There are some 200 names and titles of Christ found in the Bible. We find 8 specific names / titles for Jesus in the Gospel of John. “Jesus gave himself names that pointed to special roles He was ready to fulfill for people. Some of these refer back to the OT promises of the Messiah. Others were ways to help people understand Him.” [TLASB; P.2315]
In John 6:27, Jesus refers to Himself as the ‘Son of Man’. “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man[a] can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” This is Jesus’ favorite name for Himself. It emphasizes His humanity ... but the way He used it point to His divinity.
In John 6:35, Jesus refers to Himself as the ‘Bread of Life’. “Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” This verse refers to His life-giving role ... that He is the only source of eternal life.
In John 8:12, Jesus refers to Himself as the ‘Light of the World’. “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” Light symbolizes spiritual truth. Jesus is the universal answer for people’s need of spiritual truth.
In John 10:3-7, Jesus gives an illustration of a shepherd and a gate ... He refers to Himself as ‘the gate for the sheep’. “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice. Those who heard Jesus use this illustration didn’t understand what he meant, so he explained it to them: I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.” This title or name represents the fact that Jesus is the only way into God’s Kingdom.
In John 10:11, Jesus refers to Himself as ‘the Good Shepherd’. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.” This statement is a claim to divinity, with the focus on Jesus’ love & guidance.
In John 11:25, Jesus refers to Himself as ‘the resurrection & the life’. Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. [a] Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
This means that not only is Jesus the source of life; He is the power over death.
In John 14:6, Jesus refers to Himself as ‘The way, the truth, & the life’. “Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” Jesus is the method, the message, & the meaning for all people. With this title, He summarized His purpose for coming to earth.
In John 15:1, Jesus refers to Himself as ‘The True Vine’. “I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener.” This title has an important 2nd part, “you are the branches”. As in so many of His other names, Jesus reminds us that just as branches gain life from the vine & cannot live apart from it, so we are completely dependent on Christ for spiritual life.
Up next is a spotlight on Lazarus ... until then, walk with the King and be a blessing!
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: The Life Application Study Bible [TLASB]; https://www.gotquestions.org/names-Jesus-Christ.html
[a] Some manuscripts do not include ‘and the life’.
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