christ resonates with you the most, and why?
2. How do the different names of Jesus help you understand His work and mission?
3. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus is your Good Shepherd?
4. How does Jesus as the Lamb of God affect your view of salvation?
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