We are used to people having first, middle, and last names, so it is easy for people to assume that Christ is Jesus’ last name. But in Jesus’ time, if he had a last name it would probably have been “bar Joseph,” which simply meant (legally) he was Joseph’s son.

The name Jesus was not new when our Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem. Many people were called Jesus at that time. Jesus eventually had brothers and sisters, but they did not have the last name Christ, nor did Mary and Joseph, his mother and father. The name Christ can only fit one person in the entire human race. The name Christ embodies the definition of the true Messiah.

Colossians 1:15-19 points out some key points of what it meant to be called Christ. Today I will share one of them. I will continue this discussion over then next few days.

The first part of verse 15 tells us that in Christ we see the visible image of God who is invisible. We can’t see God because he is like a Spirit or like the wind. We know the wind is there because we feel it and see what it does. In the same way, we know God is there, because we feel him in our own spirit, and we can see the things he does if we are willing to see it.

When Jesus was on the earth people could see God “with skin on.” They heard him talk, saw him perform miracles and show love to people. They watched him forgive sins and so much more.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could peek through a window to see him now? We might not be able to see him in skin and blood today, but God gave us such a window in the Bible. We can learn about what Jesus said and did. Through learning about Jesus we see God.

Father God, help us to see you more clearly every day. Incline our hearts to want to know Jesus better through reading your Word so that we will know you better as well. Thank you for giving us Jesus to help us know you, and to make it possible for us to live in fellowship with you.