"So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs" (Hebrews 1:4)

When we think of Jesus, our minds often go to the man who walked the dusty roads of Galilee, taught on hillsides, and healed the sick. This picture is true and beautiful, but it is not the complete picture. Since His resurrection and ascension, everything has changed. Redemption was completed, and He "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." In this new, glorified position, He has inherited a name that changes everything. Because of what Jesus accomplished, God has given Him a name that is far above any other name in existence.

It's a profound thought that the same Jesus who humbled Himself to the point of death now holds a name of supreme authority. Let’s explore what this inherited name truly means.

The Name, The Title, The Rank

A name is more than just a label; it’s an important identifier that carries meaning and authority. When Jesus was born, an angel instructed Joseph, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The name Jesus itself is a form of the Hebrew name Joshua, which means ‘Jehovah is salvation’ or ‘the Lord is the savior.’ This name was intentionally given to the Son of God to tell us exactly who He would be and what He would do.

But after Jesus reconciled the entire world to God through His death on the cross, His name took on an even deeper dimension. The Apostle Paul describes this incredible exaltation: "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:8-11).

God was so pleased with Jesus’s obedience that His name was lifted above every other name. This exalted name secured His eternal position, a rank far superior to any created being, including the angels.

With His resurrection, Jesus also fully embodied the title of Lord. While He was often called "Lord" during His earthly ministry as a sign of respect, the title held a deeper Old Testament connection to ‘Jehovah, Lord God Almighty.’ After His resurrection, however, His followers began to use the title with a new and profound understanding of His divinity. From that point on, when the New Testament writers used the title "Lord," they were referring exclusively to Jesus. The title Lord means ‘one having supreme power and authority.’ It is a fitting title for our Savior. His resurrection and position in heaven are proof that He now holds this title eternally.

Paul understood the power resting in this reality when he wrote, "If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Our salvation rests on our faith in who Jesus is and what His name and title represent.

The Many Names of Jesus

Jesus holds many names and titles, and each one reveals a different facet of His character. The book of Revelation gives us a stunning glimpse of the resurrected and glorified Jesus, and in chapter 19, we see several of these powerful identifiers. They should fill us with awe and excitement for what it means to know Him.

The Lord God Almighty (Revelation 19:6)

This name speaks of His supreme, absolute, and universal sovereignty. He is omnipotent, the one true God, uncreated, unchanging, eternal, and self-sustaining. He is the source of all creative power, perfect in holiness, righteousness, and faithfulness, and overflowing with love and mercy.

Lamb (Revelation 19:7, 9)

Throughout the Old Testament, the sacrificial lamb foreshadowed Jesus. In the New Testament, He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The word used for "Lamb" in Revelation, arnion, carries a unique weight. It points not only to His sacrifice but also to His acquired majesty, dignity, authority, and power as the resurrected Lamb of God. It’s a beautiful picture, made even more wonderful by the promise that our names can be written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11)

This name means He is completely trustworthy, sure, and reliable. We can stand on His words because it is impossible for Him to lie (Hebrews 6:18). He is the genuine article, the real deal, and eternally faithful to His promises. Our faith finds a firm foundation in this aspect of His character.

A Name No One Knows But He Himself (Revelation 19:12)

This mysterious title points to a dimension of His being that is beyond our full comprehension. The Greek suggests that only God Himself can fully understand this name. Perhaps it is too awesome for our mortal minds to grasp. Yet, as we grow closer to Christ, the Holy Spirit can reveal more of its meaning to our spirits. We can look forward to the day when we stand before Him, and the fullness of this secret name is finally revealed.

Word of God (Revelation 19:13)

This might be one of the most powerful names. The Greek word here is logos, which means ‘the expression of a thought.’ Jesus is the living expression of God, the full manifestation of the Father in the flesh. He is deity in human form, the radiance of God’s glory. He came to show us God in a way we could finally understand. To know Jesus is to know God.

King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16)

This title is inscribed on His robe and thigh. He is the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega. He will rule eternally as the ultimate King and Lord. One day, every knee will bow and confess this truth. This honor was bestowed upon Him by the Father because His redemptive work was so perfect and complete.

Believing in His Name

When we consider all these things, it becomes clear why Jesus is far superior to angels or any other created being. Understanding His current position in heaven helps us grasp the completeness of the salvation He provided. He sits there now, guaranteeing the offer of eternal life for all who believe.

Here is the beautiful promise: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God" (John 1:12-13). Faith in His wonderful, powerful, and exalted name is the doorway into God's family.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. How does knowing "Jesus" means "the Lord is salvation" shape your view of Him?

2. What difference does Jesus’s supreme authority make in how you approach life’s challenges?

3. Which name or title of Jesus feels most meaningful to you right now, and why?