Understanding the Messiah: Names, Attributes, and Divine Role

Introduction

In this book, we explore the divine nature, attributes, works, and claims of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Understanding these aspects of Christ helps us grasp who He is and what He means to believers. Each chapter will focus on a different aspect of the Messiah, from His divine names to His role in salvation and judgment.

The Divine Names of the Messiah

The Messiah is known by various divine names, each revealing a different aspect of His identity and relationship with God the Father.

1. God – Jesus is acknowledged as God, affirming His divinity (John 1:1; Hebrews 1:8).
2. Son of God – This title emphasizes His unique relationship with the Father (Matthew 16:16; John 3:16).
3. Lord – The term “Lord” signifies Jesus’ authority and dominion over all (Romans 10:9; Philippians 2:11).
4. Alpha and Omega – These terms, meaning “the beginning and the end,” show that Jesus is eternal (Revelation 22:13).
5. The First and the Last – This title further underscores Jesus’ eternal nature (Revelation 1:17).
6. The Image of God – Jesus is the visible representation of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
7. The Very Image – Jesus perfectly reflects God’s nature and character (Hebrews 1:3).

Lesson: Each name of Jesus holds deep meaning and helps us understand His divine identity and relationship with us.

The Divine Attributes of the Messiah

The Messiah possesses attributes that only belong to God, demonstrating His divine nature.

1. Eternality – Jesus has always existed and will always exist (John 1:1-2; Hebrews 13:8).
2. Immutability – Jesus does not change; His nature and character are constant (Hebrews 13:8).
3. Self-Existence – Jesus depends on no one for His existence; He is self-sufficient (John 5:26).
4. Life – Jesus is the source of all life and sustains all creation (John 14:6; Colossians 1:16-17).
5. Fullness of the Godhead – Jesus embodies the fullness of God’s being (Colossians 2:9).
6. Holiness – Jesus is pure and set apart, without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
7. Sovereignty – Jesus has supreme power and authority (Matthew 28:18).
8. Omnipotence – Jesus is all-powerful (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 1:8).
9. Omniscience – Jesus knows all things (John 16:30; Colossians 2:3).
10. Omnipresence – Jesus is present everywhere (Matthew 28:20).

Lesson: Understanding Jesus’ attributes deepens our respect for His majesty and helps us appreciate His divine role in our lives.

The Divine Works of the Messiah

The Messiah performs works that only God can do, affirming His divinity.

1. In Creation – Jesus played an active role in creating the universe (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).
2. In Preservation – Jesus sustains all things, ensuring the order of creation (Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3).
3. In the Forgiveness of Sin – Jesus has the power to forgive sins, a role reserved for God (Mark 2:5-7).
4. In the Sending of the Holy Spirit – Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our Helper and Guide (John 15:26; John 16:7).
5. In Resurrection – Jesus rose from the dead and has the power to raise others (John 11:25; Romans 8:11).

Lesson: Recognizing the works of Jesus gives us confidence in His power to save, preserve, and sustain us.

Worship Ascribed to the Messiah

In the Bible, worship is directed to Jesus as it is to God, showing His worthiness of adoration.

1. Worship is reserved for God alone, yet Jesus receives worship from His followers, establishing His divinity (Matthew 14:33; John 20:28; Revelation 5:12-13).

Lesson: Worshiping Jesus is central to our faith, recognizing Him as God and Savior.

The Giving of Immortality

Jesus grants eternal life to those who believe in Him.

1. Jesus offers immortality, the gift of eternal life, to those who trust in Him (John 3:16; John 10:28). This life is a divine gift that only God can give.

Lesson: Through Jesus, we are given the hope of eternal life, which changes how we live and understand our purpose.

The Divine Association with the Trinity

Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity, showing His unique relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

1. His Association with the Father – Jesus shares a close and unique bond with God the Father (John 10:30; John 14:9).
2. His Association with the Holy Spirit – Jesus works in harmony with the Holy Spirit, particularly in guiding and empowering believers (John 14:16-17; John 16:13-14).

Lesson: The Trinity is a mystery, but it reveals the unity of God’s nature and helps us understand Jesus’ divine role.

The Divine Claims of the Messiah

Jesus made claims that demonstrate His unique relationship with God and His authority.

1. To Have the Closest Possible Relationship with God

   • To Know the Messiah is to Know God – Knowing Jesus is knowing God Himself (John 14:7).
   • To See the Messiah is to See God – Seeing Jesus reveals God’s nature (John 14:9).
   • To Receive the Messiah is to Receive God – Accepting Jesus is accepting God (John 13:20).
   • To Honor the Messiah is to Honor God – Honoring Jesus is honoring God (John 5:23).
   • To Have a Unique Oneness with God – Jesus shares a unique unity with God the Father (John 10:30).

2. To Be the Object of Saving Faith – Jesus invites people to place their faith in Him for salvation (John 3:36; John 14:1).

3. To Have Absolute Dominion over His Followers – Jesus has ultimate authority over those who follow Him (John 13:13; Matthew 28:18).

4. To Have Sovereignty Over the Laws and Institutions of God – Jesus has authority over God’s laws and institutions (Mark 2:27-28; Matthew 5:17-18).

Lesson: Jesus’ claims reveal His divinity and the importance of our faith in Him as Lord and Savior.

The Meaning of Kenosis

“Kenosis” refers to Jesus’ act of “emptying Himself” (Philippians 2:7) to become human.

1. Jesus willingly laid aside His divine privileges and took on human form to serve and save humanity. This act of humility shows His love and willingness to be close to us (Philippians 2:6-8).

Lesson: Kenosis teaches us about humility and the depth of Jesus’ love, as He gave up His divine glory to be among us.

Conclusion

This book provides an overview of who Jesus, the Messiah, is—His names, attributes, works, worship, and divine claims. By understanding these aspects of the Messiah, Bible students can deepen their faith and appreciation for who Jesus is. His divinity, role in salvation, and eternal nature affirm His worthiness of our worship and obedience.

Final Reflection: Jesus, the Messiah, is both divine and approachable. By understanding His nature, we learn not only to honor and worship Him but also to embrace the life He offers us through His grace and sacrifice. This understanding is crucial for growing in faith and walking with Him daily.