Names Of Jesus

by Micky Galloway

What’s in a name? Are the names and titles given to Jesus important? In times past names meant something. The children of Israel often named their babies after some particular characteristic or appearance of the child. For example the name of Esau means “hairy.” In New Testament times, names were sometimes based on some hope or prayer of the parent, as in the case of Zechariah meaning “whom Jehovah remembered” (Thayer). There are many names or titles given to Jesus. Each refers to yet another important place or position that Jesus holds in God’s plan to redeem man.

There is one term that is used to identify Jesus in Revelation 1:8. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” The purpose of the book of Revelation is to give comfort to the militant church in its struggle against the forces of evil. There is assurance given in the book that: God sees their tears (7:17; 21:4). Their prayers rule the world (8:3-4). Their death is recognized as precious (14:13; 20:4). Their final victory is assured (15:2). Their blood will be avenged (6:9; 8:3). The expression, “Alpha and the Omega” indicates the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The one identified is complete and full. He is all inclusive. Jesus is identified as the “fulness of the godhead bodily” in Colossians 2:9. In John’s vision he saw one in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, one “like unto a son of man.” This one said unto John, “Fear not; I am the first and the last, and the Living one: and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades” (Revelation 1:12-13, 17-18). Though Jesus had suffered even unto death, he had overcome death. He is now alive to hold the keys, the almighty power, over death and Hades. That Jesus is referred to as “the Almighty,” he is able to supply the victory that is promised in this book. Nothing is beyond his reach.

As the “Almighty” is it any wonder that he should be called “Mighty God”? It is said in the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Indeed there is power in His blood, “in whom we have our redemption through his blood , the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). He has strength and wisdom to endure the cross, despise the shame, thus to sit down at the right hand of the throne of God (cf. Hebrews 12:2).

The apostle Paul described the power of Jesus in I Timothy 6:13-16. “I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession; that thou keep the commandment, without spot, without reproach, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in its own times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom (be) honor and power eternal. Amen.”

As the apostle Paul compares the wisdom of men with the wisdom of God, he emphasizes Christ as the power of God. “Seeing that Jews ask for signs, and Greeks seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumblingblock, and unto Gentiles foolishness; but unto them that are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (I Corinthians 1:22-25). “Power” is from the Greek word “dunamis,” which is defined as “universally, inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth” (Thayer). Indeed, to those who are saved, it is through Christ that the power of God is communicated to them (cf. I Corinthians 1:18).

Jesus is called “the Almighty.” He is the All-Powerful Lord. Nothing is beyond His reach or is impossible for Him. No other Savior is needed besides Him.