“The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Jesus described His journey here on earth in terms of ministry. His primary concern was what He could do for others.
2. When He ascended to heaven, Jesus continued to minister.
3. Every name of Jesus represents His ability to meet a particular need in someone’s life.
4. The greatest name is the name that meets the greatest need.
B. THE CREATIVE NAMES OF JESUS
1. The service names of Jesus relate to His creating and sustenance of this world. “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3).
2. Jesus created by producing life and energy from nothing. “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men” (v. 4).
3. For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: and He is before all things, and by Him all things consist” (Col. 1:16-17, emphasis added).
4. The word “consist” (v. 17) literally means “to hold together.”
C. THE INSTRUCTIVE NAMES OF JESUS
Several names of Jesus emphasize His role as a teacher. The scriptures never call Jesus a preacher but is implied by the title “Prophet.”
1. Rabbi – Master – Teacher
a. The word rabbi is an Aramaic word that is transliterated.
b. Common meaning a religious teacher (John 1:38).
c. The progress of teaching but also the content in their teaching.
2. Rabboni – My Master Teacher
a. Used on two occasions by blind Bartimaeus and Mary Magdalene (John 20:18).
b. Deep sense of loyalty or affection for Christ, translated “My Rabbi.”
3. Didaskalos – Teacher
a. Usually translated “teacher,” “a teacher come from God” (John 3:2), His doctrine (Matt. 7:28-29; Mark 1:22, 27).
b. Unique in both content and style, not the tradition of men but like the prophets of old on behalf of God.
c. A scribe recited all the various opinions of other teachers and concluded by announcing the consensus.
4. Kathegets – guide
a. Alludes to His teaching ministry meaning “guide.” “Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ” (Matt. 23:10). Other translators used “leader.”
b. He is the example of the content of the lesson.
D. THE SOVEREIGN NAMES OF JESUS
Translated with the English word “master” idea of masterly over someone or something. Demonstrates Jesus’ power and authority.
1. Epistates – Chief – Leader
a. Used six times (Luke 5:5; 8:24, 45; 9:33, 49; 17:13), “chief,” “commander,” “leader” or “overseer.”
b. Translated “bishop,” a title of a pastor in a church.
c. Designates authority, considered an honorable title.
2. Oikodespotes – master – manager
a. Translated “master of the house” (Matt. 10:25; Luke 13:25; 14:21), “goodman of the house” (Matt. 20:11; 24:43; Mark 14:14; Luke 12:39), and “householder” (Matt. 13:27, 52; 20:1: 21:33).
b. Emphasizes control over people and money and resources.
c. Jesus is Master over His disciples and Master over all mankind.
3. Despotes – Lord – Owner
a. Jesus has absolute ownership and uncontrolled power” (2 Peter 2:1).
b. English derivative, “despot” or dictator.
c. The negative connotation—abuse of power—is not necessarily implied.
E. THE ASSISTANCE NAMES OF JESUS
1. The Intercessor
a. One of His primary works, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).
b. “O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor!” (Job 16:21). Someone who could stand before a holy God on behalf of a sinful human race and pray effectively.
c. Prays to keep us from sinning.
d. Christ as our High Priest, is concerned most with preventing problems that we might not sin.
2. The Advocate – Lawyer
a. The second of Jesus’ ministries, “an advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:1), standing by us after we have willfully sinned.
b. Paraclete, meaning “one called alongside to help.”
c. A legal phrase, a lawyer who acts on my behalf.
d. The devil accuses us of sin. He does not actually have to plead. His constant presence before the Father is the sufficient plead. A priest needs the right birth, right calling and right life (Heb. 6:19-20; 7:24).
3. The Indweller
a. The title “Indweller” is not found in scripture, biblical in spirit. “If a man loves Me, he will keep My words: and My father will love him and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him” (John 14:23).
b. Communion with Christ is evidence in willing obedience.
c. “You in me and I in you” (John 14:20). Double transference.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
