The Names of Jesus

The Bible lists many names and titles for Jesus and this was the topic of our discussion last evening.  We look at the name "Jesus" and "Christ" and their meanings 2,000 years ago and the meaning they still hold for us today.  Some of the titles of Jesus, such as "Son of God", "the Savior", and "the Vine" were also discussed.  We learned that the characteristics and the qualities of Jesus shown through this names and that we need to be connected with Jesus, "the Vine", so that we can bear much fruit. 


Please find below the notes of our discussion.

March 7, 2011

The Names of Jesus

Opening question: What is your middle name, if you have one, or what is a nickname that people may have called you or call you?

While it is not very common today, in the past names meant something specific.  It could something the man was going to become or showed one of their characteristics.  In the Bible, many names have specific meanings.  For example, Abraham means “father of many nations” and truly Abraham through the blessings of God became the father of nations. 

Today, we are going to look at the name of Jesus and what is their meaning for us.

1.         The name Jesus

In the book of Matthew 1:21-22, we first read about Jesus birth.  These verses say: 21 She [Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

According to these verses, what does the name Jesus mean?

Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name “Joshua”, which means “God saves”.  So, every time that Jesus walked around and whenever people called him they would be reminded that God was saving them through this person.  We have seen in other lessons how God saved people from their sins through his sacrifice, by dying for the sins of men.

In verse 23, we also read that Jesus was also called “Immanuel”, which means “God with us.”  So, the characteristic of Jesus were that He was both saving people from their sins and was the incarnation of God or the physical presence of God in the form of a man with the other people on earth.

What do these names mean for us today?

What does it show or mean to “save” someone or “to be” with someone?

It shows that you care and that you are doing something good, using your time and your energies to do and to be with this someone in your life.  Jesus was doing exactly that, He was showing his care and his love toward the people by being with them and attending to their needs.

2.         Jesus the Christ or Jesus the Messiah

Many times in the Bible we find the name Jesus followed by Christ or Messiah.  In John 1:41, we read: 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). Also, in Acts 2:38, we read: 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In both these occasions, Christ or Messiah is not Jesus last name.  “Christ” is the Greek term for the Hebrew term “Messiah”.  Both words mean “the anointed one.”  This term in the time of Jesus meant the person that God had chosen to lead the nation or the King.  The anointment of the King would be comparable to the coronation of the King today.  So, when Jesus is called “Christ” or “Messiah” the meaning is Jesus the King or Jesus, the chosen one from God to be King.

What does it mean to us today that Jesus is our King?  What is the relationship of the King and his people?

The King has certain responsibilities toward his people.  The King is protected to defend his people from foreign and domestic enemies and the King is expected to provide order, peace and prosperity.  In return, the people are expected to obey the commandments of the king and to honor and respect him.

How does Jesus, our King provide protection, peace and prosperity for us today?

How do we provide obedience, honor and respect for Jesus, our King today?

3.         Many Other Names and Titles of Jesus

In the Bible, both the Old and the New Testament, Jesus is called with many other names and titles.  Some people have calculated that over 700 names and titles describe the character and the person of Jesus.  Some of the most important names and titles include the following:

A.   Jesus the only Son of God – John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This shows the relationship between Jesus and God and the qualities that God has are also those that Jesus has.

B.   Jesus is the Savior – Luke 2:11 - Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

This shows that Jesus purpose for coming on earth was to save people from their sins.

C.   Jesus is the Vine – John 15:5 - “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

This shows that we need to have the same relationship with Jesus and the branches have with a tree, to be always connected to it, in order to receive the food and the life we need.

Conclusions

There are many names in the Bible that describe Jesus and his qualities.  The name “Jesus” means “God saves” and this tells us that through Jesus, God has provided a way to save the people.  “Christ” or “Messiah” means “the anointed one” or “the King” and this tells us that Jesus is our King, whom we need to obey, honor and respect.  And finally, we need to be connected to Jesus the vine, so that we can allow Jesus, the Son of God, to also be our Savior.

Campus Bible Talk 2011