George M. Logsdon Feberuary 1999
The Titles Given To Jesus
Have you ever wondered why the Bible (the Word of God) refers to Jesus Christ in one place as Jesus, another place as the Lord Jesus, another as Jesus of Nazareth, another as Jesus Christ, or another Christ Jesus, or even another as the Lord Jesus Christ?
The Bible is the revealed Word and Will of God. I have learned that it is written to a scientific precision and a mathematical exactness. In the Word of God, God says what He means and means what He says. There is a reason for every word and how it is used where it is used.
For example, whenever the term Jesus is used (in respect to the Son of God) that name refers to the man who humbled himself and became obedient unto the death of the cross. The name Jesus is used of the Son of God when referring to the shame He endured on the cross. The one who was laughed at and spit upon; the one as Isaiah 52:14 so vividly puts it..."his visage was so marred more than any man� This Jesus who was spit upon, despised, and rejected is our Saviour. Jesus means the Salvation of Jehova or Saviour.
God did not use the name Jesus haphazaardly when he put forth His Word, just as he did not do so in reference to any of the titles that were given to Jesus. For instance, the title Lord Jesus is used with precision each time it is used in Bible.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Lord Jesus is used when the emphasis is on the superior position or authority of Jesus.
Acts 7:59
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Acts 20:35
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
In each of these passages, the emphasis is on Jesus as Lord.
When Lord Jesus is used look for the emphasis being placed on the man who walked the earth. Stephen made that point when addressesing the pharisees who knew who Jesus the man was; but did not believe he rose from the dead. Stephen was letting them have it!
When Jesus of Nazareth is used it is usually used in connection of Jesus to a locality. The are binding Him to a place rather than giving him his full authority.
Mark 10:47
And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.
Matthew 21:11
And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
Luke 4:34-35
Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. [35] And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him,
The devil spirit new darn good and well who this was; but refused to give Him full authority. Rather, he called him Jesus of Nazareth.
Combining Jesus and Christ recognizes the complete authority of the one who became obedient unto the death of the cross and who was then exalted and glorified. Christ explains which Jesus it is that you are referring to. Remember there were three or four other Jesus's in the bible. Not to mention the usage of Jesus (pronounced hey-seus) or Joshua today. In the gospels Jesus Christ refers to Jesus the Messiah. In the church Epistles it is Jesus who humbled himself unto the cross; but is now magnified and glorified as Christ.
John 17:3
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Jesus the messiah.
Acts 3:6
Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk
The Jesus who humbled himself and now is exalted and glorified.
Acts 2:36
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Always look at how the name is being used and whom is being addressed. Here Israel is being addressed. They need to know that Jesus of the house of David, born of Mary, the one crucified, is the messiah, the resurrected One.
Christ Jesus is simply the inverse of Jesus Christ. The position of the names are changed to place emphasis on the authority of the subject who is Jesus. He died Jesus, He arose Christ!
Philip. 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus
1 Thes. 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you
The Lord Jeus Christ in combination puts emphasis on his position as our Master who once humbled himself and who is the anointed one, the messiah the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 2:36
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 15:11
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
We are saved by believeing that Jesus is the Christ and making him Lord in our lives.
God places importance in the respect that is due his Son and we should take great care in giving our Lord his due. The name of Jesus Christ is given to us to use. It gives us authority and power in our lives. It is our *power of attorney.
Ephes. 1:17
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
The purpose of giving us this name is made known in the following verses.
Ephes. 1:18 - 25
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, [20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, [21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: [22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, [23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Praise God for what he wrought in us through Christ Jesus our Lord. We are sons of God with power from on high. Power given to us by God through Jesus Christ.
Rev. 22:21
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
*Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a document that allows you to appoint a person or organization to handle your affairs while you're unavailable or unable to do so. The person or organization you appoint is referred to as an "Attorney-in-Fact" or "Agent."
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