Jesus, the Christ

 Jesus was named Jesus at birth, a common Jewish name meaning “God saves.” During his childhood and early adult life, he was known simply as Jesus of Nazareth, a village teacher and healer. The word “Christ” was not a surname but a title, the Greek form of Messiah, meaning “the anointed one.” To call someone “Christ” was to make a bold claim that he was God’s chosen agent for restoring Israel and the world.

During Jesus’ public ministry, this title was uncertain and contested. Some wondered whether he might be the Christ, while others rejected the idea. Even his closest followers struggled to understand what such a role would mean, often expecting a political liberator. Because of these misunderstandings, Jesus did not publicly promote the title. At his crucifixion, the claim that he was “the Christ” was treated with irony and mockery rather than faith.

Only after Jesus’ death and the experience of his resurrection did his followers become convinced that God had vindicated him. They proclaimed that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, but in a new sense—one revealed through suffering, forgiveness, and new life rather than military power. From that point onward, the confession “Jesus is the Christ” became central to Christian faith, and the two words were spoken together as Jesus Christ.

Thus, Jesus was called Jesus during his earthly life, but he came to be known as Jesus Christ after the resurrection, when his followers recognized and proclaimed his true identity.