A Name Beyond Words

STORY: Jesus Defined

During worship, singing about the names and character traits of Jesus, I had a lightbulb moment. Even though I hear and see and say the names of Jesus and his roles, there’s no way any human words can do him justice. He is beyond anything I can try to imagine or any words I can use to describe him. I can’t fully define who Jesus is, but Jesus defines who I am!

Each time I examine a different name of Jesus I see more clearly who he is. I fall in love with him all over again!

STUDY: More Names of Jesus

Servant

"Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted." (Isaiah 52:13 ESV)

• It’s always awe-inspiring to think of Jesus as the exalted servant. Servant—humbled. Exalted—lifted up.
• Whenever I see “high and lifted up” I not only think of how his ways are above our ways and he is elevated above any human because of his God nature, but I also think of Jesus being high and lifted up on the cross.
• What does Jesus mean to you personally as Servant?
• The word exalt means praised and elevated. Extolled and worshipped. How do you exalt Jesus?

Man of Sorrows

"He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care." (Isaiah 53:3 NLT)

• This prophecy in Isaiah always breaks my heart. Songs have been written about the Man of Sorrows.
• What caused Jesus to be despised? How did people show they despised him?
• How was Jesus rejected?
• There’s no need to ask why Jesus was a man of sorrows, acquainted with the deepest grief—think about how his loving gift to mankind has been despised and rejected.
• Peter was the perfect example of “We turned our backs on him and looked the other way” when he denied Christ prior to the cross. But each of us have had a time when we chose our own way and rejected Jesus.
• How can thinking of Jesus’ grief help us embrace his love gift even more?

The Redeemer

"'The Redeemer will come to Jerusalem to buy back those in Israel who have turned from their sins,' says the Lord." (Isaiah 59:20 NLT)

• Redeemer: Jesus bought us back by paying for our sins—he delivered us from the captivity of sin and purchased our freedom. This restored our relationship to God by satisfying God’s fee and clearing our debt.
• What does Jesus mean to you as you think of why you needed to be redeemed? How can you show appreciation for this sacrificial gift being offered to connect you to the Father?

Jesus

"And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21 NLT)

• During this Christmastime, we hear of Joseph being visited by the Angel of the Lord and made aware of Mary’s pregnancy. Joseph was told what to expect while they were expecting!
• The name Jesus means: God is salvation—Savior. To rescue—save alive. That last one means so much to me. Jesus came to save me alive! Those who come to faith in him are born twice and die once. Those who reject him are born once and die twice. (Physical death and spiritual death—separation from God.)

King of the Jews

“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2 NLT)

• The wise men from eastern lands went to Jerusalem to inquire about this new baby. What is the significance of Jesus being king of the Jews? There had been previous Jewish kings.
• I like how the wise men call the star “his star.” I’m not sure how they identified it as such, but since Jesus is creator, all stars are his stars. But this one had a unique purpose. Each of us are his stars, too, and we each have a unique purpose.
• Even before Jesus was a man who taught and did great miracles, these wise men wanted to worship him. Why? Even when we don’t see Jesus at work in our lives, what would motivate us to worship him?

Dearly Loved Son

"And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.'" (Matthew 3:17 NLT)

• When Jesus was baptized by John, God spoke, endorsing Jesus. Imagine Jesus being so dearly loved by his Father. This was such a happy time in the life of Jesus, but God could see ahead and knew what was to come. Even knowing that, or perhaps especially because of knowing what was ahead, God had great joy. Jesus would provide a way for us to be reconnected to the Father. If that brings God great joy, then we must be dearly loved by him and bring him great joy as well.
• Take time to thank Jesus for being the Father’s beloved Son.

Groom

"Jesus replied, 'Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.'" (Matthew 9:15 NLT)

• What is the meaning of Jesus being called Groom?
• Who is the bride?

STEPS: Worshipping Jesus

On this day after Christmas, despite the hustle and bustle, spend time worshipping Jesus.

1. Name each name mentioned here and thank Jesus for his role for the world.
2. Name each name mentioned here and thank Jesus for his role in your life specifically.

Copyright © 2019 Kathy Carlton Willis, used with permission.