The Names and Titles of Jesus: Discover Their Meaning with Your Family

Written by Dianna Wiebe on April 10, 2025.

Jesus is called many names in the Bible—and each one reveals something amazing about who He is. Exploring these names together helps families see the big picture of the Bible. Also showing your kids how how Jesus is at the center of the Bible —from Genesis to Revelation.

In this post, we’ll look at some of the most meaningful names and titles of Jesus. We will look at names and title in both the Old and New Testaments. Use this list to start easy, faith-filled conversations at home, in class, or wherever you do Bible time.

Why Teach the Names of Jesus?

Each name of Jesus shows us something about His character, mission, and how He fulfills God’s promises. By learning these names, your kids will:

Better understand Bible stories
Recognize connections between the Old and New Testaments
Grow in their relationship with Jesus

9 Names and Titles of Jesus with Meaning and Verses

1. Jesus – “You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
➡ Meaning: Savior
➡ Old Testament Connection: Isaiah 53:5 – “He was pierced for our transgressions…”
➡ Talk About It: How did Jesus save us?

2. Christ (Messiah) – “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
➡ Meaning: The Anointed One
➡ Old Testament Connection: Psalm 2:2 – “The kings of the earth rise up…against the Lord and His Anointed.”
➡ Talk About It: What does it mean to be “anointed” by God?

3. Immanuel – “They will call Him Immanuel—which means ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)
➡ Old Testament: Isaiah 7:14
➡ Meaning: God with us
➡ Talk About It: Why is it important that Jesus came to be with us?

4. Lamb of God – “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
➡ Meaning: Jesus is the final sacrifice
➡ Old Testament: Exodus 12 – The Passover lamb
➡ Talk About It: How is Jesus like the lamb in the Passover story?

5. The Branch – “I will raise up for David a righteous Branch…” (Jeremiah 23:5)
➡ Meaning: A descendant of David who will rule justly
➡ Talk About It: What does this tell us about Jesus as King?

6. The Light of the World – “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
➡ Old Testament Connection: Isaiah 9:2 – “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.”
➡ Talk About It: How does Jesus bring light into our lives?

7. The Good Shepherd – “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:11)
➡ Old Testament: Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my shepherd”
➡ Talk About It: How does Jesus take care of His people like a shepherd?

8. The Rock – “They drank from the spiritual rock… and that rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4)
➡ Old Testament: Exodus 17:6 – God provides water from the rock
➡ Meaning: Jesus is our source of life and strength
➡ Talk About It: Why do we call Jesus our Rock?

9. The Root of Jesse – “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse…” (Isaiah 11:1)
➡ Meaning: Jesus comes from the family line of Jesse (King David’s father)
➡ Talk About It: What promises did God make to David’s family?

Easy Ways to Learn the Names of Jesus

Start a “Name of Jesus” week: Pick one name to explore each day.
Draw it out: Let kids illustrate what each name means.
Memory verse game: Match names with their Bible verses.
Family table talk: Ask, “What name stood out to you today? Why?”

Why It Matters

Teaching the names and titles of Jesus helps your kids connect the dots between Bible stories and grow a deeper love for Jesus. It makes the Bible more than a book—it becomes a story about Someone they know.

Want Bible Resources That Help You Teach Jesus with Confidence?
Check out our Bible timeline studies and overview lessons that make it easy to connect Old and New Testament events. They’re flexible, engaging, and ready for families, schools, or co-ops.