Jesus Christ has many names. I love pondering on them. They each carry depth and resonance for me. Try it for yourself. As you read each of the following titles used to reference Him, feel the descriptive nature of each term’s significance.
For example, He has been called Bread of Life. How profound. We die without food. Thus how appropriate to signal the spiritual need our souls have for Jesus Christ and what He has brought us.
Cornerstone. A cornerstone is an integral piece of stone to a building. Its purpose is to unite walls at their intersection. A cornerstone is the most basic, yet essential piece of construction. How symbolic of what Christ could be like in our lives, acting as a cornerstone to all that the Father offers us, acting as our foundation.
Advocate. An advocate in a court of law is someone who pleads your case before the judge. The comparison here is quite clear – Christ is our advocate with the Father. Because of Him, our sins can be forgiven. Because of His grace so fully extended to us, we can return to heaven.
Exemplar. Christ is our perfect example in all things. Even while nailed to a cross, thirsting and bleeding, He forgave those in front of Him who had nailed Him there. How much I easier it should be for me to forgive others with His mighty example in living in such pure ways.
Good Shepherd. What are your thoughts on this one? For me, I think of the shepherds throughout the world who are constantly on guard, watching over their sheep. When a sheep gets stuck in a ravine or attacked by a wild animal, the shepherd risks himself to save the sheep. How like Christ in what He is willing to do for us.
Light of the World. It is literally the light of Christ which illuminates this world, as much as those who deny Him would resist such truths. As quoted from the Church’s website, LDS.org:
“The Light of Christ is the divine energy, power, or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and gives life and light to all things. The Light of Christ influences people for good and prepares them to receive the Holy Ghost. One manifestation of the Light of Christ is what we call a conscience” (LDS.org).
There are many more titles or names attributed to the Redeemer of us all. Names such as Judge, King, Lord, Messenger of the Covenant, and so forth (to read of many of them, visit the Topical Guide). All of them are express and potent in painting a fuller understanding for us who the Mighty Christ is.
