What are the main titles and metaphors for Jesus Christ?
The Devotional Answer
The devotional answer is that Jesus is known by many names because no single title is great enough to capture the entirety of His being. Each title you mentioned—Shepherd, Lamb, Light, Bridegroom—reveals a different, essential aspect of His character and His role in your life.
These titles are a gift: they allow you to approach Jesus in your every need. When you are lost, He is the Shepherd (Question 108). When you are guilty, He is the Lamb (Question 92). When you are confused, He is the Light (Question 85). Contemplating these names is one of the deepest forms of worship, bringing you closer to the full, glorious truth of the One who saved you.
The Simple Answer
The Bible uses dozens of titles for Jesus that fall into categories affirming His Deity (He is God), His Humanity (He is man), and His Function (What He does for us).
Five of the most essential names that reveal His core identity are:
Christ / Messiah: This is His official title, meaning "The Anointed One." It affirms that He is the Savior-King foretold in the Old Testament.
Lord / God: This affirms His Divine Nature and ultimate sovereignty (Question 90). He is the ultimate authority over all creation.
Son of Man: This title, used most often by Jesus Himself, affirms His True Humanity and His coming role as the divine, glorious Judge (Question 83).
Lamb of God: This affirms His Sacrificial Role (Question 92). He is the perfect, sinless sacrifice whose blood takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Good Shepherd: This affirms His Caring Role (Question 108). He protects, guides, and lays down His life for His people (John 10:11).
The Deeper Dive: Ten Essential Titles and Metaphors
To more fully grasp the person of Jesus, we look at several key titles and metaphors that connect Him to both the Old and New Covenants.
The Word (Logos): The Apostle John calls Jesus the Word (Logos) in John 1:1, affirming His pre-existence, deity, and creative power (Question 69). He is the ultimate expression and full revelation of God's nature.
Light of the World: This metaphor affirms that He is the source of spiritual illumination (John 8:12). He overcomes darkness (sin) and guides our path out of confusion (Question 85).
The Way, the Truth, and the Life: Jesus uses this title to affirm that He is the exclusive means of access to God the Father (John 14:6). He is the ultimate reality and the source of eternal existence.
High Priest: The book of Hebrews emphasizes this title, affirming His mediating role (Question 10). He intercedes on our behalf and fully understands our suffering because He shared in it (Hebrews 4:14-15).
Bridegroom: This is a beautiful metaphor that emphasizes Jesus' intimate, covenant relationship with the Church, which is called His Bride. This title promises an eternal, joyous union with Him (Matthew 9:15; Revelation 21:2, Question 93).
These names—from the sacrificial Lamb to the ruling Lord—reveal that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human, fulfilling every spiritual need we have.
God's Assurance
God assures you that every title given to Jesus is a promise of what He has done and what He will continue to do for you.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” — Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
You are assured that in the name of Jesus, you have everything you need for salvation and life.
Your Takeaway Thought
Do not allow the complexity of these titles to confuse you; allow the richness of these titles to draw you into worship. When you pray, try addressing Jesus using the title that best fits your current need. He is the Resurrection and the Life when you face death, and the Cornerstone when your foundation feels shaky. He is all you need.
