Studying a title of Jesus: Lamb, Shepherd, King, Savior
In the Bible, Jesus receives a multitude of titles: Lamb of God, Good Shepherd, King of kings, Savior, Lord, Son of Man, Light, Bread of Life, Prince of Peace. Each one sheds light on a facet of who he is. This weekly quest invites you to choose one, read two passages that illustrate it and praise him for it.
What it looks like in your day
Choose a title. Here are four to start with:
- Lamb. The one who gave his life in our place. Passages: John 1:29 and Revelation 5.
- Shepherd. The one who leads, feeds and protects. Passages: John 10 and Psalm 23.
- King. The one who reigns with justice. Passages: Matthew 2:1-2 and Philippians 2:9-11.
- Savior. The one who delivers. Passages: Luke 2:11 and Acts 4:12.
Read two passages. One in the Old Testament (which prepares the title), one in the New (which applies it to Jesus). For example, for "Lamb," Isaiah 53 and John 1:29.
Ask three questions. What does this title mean in its original context? What does it show about Jesus? What does it change for me?
Praise. Say the title again in prayer: "Jesus, you are the Lamb of God. You took my place. Thank you." Stay a moment in that sentence.
Note. One line: what you discovered.
This quest is distinct from the one that studies one of Jesus's "I am" sayings or one of his actions: here, it is the titles the Bible gives him, both directly and through others.
If you are in a hurry, one passage and one sentence of praise. If you are shy, everything stays private. If you are a beginner, start with "Shepherd": the image speaks for itself.
What the Bible says
John the Baptist points to Jesus with a title:
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world": the lamb evokes Israel's sacrifices. Jesus is the one who fulfills what these sacrifices announced. In Revelation, heaven's praise is addressed to him:
“Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.”
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing": seven realities, a sign of fullness. And the prophet Isaiah had already announced the titles of the Messiah:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
"His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace": each name is a portrait. In Revelation again, Jesus appears as a lamb that was slain, in the midst of the throne (Revelation 5:6): lamb and king at once.
Pitfalls to avoid
Reducing Jesus to a title. No title says it all. Keep them together: the Lamb is also the Shepherd and the King.
Looking for an exotic meaning. Stay with what the Bible says. Avoid complicated or secret interpretations.
Forgetting the context. A title has a history in the Old Testament. Read it: you will understand better.
Studying without praising. This is not an academic exercise. Always end with praise, even if only in one sentence.
Always choosing the same title. Vary: each week, a new one.
This week, choose a title of Jesus. Read two passages and praise him for it.