Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is given various titles that reveal different aspects of his identity and mission. These names carry deep theological significance, each offering insight into who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish. Let’s explore some of the most prominent titles of Jesus—Messiah, Son of Man, Lamb of God, and others—and what they signify in the context of Christian faith.
Messiah (Christ)
The title Messiah comes from the Hebrew word Mashiach, meaning “anointed one.” In the Greek, it is translated as Christos, from which we get “Christ.” In the Jewish tradition, the Messiah was the anointed king who would deliver Israel from oppression and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Jesus embraced this title but redefined it in ways that exceeded Jewish expectations.
Jesus is recognized as the Messiah who fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, but instead of being a political or military leader, he was a spiritual redeemer. In Matthew 16:16, Peter declares, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms this title but immediately begins teaching about his forthcoming suffering, death, and resurrection. This redefinition of the Messiah as a suffering servant (as seen in Isaiah 53) emphasizes that Jesus’ mission was not to overthrow earthly rulers but to defeat sin and death, bringing about salvation.
Son of Man
The title Son of Man is one Jesus frequently used to refer to himself. It has deep roots in the book of Daniel, where it describes a heavenly figure who comes with the clouds of heaven and is given eternal dominion (Daniel 7:13-14). By using this title, Jesus connected himself with the divine, exalted figure in Daniel’s vision, while also highlighting his humanity.
In the Gospels, Son of Man carries both messianic and suffering connotations. Jesus uses it to speak of his role in fulfilling God’s plan, such as in Mark 10:45, where he says, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Thus, Son of Man emphasizes Jesus’ dual nature: he is fully human, experiencing suffering and death, but also divine, destined to return in glory and judgment.
Lamb of God
Lamb of God is a title given to Jesus by John the Baptist in John 1:29, when he declares, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” This title connects Jesus with the sacrificial lamb in Jewish tradition, particularly the Passover lamb in Exodus 12, whose blood saved the Israelites from death during their exodus from Egypt.
Theologically, calling Jesus the Lamb of God signifies that he is the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Just as the Passover lamb’s blood saved the Israelites, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brings salvation to all of humanity. In 1 Peter 1:18-19, Jesus is described as a “lamb without blemish or defect,” emphasizing his sinlessness and his role in bringing redemption through his sacrificial death.
Son of God
The title Son of God is central to the Christian understanding of Jesus’ divine nature. In the Old Testament, “son of God” could refer to kings, angels, or Israel as a nation, but in the New Testament, this title signifies Jesus’ unique relationship with God the Father.
In John 3:16, Jesus is called “God’s one and only Son”, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher but the eternal Son of God, sharing in God’s divine nature. His role as the Son points to the intimate relationship within the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and to Jesus’ authority as God incarnate. The title also underscores Jesus’ role as the heir of God’s kingdom and the one through whom salvation is made possible.
Emmanuel
The name Emmanuel, meaning “God with us”, is mentioned in Matthew 1:23, where it references the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14. This title reveals the mystery of the incarnation, where God took on human flesh and dwelled among humanity in the person of Jesus.
As Emmanuel, Jesus represents God’s closeness and personal relationship with humanity. His life on earth shows that God is not distant or detached but deeply involved in the human experience. Emmanuel underscores the belief that in Jesus, God has come to redeem and restore his creation through his presence.
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
In Revelation 19:16, Jesus is described as the “King of kings and Lord of lords.” This title affirms Jesus’ ultimate authority and sovereignty over all creation. It reflects the Christian belief that Jesus is not just a spiritual leader but the ruler of all things, who will return to establish his kingdom in its fullness.
This title is both a promise of Jesus’ future reign and a reminder that, even now, he holds authority over every earthly power. For Christians, it represents hope and the assurance that evil and injustice will ultimately be defeated when Jesus returns in glory.
Rabbi (Teacher)
Jesus is often referred to as Rabbi, meaning teacher. In the Gospels, his disciples and others call him Rabbi because he was widely recognized as a teacher of the Torah and spiritual truths. Jesus’ role as a teacher is crucial to his mission, as he came to reveal the kingdom of God, interpret the Law, and show the way to eternal life.
However, unlike other rabbis, Jesus taught with a unique authority (Matthew 7:29). His teachings were not only about interpreting the Law but about fulfilling it and transforming hearts. As Rabbi, Jesus educated his followers on how to live out the values of love, mercy, and justice, and he also redefined discipleship, calling his followers to live radically different lives centered on God.
The Word (Logos)
In John 1:1, Jesus is called “the Word” (Greek: Logos), with the passage declaring, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This title emphasizes Jesus’ eternity, divinity, and role in creation. The Logos is the divine reason and wisdom through which all things were made, and by calling Jesus the Word, John affirms that Jesus is not only a messenger of God but God himself in human form.
Theologically, Logos speaks to Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God—the one through whom God communicates with humanity and brings salvation. As the Word, Jesus is both the creator and sustainer of all things and the one who reveals God’s truth and grace to the world.
Conclusion
The many names and titles of Jesus—Messiah, Son of Man, Lamb of God, Son of God, Emmanuel, King of Kings, Rabbi, and the Word—each reveal a unique aspect of his identity and mission. They highlight his roles as Savior, Redeemer, Teacher, and Divine King. Together, these titles offer a fuller understanding of who Jesus is in Christian theology: both fully divine and fully human, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the one who brings salvation to all of creation. Through these names, Christians find the depth and richness of Jesus’ life, his relationship with God the Father, and his transformative work in the world.
