These were not mere labels but identities laden with meaning, offered in the very fabric of his teachings, actions, and intentions. Let's explore three of the big titles that describe Jesus in a unique way.
If someone were to ask you to describe yourself, what would you say?
You probably wouldn't take out your driver's license and begin with....5'7, brown hair, blue eyes, Class C license in the state of Nevada. Those may be some basic facts about you, but they wouldn't describe who you are.
When Jesus described Himself, he did so in an interesting way: by giving or receiving titles that led us behind the curtain of his identity. The titles Jesus chose or accepted tell us a lot about His character, His mission, and the nature of what it means to follow Him. These were not mere labels but identities laden with meaning, offered in the very fabric of his teachings, actions, and intentions.
Let's explore three of the big titles that describe Jesus in a unique way.
1. The "Light of the World"
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12, ESV).
In the greater context, this saying comes just after the Feast of Tabernacles, where light was a dominant visual motif. The people celebrated how God providentially led them in the wilderness with a pillar of fire. Jesus seizes this powerful imagery to declare His divine role in leading people out of spiritual darkness. There's an interesting little detail in this interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees in John chapter 8 after he describes himself as the light of the world; it goes something like this in verses 19-20:
Then they asked him, “Where is your Father?”
“You know neither me nor my Father,” Jesus answered. “If you knew me, you would also know my Father.” He spoke these words by the treasury, while teaching in the temple. But no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
These words "by the treasury" are an interesting detail. Why did John include them? Shouldn't the focus be on Jesus saying He's the light of the world or the fact that Jesus was equating Himself with the Father? The Bible is full of these little details that upon further examination, provide some helpful details. According to extra tradition and extra-biblical sources (such as Mishnah Sukkot 5:4), the treasury was in the "court of women" on the temple grounds. Within this courtyard, there most likely stood incredibly tall lamps that were so big they lit up the entire city.
Some of this is probably hyperbole. However, it's feasible that Jesus stood under one of these massive lights as he said, "I am the light of the world," using the light as a metaphor for Himself.
The illumination from these imposing Temple lamps symbolized two realities. The first was the reality of the “Light of all Lights,” "the Shekinah Glory,” the visible presence of God that filled the first Temple, which Solomon built (1 Kings 8:10). The second was Hatmor Gadol (the Great Light) who would soon come and bring light to those who were spiritually dead and dwelling in darkness (Isaiah 9:2).
Jesus may have picked up both on the physical reality of lights in the courtyard and taking the hope of God being the light of His people literally upon himself. This is just one example of how Jesus' favorite titles are rich in symbolism and carry deep meanings. Jesus' claim to be the "light of the world" also speaks to His role as the source of truth and life. Just as light exposes what is hidden in darkness, Jesus reveals the truth about God's kingdom and offers eternal life through faith in Him. He is the ultimate source of light, illuminating our life and dispelling all darkness within it.
2. The "Good Shepherd"
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11, ESV).
This title may seem familiar to you, especially if you've read Psalm 23. It's a famous Psalm encompassing the importance, peace, and leadership qualities of a Shepherd. Many of the Bible's characters are associate with Shepherds, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and even the future King David. The prophets spoke of God as a Shepherd to His people (Isaiah 40:11), and the entire nation of Israel was called God’s flock.
Jesus claims this role for Himself, not only as a fulfillment of prophecy but also to show His love and commitment to His followers. He uses the image of a shepherd who knows his sheep personally, gives them security and guidance, and is willing to lay down his life for them. In a world where people were often seen as just a number or a statistic, Jesus offers a deeply intimate and personal relationship to those who follow Him. As the Good Shepherd, He guides us through the valleys of life and leads us to safety in His loving arms.
There is also an implication when he adds the descriptor of "good." The religious teachers of Jesus' day were also seen as shepherds of Israel, though many had apparently mismanaged or openly misused this leadership role with God's people.
In confronting the Pharisees and teachers of the law, Jesus further accentuates His role as the Good Shepherd by juxtaposing it against their failed leadership. He accuses these religious leaders of being akin to "thieves and robbers" (John 10:8, ESV), who do not enter the sheep pen by the gate but climb in by another way. This accusation is potent, depicting them as leaders who exploit and harm the flock rather than caring for it. He elaborates on this contrast by describing how a true shepherd enters through the gate and is recognized by his sheep, drawing a parallel to His genuine, rightful authority and relationship with His followers.
Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees and teachers is not merely a critique of their leadership but also serves as a stark warning about the dangers of following false leaders, even today. He emphasizes that the intentions of these "thieves" are to steal, kill, and destroy, in stark contrast to His mission to offer life in abundance (John 10:10, ESV).
Through this vivid imagery, Jesus not only asserts His identity and mission but also highlights the vast distinction between His shepherding, marked by sacrifice and genuine care, and the self-serving leadership of the Pharisees. This delineation between the Good Shepherd and the bad shepherds serves as a central theme in His teachings, encouraging His listeners to discern true spiritual leadership from false ones.
3. The Title "Son of Man"
"The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8, ESV).
The title "Son of Man" may seem less overtly divine than "Son of God," but its implications are equally profound. Jesus deliberately uses this term to describe His authority, His unity with humanity, and His fulfillment of messianic prophecies. He's not just projecting forward, but looking back, connecting His identity with long-held messianic typology.
The use of "Son of Man" in the gospels is a direct reference to the vision in the book of Daniel; in claiming this title, Jesus is asserting His divine right of reign and authority. But what's fascinating is how He combines it with a title rooted in humanity. It speaks to Jesus' dual nature as the Son of God and the Son of Man,” fully divine, yet fully human. This title encapsulates the paradox of Christianity: the One who reigns as Lord over all is also intimately acquainted with our human struggles and joys. He understands our pain and offers us hope, having experienced the fullness of humanity Himself.
Furthermore, Jesus' use of this title carries deep significance for His disciples. It denotes their calling to follow in His footsteps, taking up their cross and sharing in His sufferings (Matthew 16:24). As the Son of Man, Jesus invites us to join Him on a journey of humility, selflessness, and ultimately, glory. He is not just a distant deity to be worshipped but also a model and guide for us to emulate.
The term "Son of Man" also reflects Jesus' universal lordship. Unlike messianic figures who were national heroes, Jesus' kingdom is not tied to a single people, place, or time. His rule extends over all creation, every person, and every nation, for all time. This is important for Christians to grasp today, living as we do in a time of division and identity politics. Our allegiance, first and foremost, must be to the Son of Man, to the mission of His universal lordship, and to the realization that it is He, and He alone, who brings all humanity together as one in the Kingdom of God.
Taking Jesus' Titles Seriously
This last title, "Son of Man," is curiously connected to other kings and authority to came before Him: While David was a shepherd before he became a king, Jesus is the King with the heart of a shepherd, who shines brightly as the light of the world, illuminating His authority, right, and might within creation.
The gospel narratives show that Jesus did not shy away from bearing these titles, even when He knew they would lead Him to the cross. He willingly took on the role of Shepherd and Son of Man, bringing with Him the unpopular role of being the "light of the world," revealing the darkness within people's hearts.
As followers of Christ, we must also take these titles seriously and understand the implications they hold for our faith and relationship with God. We are called to follow the Good Shepherd who cares for us, imitating His humility and love for others. We must also recognize His universal authority as the Son of Man, who leads through sacrifice.
Lastly, we must also accept the notion that none of us are truly good. We have darkness within our hearts without Jesus. He illuminates this, forgives us of our sin, and beckons us to come out of the darkness and into the light of compassion, love, and judgment. May we continue to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Jesus' identity and mission, allowing it to transform and guide us in our own lives as His disciples.
Jesus' titles are not just beautiful words to be recited in liturgy or songs but are meant to inform and transform the very essence of our faith. Each one is a powerful invitation to draw near, to walk intimately with Him, and to live out the implications of these titles in our interactions with others.
They should draw us into deeper contemplation of who Jesus really is and what He means to us personally and corporately. May our understanding of these titles not just be theological knowledge but a driving force in all that we do as we live out our identity under Him.
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Kile Baker is a former Atheist who didn’t plan on becoming a Christian, let alone a Pastor, who now writes to try and make Christianity simple. Kile recently wrote a study guide to help people “look forward to and long for Heaven.” You can get one on Amazon here. He also writes at www.paperbacktheologian.com. Kile is the grateful husband to the incredibly talented Rachel, Dad to the energetic London and feisty Emma and Co-Lead Pastor at LifePoint Church in Northern Nevada. He single handedly keeps local coffee shops in business.
