Articles
Who is Jesus of Nazareth?
Long ago the question was asked, "Who is this" (Matthew 21:10), speaking of Jesus of Nazareth. Even today people ask, "Who is Jesus of Nazareth?" My friend, do you know who Jesus is? Let's look at some of the names of Jesus given Him in Scripture and see if we might be able to find out who Jesus really is.
There are two basic classifications that we might divide the names of Jesus into - Authority Names and second Salvation Names. Today, we will concern ourselves with some of the Authority Names given Jesus.
First, we need to understand that Jesus has ALL AUTHORITY. Jesus said, "All power (authority NAS, emp LS) is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). Jesus taught with authority, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Matthew 7:28-29). The Bible teaches that Jesus is our authority, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Colossians 3:17). Is Jesus your authority, or are you obeying what some man has said do?
The Bible says that Jesus is the MASTER or TEACHER. "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren...Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ" (Matthew 23:8,10). Here Jesus emphasizes "one" Master. Jesus was recognized as Master, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him" (John 3:1-2). The Bible also teaches that Jesus is Master of masters, "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven" (Colossians 4:1). The One Master teaches just the One Way, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). My friend, we must understand that Jesus is our Master, having all authority to teach the One Way. How much authority does man have to teach his "own way of salvation"? NONE! Is Jesus your Master?
The Bible also teaches that Jesus is LORD. "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). The word Lord is from the Greek word kurios, which means, "having power or authority" (Thayer, pg 365). Paul said there is but "One Lord" (Ephesians 4:5). My friend, since there is but One Lord, and the Lord Jesus has all authority, why is it that men try to make rules and claim to have authority when they have none? Do you accept Jesus as the only Lord and Master of your life? That simply means, do you do what Jesus says or do you follow after men that are trying to be the Master and Lord? "Choose you this day whom ye will serve."
