Each of us has a name, a given name and a surname. Our given name is the name that mom and dad chose for us. Often times the given name is a name that means something to the parents, like a name given in memory of a departed loved one or a family name that is given often to the first born boy from generation to generation.

Our name is how we are known to our friends and acquaintances. The name becomes very important and people are often disturbed by someone not remembering their name or mispronouncing it.

Our surname or last name is a generational name. The surname is a rather recent historic development. Many surnames are derived from an ancestor’s occupation or area of residence. Over time surnames often evolve.

But no name(s) have ever been as important as the names of Jesus, our Savior. The research that I have done indicates that there are more than 170 names associated with Jesus and all of them descriptive. You may find research that indicates fewer or more, but what is definite is that Jesus was known throughout the Old and New Testament by many descriptive names. Each name tells us something special about Jesus’ character.

There is no way that I can list all 170 names here but I will highlight some just to reveal how important the names of Christ are and how they describe His magnificent character.

Christ is described as far back as Genesis 49:10 as Shiloh which means “Peace bringer.” And indeed, He is the one who brings us peace.

In Numbers 24:17 he is referred to as Sceptre which means “The King is Coming”

He is referred to as Redeemer in Job, Isaiah, Galatians and Revelations.

And too many times to list as Son of God, Holy One, King, and High Priest.

Song 2:1 refers to him as the Rose of Sharon – the rose is often given as an example of new life and of a perfect blossom.

Those most familiar to us are Emmanuel which means “God is with us,” Wonderful, and Counsellor (He definitely guides us giving daily wisdom). He is also known as Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

I could go on and on with dozens more examples of his name.

You might ask why this is important. It is important because the names of Christ show his majesty, His love for us, his grace and the place He wants to have in our lives.

There is no way that one name could adequately describe our Savior. One name cannot precisely indicate all He is to His people.

If you really want to better know Christ, I would encourage you to look up all of the names of Christ. Study them so that you can better know your Lord. Better knowing Him better equips us to serve Him.

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There Is No Name So Sweet on Earth.

There is no name so sweet on earth,
No name so sweet in Heaven,
The Name, before His wondrous birth
To Christ the Savior given.

We love to sing of Christ our King,
And hail Him, blessèd Jesus;
For there’s no word ear ever heard
So dear, so sweet as “Jesus.”

His human name they did proclaim,
When Abram’s son they sealed Him;
The name that still by God’s good will,
Deliverer revealed Him.

And when He hung upon the tree,
They wrote this Name above Him;
That all might see the reason we
Forevermore must love Him.

So now, upon His Father’s throne,
Almighty to release us
From sin and pain, He gladly reigns,
The Prince and Savior, Jesus.

O Jesus, by that matchless Name,
Thy grace shall fail us never;
Today as yesterday the same,
Thou art the same forever.