The Names of Jesus: Windows for Better Knowing Him

In Bible times, a person’s name had great significance. Rather than simply being an identifier, a name usually revealed something about a person’s character or destiny. Names, in fact, told a story.

This understanding helps us to realize, then, why the names of Jesus are so important.

Think of them as windows.

As we peer through each window, we more clearly see Him. The more clearly we see Him, the better we come to know Him. And knowing Him is life (John 17:3).

Each of the names given to Jesus in Scripture reveals something about His character. They are a window into who He is and what He is like. His names tell us His story.

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.  

John 17:3

I haven’t done a count myself, but research indicates that there are 200 or so names/titles of Jesus recorded in the Bible. Some of these names He even assigned to Himself (The Son of Man, Gate, Good Shepherd, Light of the World, Bridegroom, Lord, Teacher, Vine, Christ, and more).

If as believers in Christ, it is our desire to grow in Christlikeness (to reflect His character), then it is imperative that we know Him. And what better way to know Him, than through His names?

Names of Jesus

Below are just a few of the approximately 200 names/titles of Jesus recorded in Scripture:

Jesus – Matthew 1:21

Christ – John 4:29

Lord – Luke 2:11

Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6

Son of Man – John 3:13

Son of God – John 20:31

Immanuel – Isaiah 7:14

Lamb of God – John 1:29

Savior – John 4:42

Redeemer – Job 19:25

The Word – John 1:1

Light of the World – John 8:12

Good Shepherd – John 10:11

The True Vine – John 15:1

Bread of Life – John 6:35

Think of each name as a precious window into knowing Him better and gaze at each one.

Gazing Through the Windows

There are so many ways to gaze. Gazing simply requires that you spend time with each name digging deeper into who Jesus is.

Gaze by writing the verses out by hand, meditating on them, or memorizing them. Another way to gaze is to read the Scripture verses with focus. Create lists, journal your findings, make connections, verse map, or ask questions.

Questions to Ask

• Who is speaking (giving this name to Jesus)?

• What does this name reveal about Jesus’ character?

• This name tells me what about the life and ministry of Jesus?

• How is this name of Jesus meaningful to me personally?

• Knowing what I’ve learned about Jesus, how should my attitudes and actions be affected?

• How can I better reflect the character of Christ knowing what this verse tells me about Him?

Getting to know Jesus through the window of His names, we cannot help but be moved to worship as we grow in Christlikeness.  

Names of Jesus Scripture Challenge

For those who would like to gaze more deeply into the windows of Jesus’ names, download the Names of Jesus Scripture Challenge which has 30 days of names of Jesus Scriptures.