The name Jesus signifies salvation, emphasizing His specific mission to save humanity from sin (Mt 1:21, Acts 4:12). This mission is further expressed through the title Saviour, which is applied to Jesus in the New Testament (Lk 2:11, Jn 4:42) and is rooted in His divine nature (Mt 20:28, Mk 10:45). For the Christian, invoking the name of Jesus is a powerful form of prayer that welcomes the Son of God (2667) and serves as a source of protection and power, as the Resurrection of Jesus glorified His name and manifested His supreme authority (Phil 2:9-11).

The title Christ is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah, meaning “Anointed One” (CCC 436, Acts 10:38). This title is significant because it highlights Jesus’ divine anointing with power and the Holy Spirit, a consecration revealed by the Father at His baptism by John (Luke 3:22, CCC 438). Theologically, this anointing signifies that Jesus fulfilled the threefold office of priest, prophet, and king (CCC 436).

The title Lord, or Kyrios, refers to God’s divinity and is used for both Jesus Christ and God the Father (CCC 446). Jesus reveals His divine sovereignty through this title by demonstrating power over sin, death, demons, illnesses, and nature (CCC 447-448). The early Church’s attribution of this title to Jesus affirms that the glory, honor, and power due to God the Father are equally due to Jesus Christ (CCC 449). Consequently, the Church teaches that human freedom should be submitted absolutely only to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, distinguishing this ultimate Lordship from temporal authorities (CCC 451).

The title Son of God distinguishes Jesus’ unique relationship with the Father from the adoptive sonship between God and His creatures described in the Old Testament (CCC 441). This divine sonship is the foundation of the apostolic faith (CCC 442) and is characterized by a pre-existence as the “only Son of God” (CCC 445). Jesus’ sonship is superior to that of the angels and is evidenced by His unique knowledge of the Father, a distinction He emphasizes by referring to “my Father” rather than “our Father” (CCC 444). Ultimately, this title affirms that Jesus is both uniquely related to God as His only Son and is Himself God (Jn 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18)