Names of Jesus in John 1 (Part 2)

          What’s in a name?  In the Bible the Holy Spirit often reveals an attribute or role of a person through names.  In addition to “Jesus”, John 1 uses at least 19 different names for Jesus.  Each of these names reflects an important and particular characteristic of Jesus that the Holy Spirit through John wants us to know.  John introduces Jesus to us and reveals who He is before he presents the rest of the gospel.

LightImage and video hosting by TinyPic

(John 1:4-5; John 1:7,9)

     The importance of "light" through out the Old and New Testaments can hardly be overemphasized. Early on we see God created light and called it good (Gen. 1:3). This theme of light being good and being distinguished from darkness in stark contrast, such as in the book of Job when God is addressed as "the light" (Job 24:12-13) and “The Lord is my light and my salvation;” (Ps 27:1). “O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Is 2:5)

     Jesus as Light illuminates our sinfulness thereby revealing our need of The Savior. “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” (John 3:19-20)

     Jesus as Light is certainly the author of salvation which brings new life.  “So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light…” (John 12:35-36)

(See also John 12:46, Colossians 1:12-14, Philippians 2:15, Ephesians 5:8-15)

     Jesus as Light views believers as “the light of the world” as examples for others and evangelists. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15)

     Jesus is The Light for the saints even in eternity. “And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” (Rev 22:5)

 

He came to his own and his own people

(John 1:11)

Jesus came to the place he had created and had a right to possess. Those who inhabited it turned him away in rejection.

 

The only God, Who is at the Father’s side

(John 1:18)

John tells us that Jesus reveals the Father. “And whoever sees me [Jesus] sees him [The Father] who sent me.” (John 12:45) and “If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him. Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:7, 9) Jesus says this because He is the only Son, God incarnate.

 

He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain

(John 1:33)

    Image and video hosting by TinyPic After John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Matthew’s gospel says: “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

     Here, God the Father audibly attests to Jesus as God’s perfect Son and the Holy Spirit does likewise visibly as He descends and remains upon Jesus. Two unimpeachable witnesses thereby proclaim Jesus’ divinity to all creation. This also assures us that Jesus does the will of the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

The Journey Research Team

John Notes #1 - "10 points on the disciple John, son of thunder..."

John Notes #2 - "Names if Jesus in John 1" Part 1

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