Last week I shared about the significance of names, particularly the names of God (you can read it here). As the week passed, my thoughts turned to the names of Jesus.
- Artos Zoes – The Bread of Life: During the pandemic, I took to making bread. It was therapeutic in many ways and it was greatly enjoyed. Bread was a staple food in biblical times, sustenance for the body. When we feed on the Word of God, Jesus – The Logos, we feed our souls what they need to stay nourished, healthy, and strong.
“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.” (John 6:35, NASB)
- Iatros – The Physician: Jesus did many miracles, bringing healing to those who came to Him. Jesus is moved with compassion when we are suffering and still remains the source of our healing today.
“Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” (Matthew 11:4-5, NASB)
- Philos – Friend: Jesus, is not only our Lord and Savior, but He is our Friend. In those times when we feel alone and lonely, He comes alongside of us, offering the closest companionship. He loved us when we were at our worst and unloveable, and never turns away from us.
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:13-15, NASB)
- Ego Eimi – I Am: Jesus, The I Am. He is the One ever with us, being to us all that we need. No matter what the situation or circumstances we may be experiencing, He is it, our all in all. May we have ears to hear Him gently whisper, “It is I, the I Am. I am with you!”
“And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea …Â But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:25-27, NASB)
Years ago in reading “Praying the Names of Jesus” by Ann Spangler, I remember she wrote that each of the names of Jesus bears a promise.
Jesus, the Name of above all names, comes to us in a promise, for He is the promise who
will feed and nourish our souls,
will heal and make us whole,
will stick closer than a brother,
will be all we need.
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11, NASB)
The day we give birth, we are never left the same. How grateful I am to the Writer (our God) for the joys He has brought to us through our children and grandchildren. Glenys Robyn Hicks is sure to bless you with her words and thoughts on this journey in her post, “An Unending Story” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Ben Vaughn on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
No matter what happens or when just speaking the name JESUS, brings a smile and a peace. He is everything we need – He is more than enough. I love Him so.
It’s so true. His Name, a one word prayer, is the only prayer we need!
“Each name bears a promise.”
Beautiful truth!
Every name shows over and over how He is everything to us! And when we cry out to Him – he knows everything about that cry! What a good! Good Father we have Joanne! ~ Maryleigh
Joanne, I love the thought of praying the names of God-they are so rich with meaning! I don’t take the time to meditate on them as I should. Thank you for this reminder today!
I love how names had such rich meaning in Bible times–and today as we study them. It’s like looking at facets of a diamond or prism.
Thank you for leading me in praise this morning!
Beautiful names indeed.
The Name of Jesus, the Names of God, bring even more depth to Who they are to me, to us. And that video, the song, the singers just brought me to silence and to want to glorify my King. Thank you for sharing that and I am so grateful that I took the time to listen to it. I so needed it today.
Grateful the Lord knew what you needed, Linda.
Great post Joanne! The most powerful name in the universe Jesus the Christ!
And how exciting that there are so many titles that go with that name for those who love Him!
Blessings,
Jennifer
I love the Names of God, Joanne. This is thought-provoking, “I remember she (Ann Spangler) wrote that each of the names of Jesus bears a promise.” I haven’t heard that before now, but it definitely makes me stop to ponder.
Lisa, that line stopped me when I read it. Amazing to think on the many promises He brings to us all wrapped in His very Presence.
Such a comforting and reassuring message, Joanne. Jesus will “heal us and make us whole.” When we are broken, He lovingly picks us up, puts us together again, and guides us on His pathway. Of course, we have the choice to accept His rescue and guidance. I’m so thankful our Lord gives us second (and more) chances. Thank for sharing this message of God’s love.
Beautiful and insightful post on the Names of God. It is a comfort and joy to focus on Him. Thank you for linking my story of motherhood.
“Ego Eimi ”“ I Am” is probably my favorite name for both Jesus and God. It is SO rich in depth and meaning that I can never reach the bottom of it.
I so agree, Lisa. We only scratch the surface on the meanings of His Names. Each time I read them, I feel like I discover a new insight.