Whats in a name?

Hi everyone, Thought I’d put this blog out today in time for everyone’s Sunday. I suspect that you like me are going to be spending time remembering the Lord, and I hope this helps.

I’m sure that most of us have heard the quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet which says “What’s in a name?” Well, when it comes to our Lord Jesus, it’s quite significant as each name or title reveals to us a different part or aspect of His life and ministry. This slightly longer blog will look at the 8 Names of Jesus in John ch 1.


“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” – The first name mentioned is “The Word”. Whenever we want to get over our thoughts, we could do it in several ways. We could act it out, or draw it, but the easiest and most effective way is to describe it. To use words and sentences. When God wanted to reveal His mind and will, He sent a messenger to speak to us. This messenger wasn't another priest, prophet or king, but the co-equal son of God. The very person who has always been in the presence of God the Father. Hebrews tells us that “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person." (Hebrews 1:1-3 ESV) The best reason for reading, studying and believing the words of the Lord Jesus, is because He spoke the mind of God.

The second name associated with Him is the “Light”. Jesus said “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12 ESV). Jesus was like a light, shining in the darkness of this sinful world. His words and actions were so different to those of anyone else. Because they were always perfect. He promises to guide safely those who follow Him. Also, light is ideal for revealing things, and when we have Jesus in our lives, He shows us the wrong things we do, and then leads us in the right way.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” – This name speaks of the sacrificial part of the Lords life. It had to be the Lamb of God’s providing (Genesis 22:8). Every other person would fail to please God, whereas Jesus pleased the Father in everything He did. While He did miracles, and healed the sick, ultimately He came to offer Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of this world. He chose to lay down His life for us! What a wonderful saviour!

In verse 41, Andrew approached his brother and said “We have found the Messiah! (Christ)” – Andrew realised that Jesus was the man who had been promised throughout the Old Testament. He was the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies. His birth, life, death and resurrection all perfectly fulfilled the prophecies of old. The Jews have no excuse for not knowing who Jesus is; they are looking for a man to do exactly those things which Jesus did.

Phillip told Nathaniel that he had found “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”. How sad it is that so many people today still come to this conclusion. That Jesus was simply the son of a carpenter, growing up in an evil city such as Nazareth. He was NEVER the son of Joseph! When Jesus was 12, Mary and Joseph had just found Him in the temple, and she said “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” Jesus replied “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48-49 ESV). Jesus didn't acknowledge Joseph as His dad, but only spoke of His Heavenly Father’s work. The virgin birth which meant He had no earthly father allowed for Him to have the sinless life which was required for a perfect sacrifice. One without “Spot or blemish”.

For the sixth name, Nathaniel had a complete change of heart. The sort that can only be done by the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced this change for yourself? When you no longer saw Jesus as the son of Joseph, and instead realised He is the “Son of God”?! A sinless man growing up in a sinful city. I wonder what the people of Nazareth thought about Him? So many didn't think highly enough of Him, because they didn't believe on Him.

Nathaniel also called Jesus the “King of Israel”! This is what the Jews were looking for, a king to deliver them from the Roman oppression. What they didn't realise, was that first He must suffer, but soon He will come to reign. Once He has been to rapture His own believers (taken to Heaven), He will establish His kingdom on earth, and will finally reign as “King of kings, and Lord of lords”.

Finally, at the end of the chapter we have a name which sums up so much that is wonderful about the Lord Jesus. He referred to Himself as the “Son of Man”. Paul writes to the Philippians and tells them “Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant  and coming in the likeness of men.” (Phil 2:5-7 ESV). The Son of God, who made all things, sustains all things, controls all things, humbled Himself. He chose to come into the world in the likeness of sinful flesh, to lay down His life for us. What a wonderful saviour we have!

Which title or name of the Lord Jesus do you value and appreciate the most? Or what picture of the Lord in the Old Testament do you keep on your mind the most? Feel free to leave your comments below.

May God bless you as you remember the Lord today, and may we think highly of Him!

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