When opening the New Testament, one is soon introduced to its central figure, Jesus. He is addressed in several ways, but what do those names and titles mean? Who was Jesus of Nazareth?
His Heritage
Jesus of Nazareth was a real person who lived in first century Israel. He was born to Jewish parents (Mary and Joseph) who could trace their heritage back to the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew’s record of the Gospel begins with the genealogical record. “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1 NKJV). Luke’s record also demonstrates Jesus to be the descendant of both Abraham and David (Luke 3:31, 34). These records serve two purposes. First, they show that Jesus could be traced to the two men who were prophesied to be the ancestors of the anointed Messiah of God. Abraham: “I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:3). David: “‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth’” (Jeremiah 23:5). Second, they serve as validation of the fact that Jesus was a real historical figure who could be connected to other real historical figures.
When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, she and Joseph had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem in order to participate in a census during the reign of Caesar Augustus (Luke 2:1–4). They needed to go to Bethlehem because that was the ancestral home of Joseph (Luke 2:4). Thereafter, the family returned to their home in Nazareth (Luke 2:51). This seems to be the place where Jesus spent His years before beginning His ministry (Luke 2:39–40). This provides insight as to why Jesus was sometimes called a Nazarene or simply, “Jesus of Nazareth” (Matthew 21:11; Mark 1:24; Luke 18:37). Having connection to these two cities also proved to be of great significance in that the words of the prophets would be fulfilled. “And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene’” (Matthew 2:23). Again, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting” (Micah 5:2). Both the genealogy and geography that is recorded in Scripture help to show the significance of Jesus. He is confirmed to be a descendant of two of the great Patriarchs of the Jewish faith.
His Name
During the times in which Jesus was born, it was customary to name a child after his father or other relative. In fact, this tradition became a point of discussion during the birth and naming of John the Baptizer.
Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her. So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called. (Luke 1:57–62)
Instead of bestowing the name of an earthly relative, Joseph was commanded to give the name “Jesus” for its divine significance. “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The given name would not be for identifying parentage but for purpose. Jesus was to be a deliverer. The Hebrew names Jesus and Joshua share a similar etymology. Further, the individuals that bear the names share similarities in that they were both called upon to be deliverers. Joshua would lead the children of Israel out of the wilderness and into the promised land of Canaan (Joshua 1:1–18). Jesus was sent to deliver people from the bondage of sin and into the promised land of Heaven (Luke 4:18; Hebrews 2:9–18).
His Exaltation
In studying the identity of Jesus of Nazareth, His suffering and exaltation cannot be overlooked. Few passages summarize the two contrasting facets of life like Philippians 2. In speaking of Jesus’ humility, Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5–8). While asserting that Jesus was in fact God, Paul also affirmed that Jesus was a man. A man that was capable of suffering and even dying.
However, Paul did not end there. Remembering that Jesus is the divine deliverer of God, Paul also wrote the following. “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9–11).
Conclusion
The name, Jesus, carries meaning, prophetic purpose and divine priority. In getting to know the central figure of the Bible, there is much to learn about His name. God Himself chose and assigned the name Jesus (Matthew 1:21; Philippians 2:9). Further, it is noted that the name is both high and holy and demands reverence and respect. The lyrics Pat Boone sang to the song “Take the Name of Jesus with You” may properly serve to close this article about Jesus of Nazareth. “Oh, the precious name of Jesus, How it thrills our souls with joy; All the favor of the Father; In this name we may enjoy. Precious name! Oh, how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav’n; Precious name! Oh, how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heav’n.”
