Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

When our Lord was born, He was given the name “Jesus” as directed by the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation. But, during His three-year ministry, He was known as “Christ.” Is “Christ” Hebrew meaning Savior? If not, how and by whom was he designated as “Christ?”

– Karin in La Place

In Hebrew culture, a name held significant meaning. It often reflected the deeper identity of the person named or connected to their birth circumstances, personal attributes, or divinely appointed mission (e.g., Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25 or Moses in Exodus 2). This importance is heightened when a name is of divine origin. For instance, Abram's name change to Abraham in Genesis 17 and Jacob's change to Israel in Genesis 32 illustrate this point. Similarly, John the Baptist’s naming in Luke 1 underscores this significance. In Jewish tradition, a name could reveal profound truths about an individual.

Gabriel's instruction to Mary to name her child "Jesus" is telling. "Jesus" is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name Yeshua, meaning "salvation" or "God saves." This prefigures Jesus' role as one who brings salvation.

Contrary to modern assumptions, "Christ" is not Jesus' last name. "Christ" (christos) translates from the Hebrew word Messiah, meaning "anointed." This title applied to Jesus even during His lifetime. Peter’s confession of faith in Mark 8 calls Jesus “the Christ.” The Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 expresses hope that Jesus would be this awaited Messiah (or Christ), to which Jesus affirms: “I who speak to you am he.” Thus, this designation was accepted by Jesus Himself. As He hung on the cross, Luke notes that bystanders and one criminal mocked Him with the title of Christ.

The importance of this title lies in its association with anointing significant figures such as priests, prophets, and kings in Hebrew Scriptures. The expectation of a deliverer — someone fulfilling these roles fully — would naturally be linked with being anointed or Messiah: the Christ. Thus, calling Jesus "Christ" made a statement of faith that He was God's promised deliverer.

As disciples of Christ, Christians share more than just a name; they partake in Jesus' life and inheritance through baptism as priests, prophets, and kings. They are called for the purpose of drawing all creatures back to their Creator.

Father Michael Friedel is pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church in Springfield.