Whereas the gospels of Matthew and Mark portray Christ as King and Servant, respectively, Luke and John emphasize the humanity and deity of Christ, respectively.

Chapter one of John’s gospel contains a wonderful catalog of fourteen names and titles for our Savior. Ten times, Christ is called by his personal name, Jesus, which means savior (Matthew 1:21). Throughout this single chapter our Savior is also called “the Word” (1:1-4), “God” (1:1), “the true light” (1:7-9), “Jesus Christ” (1:17), “the only begotten Son” (1:18), “the Lord” (1:23), “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (1:28, 36), “Rabbi” (or Master) (1:38, 49), “the Son of God” (1:34, 49), “Messias” (meaning the Christ) (1:41), “Jesus of Nazareth” (1:45), “the king of Israel” (1:49), and “the Son of Man” (1:51).

These names are worthy of much personal study. They help us to better understand the nature of our Savior. For example, his title “Lord” refers to his supreme authority. Because of his unique authority, Jesus alone is to be called “Rabbi” or “Master” (Matthew 23:7-8). Our Lord’s authority stems from the fact that he is “the Word.” John associates this title with Christ’s divinity and his role as creator of all things (1:1-3). Jesus was not created. Rather, he created all things (Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16), working together with Father and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2). Mormons falsely teach that Christ is a created being who became a god. Similarly, the Jehovah’s Witnesses falsely teach that God the Father created the Son.

Please join me in praying for the LORD to help us to understand the meaning and significance of the names and titles of our Savior. Pray for the LORD to give us boldness to defend the truth that Christ created all things. And pray for the LORD to help us to submit to Christ as both our Lord and Savior!