Jesus, the Word of God

“He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God” (Revelation 19:13). That is a description of Jesus.

The name that Jesus has in that verse from Revelation 19 is rare. In other inspired writings, the apostle John called Jesus “the Word” (John 1; 1 John 1). Revelation 19:13 lengthens “the Word” to “the Word of God.”

While John does not explain that name, other parts of Scripture can shed light on it. Revelation 19:15 describes Jesus with a “sharp sword” in his mouth. Revelation 1:16 pictures Jesus with a “sharp, double-edged sword” coming out of his mouth.

Those images bring to mind the writer to the Hebrew’s declaration that the word of God is “sharper than any double-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). That same writer began his epistle with these words: “ In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2). Finally, Jesus said this, “These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me” (John 14:24).

All this says that “Word of God” is a very fitting and appropriate name for Jesus because he came to this world as a human being to proclaim the word of God to people, and that word of God centers in him, the promised Savior.