Jesus is described in the Bible in various ways, with different words and names, but these descriptions always reveal His divine character and the profound nature of who He is and was sent to be.
God incarnate
“He appeared in the flesh…”
1 Timothy 3:16
All those names are beautiful, but the one that captures my attention the most is: “God with us” “Immanuel“!
Among all the names by which He is called, this one encapsulates it well. It signifies the greatest miracle and the expression of grace, where God chose to reside among humanity, revealing His love in a personal and accessible manner, close to sinners and the forgotten.
Throughout our lives, we strive for luxury, wealth, recognition, and yet, the greatest among us, who could possess all this with a snap of His fingers, remains the most humble and simple, dwelling among us. He loves everyone, even those who don’t deserve that love.
The name “Jesus” also carries the meaning of “Savior,” and this is the name we hear most often, embodying the calling of Jesus, the purpose that the heart of the Son yearned for. He came to rescue humanity from sin and the separation from God, extending reconciliation and redemption to all who believe in the Father.
The word in life
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.”
Philippians 2:9
We know Him as “Jesus Christ“. This small word that is often seen as a surname is, in fact, a designation. It originates from the Greek “Christos,” which means “Anointed.” He was foretold in various ways in the Old Testament, introduced as hope and life. He was set apart, anointed.
God sent Him as an embodiment of His grace and mercy. Also referred to as the “Son of God“, Jesus reveals His unique relationship with the Father. This “title” not only emphasizes His divinity but also the profound intimacy He shares with God the Father, indicating a relationship of eternal love, sending, and devotion.
Therefore, He is also known as “The Word“. He is the eternal word of God made flesh, a living and physical expression of the totality of Who God is. He conveyed God’s truth and was born to live it fully.
The “I Am“
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
What makes Jesus who He is is not linked to the physical, although His human simplicity was also responsible for attracting people who came to meet the Man who had the power and majesty of God in Him in such a humble way.
He is Spirit. Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Prince of Peace. He reconciles, unites, transforms, begins and ends, begins again, and brings new life.
The “Lamb of God,” the perfect sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world. This name points to redemption through His shed blood.
Each name by which Jesus is called and known in the Bible is like a note in a melody so rich and divine, revealing unique and profound aspects of who He is in His entirety. All these names point to one Man, who has within Himself the character and Holy Spirit of God and the Creator himself. Each of these names that I mentioned (and many others that I didn’t even comment on and that appear in the Scriptures) is worthy of all praise and adoration.
And in the end, He sums it all up to: “I Am”, and nothing else matters.
