Names of Jesus

The titles of Christ — each unpacking a different dimension of who he is and what he came to do.

Good Shepherd

John 10:11

Jesus's self-designation as the shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep and knows each one by name.

I AM

John 8:58

Jesus's claim to share the divine name of YHWH — declared in the seven 'I AM' statements of John's Gospel.

Son of God

Matthew 16:16

The title declaring Jesus's unique divine sonship — confessed by Peter, declared by the Father at his baptism, and central to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity.

Lamb of God

John 1:29

The title John the Baptist gave Jesus — declaring him the sacrificial lamb whose death takes away the sin of the world.

Word of God (Logos)

John 1:1

John's profound opening title for Christ — 'In the beginning was the Word' — identifying Jesus as God's eternal self-expression.

Savior

Luke 2:11

The title proclaiming Jesus as the rescuer of humanity from sin and death — given by angels at his birth and central to the gospel.

Son of Man

Daniel 7:13-14

Jesus's most-used self-designation — drawn from Daniel 7's heavenly figure who receives an everlasting kingdom.

Bread of Life

John 6:35

Jesus's claim — given after feeding the 5,000 — that he is the true food that satisfies the soul forever.

Messiah (Christ)

John 1:41

The Hebrew title meaning 'anointed one' — the long-awaited king and deliverer prophesied throughout the Old Testament and fulfilled in Jesus.

Lion of Judah

Revelation 5:5

Christ as the kingly conqueror — the messianic title fulfilled in Jesus, the descendant of Judah who 'hath prevailed' (Revelation 5:5).

King of Kings

Revelation 19:16

Christ's title as supreme sovereign — proclaimed in Revelation and embodied in his return in glory.

Light of the World

John 8:12

Jesus's claim to be the light dispelling humanity's spiritual darkness — and to make his followers light-bearers in turn.

Alpha and Omega

Revelation 22:13

Christ's title as the beginning and end — the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, naming his eternal sovereignty over all of history.

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

John 14:6

Christ's threefold self-declaration — the only way to God, the embodied truth of God, and the source of eternal life (John 14:6).

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah's title for the coming Messiah — Christ as the bringer of peace between God and humanity and ultimately among all nations.

Immanuel (God With Us)

Matthew 1:23

The Hebrew title prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled at Christ's birth — God with us in the flesh.

High Priest

Hebrews 4:14

Christ as the great high priest who has 'passed into the heavens' (Hebrews 4:14) — the perfect mediator who offers himself as the once-for-all sacrifice and ever lives to intercede.

Redeemer

Job 19:25

Christ as the one who 'redeemed' his people 'with his own blood' (Acts 20:28) — buying back from slavery what was lost, fulfilling Job's confident 'I know that my redeemer liveth' (Job 19:25).

Cornerstone

1 Peter 2:6

Christ as the chief corner stone of God's spiritual building — rejected by the builders, made the head of the corner (Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:6-7) — the foundation on which everything rests.

The Resurrection and the Life

John 11:25-26

Christ's self-declaration to Martha at Lazarus' tomb — 'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live' (John 11:25-26).

Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 9:6

The first of four messianic titles in Isaiah 9:6 — Christ is the supremely wise counselor, the source of every true wisdom, who gives counsel for every need.

Great Physician

Mark 2:17

Christ as the healer of soul and body — drawing the analogy himself in Mark 2:17: 'They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick.' He came for sinners, the broken, the dying.

Son of David

Matthew 1:1

Christ as the descendant of King David, fulfilling God's covenant promise that David's throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). 'Son of David' is a deeply messianic title — the rightful King of Israel.

The Bridegroom

John 3:29

Christ as the bridegroom whose bride is the church — John 3:29; Matthew 9:15; Revelation 19:7 — culminating in the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The True Vine

John 15:1

Christ's seventh and final 'I AM' statement — 'I am the true vine' (John 15:1) — picturing the believer's life as branches abiding in him for fruit-bearing.

Mediator

1 Timothy 2:5

Christ as the one mediator between God and humans (1 Timothy 2:5). He bridges the infinite distance between holy God and fallen humanity through his incarnation, atonement, and intercession.

Rabbi (Teacher)

John 13:13

Christ as Teacher — the authoritative Rabbi of his disciples and of every Christian. 'Rabbi' (my master/teacher) is used of Jesus throughout the Gospels. He taught with unique authority (Matthew 7:29) and called his followers to learn from him (Matthew 11:29).

The Image of God

Colossians 1:15

Christ as 'the image of the invisible God' (Colossians 1:15) and 'the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person' (Hebrews 1:3) — the perfect revelation of the unseen God.

Author and Finisher of Our Faith

Hebrews 12:2

Christ as the author who begins and the finisher who completes the believer's faith — Hebrews 12:2 — fueling perseverance by fixing the eyes on him.

The Holy One of God

Mark 1:24

Christ as the Holy One — fully set apart, fully consecrated, fully without sin. The title affirms his deity, his sinless perfection, and his unique consecration as Messiah. Even demons confessed him this way (Mark 1:24).

Faithful and True

Revelation 19:11

Christ as 'Faithful and True' (Revelation 19:11) — the returning king whose every word and promise is sure. His faithfulness extends to those he saves (2 Timothy 2:13) and grounds Christian assurance.

The Door

John 10:9

Christ as 'the Door' (John 10:9) — the only entrance to salvation, into the sheepfold of God's people. 'I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved.' Christ is the way in.

The Last Adam

1 Corinthians 15:45

Christ as 'the last Adam' (1 Corinthians 15:45) — the new head of humanity who reverses what the first Adam did. The first Adam brought sin and death; the last Adam brings righteousness and life.

The Branch

Jeremiah 23:5

Christ as 'the Branch' (Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 6:12) — the prophesied messianic descendant from David's line who would reign in righteousness. 'A Branch shall grow out of his [David's] roots' (Isaiah 11:1).

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