For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 ESV

I love this painting of Jesus! Many pictures of Jesus show Him as serious. But we have to remember that Jesus lived His life here on earth, loving people and spreading the good news about God and His coming kingdom. He was invited to a wedding, sounds fun and happy. He had dinners with his disciples and followers. Jesus even invited himself to someone’s house for dinner. People liked Him and wanted to be around Him. I like to think He smiled a lot!

You have had many names already in your life. You have your given name, what everyone calls you. Just like Jesus was named “Jesus” by Mary and Joseph (as the angel had told them). But you are also a son or a daughter, maybe a sister or brother, or a grandson or granddaughter. You might also be a friend, a classmate, or a soccer player.

Throughout the Bible, Jesus is called by many different names. Do you remember what we called Jesus last week? If you said Shepherd, you are right! Our verse from Isaiah was a prophecy of what would happen in the future. It alone has four names for Jesus who had not yet been born: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.

Jesus is a Healer. Do you remember the story of the woman who had faith? She was sick, and she reached out and touched the edge of Jesus’ clothing and was immediately healed! Because she believed. Jesus was a Teacher or Rabbi; he taught His disciples and others who followed and listened to Him about God and His Kingdom. Check out the sermon on the mount, your parents can help you find it. Jesus often called Himself the Son of Man, but we can call Him the Son of God.

Jesus asks the Samaritan woman at the well for a drink of water. He tells her that if she knew who He was, she would ask for living water and she would never be thirsty. In John, Jesus said He was the Bread of Life. Jesus is also sometimes called Jesus Christ. Christ means the one anointed or chosen by God. Many times, Jesus is called Lord by His disciples and others whom He healed or cared for. We can call Him Lord when we pray or talk to Him.

Jesus is also our Savior and Redeemer. Jesus willingly went to the cross to die as a sacrifice for you and me so that we can be close to God and Jesus. And after three days Jesus arose from death so that we, too, can have life forever with Him one day. When we believe, have faith, in Jesus and all that He did for us, we are forgiven and saved and redeemed.

This week, talk with your parents. Together can you find some other names for Jesus? What do they mean?

Blessings as you discover more and more about who Jesus is!