In the Bible, Jesus Christ is referred to by two specific names and approximately two hundred titles. The two specific names used in reference to Him include Jesus and Emmanuel. The titles of Jesus provide important information to define a particular aspect of His role, specifically His deity and humanity. They reveal His fulfillment of Messianic prophecies and identify Him as the Savior of the world for all who will believe in Him. Recognizing the names and titles of Jesus isn’t just about knowing who He is—it's about responding to who He is personally, specifically as our Lord and Savior. This means surrendering our hearts to Him—recognizing that we are sinners in need of forgiveness and that trusting in His death and resurrection provides that forgiveness and redefines our lives. In knowing Him fully, we discover the fullness of who we are meant to be in Him.
Recognizing Jesus for who He is through His names and titles—Christ, the Word, Son of God, Son of Man, and especially as Lord and Savior—goes beyond knowledge; it calls for a personal response. Acknowledging Jesus as "Christ" means embracing Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises, our Redeemer who brings hope to our lives. As "the Word," He is the living expression of God's truth, inviting us to trust in His wisdom and guidance. Knowing Him as the "Son of God" connects us to His divine power and love, while "Son of Man" reminds us that He understands our struggles intimately. But ultimately, to recognize Jesus as "Lord and Savior" is to respond to who He is and what He has done in His death and resurrection to save us from our sins. It is to surrender our lives to His authority, allowing Him to lead and transform us. It’s an invitation to step out of self-reliance and into a relationship where His grace covers our failures, His truth directs our steps, and His love defines our worth. Recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior means letting Him be the center of our lives, trusting Him fully, and following Him wholeheartedly.