Saviour, Messiah, Emmanuel, Lord, and Word of God
(Lk 2:11; Mt 1:21; Isa 7:14; Jn 1:1–14; Jn 20:28; Acts 10:38)
Biblical Identity and Primary References
Jesus Christ is revealed in Sacred Scripture not only through His deeds and teachings but also through the many names and titles given to Him by God, angels, prophets, apostles, and believers. Each name unveils a distinct dimension of His divine identity and salvific mission.
Primary references include Lk 1–2; Mt 1–2; Isa 7:14; Isa 9:6; Jn 1:1–14; Jn 20:28; Acts 10:38; Phil 2:9–11; Rev 19:13, 16.
Historical and Cultural Background
In the biblical world, names were not mere labels but revealed a person’s identity, mission, or destiny. In Jewish tradition, God often changed names to signify a new divine calling, as with Abram to Abraham and Jacob to Israel. Titles such as Messiah, Lord, and Son of God carried deep theological meaning and evoked Israel’s hopes for redemption.
Within this context, the names of Jesus were proclamations of faith. To speak His name was to confess who He is and what God was accomplishing through Him in history.
Detailed Biblical Biography
At Jesus’ birth, the angel announced to the shepherds three foundational titles: “Saviour,” “Messiah,” and “Lord” (Lk 2:11), summarizing His entire mission. The name Jesus, the Greek form of Joshua, means “Yahweh saves.” God commanded that He be given this name because “He will save His people from their sins” (Mt 1:21). As Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, Jesus leads humanity into eternal life through His Cross and Resurrection.
The title Messiah (Hebrew) or Christ (Greek) means “the Anointed One.” Jesus fulfills the threefold anointing of king, priest, and prophet. At His baptism, the Father anointed Him with the Holy Spirit, a truth later proclaimed by Peter: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 10:38).
The name Emmanuel, meaning “God with us,” reveals the mystery of the Incarnation foretold by Isaiah (Isa 7:14). In Jesus, God truly dwells among His people. Even after His Ascension, He remains present in the Church, in prayer, and above all in the Holy Eucharist (Mt 18:20; Lk 24:35).
Calling Jesus Lord (Kyrios) was a bold confession of His divinity, as this title was used in the Greek Scriptures for Yahweh Himself. Thomas’ proclamation, “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28), stands as one of the clearest affirmations of Jesus’ divine nature.
The title Jesus of Nazareth identifies His humble origins. Nazareth was an obscure village, yet Matthew sees in it the fulfillment of prophecy, linking it to the “shoot” from the stump of Jesse (Isa 11:1). This name highlights the humility of the Messiah and God’s preference for what the world considers insignificant.
Finally, John reveals Jesus as the Word of God (Logos). “In the beginning was the Word” (Jn 1:1). Through Him all things were created, and in Him God speaks His final and definitive word to humanity. The Word became flesh, making the invisible God known.
References in Other Parts of the Bible
Isaiah foretells the child who will bear divine titles such as “Mighty God” and “Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). The Psalms proclaim the Lord’s anointed King (Ps 2; Ps 110). Paul teaches that God exalted Jesus and gave Him “the name that is above every name” (Phil 2:9–11).
The Book of Revelation presents Jesus as the Word of God and King of kings, whose name reveals His eternal authority (Rev 19:13, 16).
Jewish Tradition and Understanding
Jewish expectation looked for a Messiah anointed by God, though often envisioned as a political liberator. Titles like Emmanuel and Lord expanded this expectation beyond politics into divine presence and covenant fulfillment. Jesus both fulfills and transforms Jewish messianic hope by revealing a suffering, saving, and divine Messiah.
Catholic Interpretation and Teaching
The Catholic Church teaches that the name of Jesus is holy and powerful, invoking His saving presence (CCC 432–435). Every name and title of Jesus reveals a truth about His person and mission. The Church venerates the Holy Name of Jesus and professes His Lordship in the Creed, affirming Him as true God and true man.
In the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, the Church proclaims and encounters the living Emmanuel, God-with-us.
Connection to Jesus, Mary, and Salvation History
Mary plays a central role in salvation history by giving birth to the One who bears these divine names. Through her obedience, the promises attached to the names of Jesus are fulfilled. Each title marks a stage in God’s plan to redeem humanity and restore communion with Him.
Typology and New Testament Fulfillment
Joshua prefigures Jesus as the leader into God’s promised inheritance. The anointed kings, priests, and prophets of Israel anticipate Christ, the perfect Anointed One. The creative Word of Genesis finds fulfillment in the Word made flesh in John’s Gospel.
What Makes This Person Unique
Jesus alone bears names that unite humanity and divinity. His names do not merely describe Him; they reveal God’s saving action in history. No other figure embodies salvation, divine presence, lordship, humility, and eternal Word in one person.
Strengths and Virtues
Jesus reveals perfect obedience, humility, compassion, authority, and truth. Each name reflects His virtues—saving mercy as Jesus, faithful presence as Emmanuel, divine authority as Lord, and eternal wisdom as the Word.
Weaknesses, Failures, or Sins
Jesus is entirely sinless. His humility and suffering, often misunderstood as weakness, reveal the strength of divine love and obedience.
Lessons for Christian Leadership and Witnessing
Christians are called to honor the name of Jesus not only with words but with lives that reflect His identity. To proclaim His name is to live as witnesses of salvation, humility, truth, and love in the world.
Leadership in the Church must always point to Jesus, whose name reminds us that authority is exercised through service and sacrifice.
Reflection
The many names of Jesus invite believers into a deeper relationship with Him. Each name reveals a facet of His love and mission, calling us to trust Him as Saviour, follow Him as Lord, and dwell with Him as Emmanuel. By meditating on His names, we grow in faith and learn how to live in a way that honors the One whose name is above every name.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, holy and saving Name above all names, help us to know You more deeply as our Saviour, Messiah, Emmanuel, and Lord; may Your Word dwell richly in our hearts, shape our lives in humility and love, and lead us faithfully into the fullness of eternal life with You. Amen.