As I read through the Bible, my favorite thing to do is look for Jesus. Jesus said the whole Bible is talking about Him (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Hebrews 10:7). There are many different names of Him throughout the Bible. Let’s take a look at five of the most common names of Jesus and see what they teach us about who He is.

1. Son of Man

Jesus often called himself the “Son of Man.” This name reminds us that Jesus was human, just like we are. He was able to fully understand us and our suffering when he was born and took on human nature. But in Daniel 7:13, we learn the "Son of Man" is far more than simply human.

2. Son of God

Many times, Christians call Jesus the Son of God. Others sometimes say that Jesus never claimed to be anything other than a man. But the words of Jesus disagree with that statement. "I said, ‘I am the Son of God’" (John 10:36). It’s clear that Jesus stated he was the Son of God, and that’s where this name of Jesus comes from.

3. Lamb of God

Jesus sacrificed His life for us on the cross. The name “Lamb of God” identifies Jesus with the sacrifice He made for all of us. By calling Him that, John the Baptist showed that every sacrifice was meant to represent God’s final sacrifice. (John 1:29, Hebrews 10:10-14) From the sacrifice made to cover the sins of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:21 to the sacrifices that still took place on altars in John's time, they all represented Jesus.

4. Word

In John 1, Jesus is called “The Word.” When Jesus became a human and gave His life for us on the cross, God spelled himself out in words we can all understand. Jesus tells us more about God than words ever could because He is God in the flesh. (John 1:1-3, 14, 18)

5. Immanuel

Immanuel means "God with us." The Bible tells us that when Mary named her first-born Son "Jesus," it was the fulfillment of Isaiah's prediction in Isaiah 7:14 that the virgin's son would be called "Immanuel." (Matthew 1:18-25) "How does naming the baby 'Jesus' mean calling Him, 'God with us?' The angel explained that they would give Him the name Jesus "because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

The name "Jesus" means "Yahweh is Salvation." Jesus is the only name by which we may be saved. (Acts 4:12) Do you know how to ask Jesus to save you? Click here to learn how to call on the name of Jesus and ask Him to save you. Remember, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13)