The Many Names of Jesus

John 1.29-42

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).

The reading from John this weekend provides us with four different names of Jesus (Five if you include Jesus). All Christians know Christ as Saviour and Messiah; as we grow the other names begin to make sense. Our relationship as disciples in Christ's church means Jesus Christ becomes our teacher, not just the teacher of the disciples, we call him Rabbi. Eventually we can come to a fuller understanding of how the Lamb of God is an incredible term. Lambs were used for sacrifices, reflecting the sacrifice that Jesus has done for us.

On top of this, we could reflect perpetual youth or an eternal life. I know more then a few older parishioners who have a youthful joy within the church, large smiles and if they are able they remain energetic. A lamb, is usually bouncing around in joy. In this we see people living with Jesus even now, Emanuel (God with us).

Christ, also means the Anointed One under the Greek root rather then the Hebrew root. Someone who is anointed is a King, or a Lord. Jesus is our Master who also is our Servant. Jesus is the Son of God, his divine being; Son of Man, his humanity; Son of David the root of his legitimate Kingship of the Hebrews with the Son of Joseph connecting his legal genealogical connection to this Kingship. New Adam shows he is a new starting point for humanity; Second Adam he who can make the choice for God not for self; Last Adam, the last one to die.

We light candles celebrating Jesus as the Light of the World, the light of Christ is an important symbol, light in the darkness. King of the Jews, a title given in the complexities of foreign command, true and controversial.

As we grow in faith, the names hold different meanings. What name may be the most important for you today? What is a name I have missed with its meaning for you?