Jesus' Various Identities 

The Son of Man

During Jesus' fifteenth year, he wondered if he could fit any of the prophecies in the Jewish religion to be that person his people were expecting. He concluded that he could not. The closest description of himself he found in the obscure Book of Enoch, and he adopted the term this prophet used, the Son of Man.

In his role as the Son of Man, Jesus served as a lens through which humanity could glimpse the nature of God. His life provided a way to see divine love, wisdom, and compassion in action.

The Son of God

Jesus wanted to teach about the heavenly kingdom as a man among men, even while possessing the power of God. He failed to win over the religious leaders. He changed tactics and plainly stated that he was the Son of God. They still didn’t listen.

Jesus did decide that the best place in the world to finish his career was among the Jews in Palestine: perhaps a prophecy for a future role of the Jewish people.

The Master Teacher

Jesus was a master teacher, and his lessons resonated in one's mind, heart, and soul. The greatest teachings transform profound truths into simple understanding, just as complex universal laws can be expressed in elegant formulas. Like an artist shaping materials with masterful hands, a true teacher molds character. Jesus' use of simple, natural comparisons and parables allowed deep wisdom to become accessible to all. As a great guide, he kindled the spirit of adventure, leading his students to discover new horizons with excitement and wonder. And as a dedicated teacher, he never gives up on any student, helping them through their struggles and transformation.

As a master teacher, Jesus was less of an instructor of doctrine and more of a spiritual guide, focusing on the deepest truths of existence. The heart of such teaching lies in helping others recognize their divine potential and cosmic significance. The greatest teachers embody unconditional love for all their students.

Jesus wanted to learn about humans. He wanted to know what they were thinking and their way of living. When Jesus took his brother Simon to Jerusalem, Jesus spent most of his time visiting with strangers, especially those from faraway countries. This greatly upset his mother, Mary. The family couldn’t comprehend how much Jesus truly loved people. Today, as a spirit, Jesus can meet everyone.

The Divine Representative

When Jesus later presented himself as the Son of God, his role was no longer the master teacher of the kingdom but its divine representative who was present here on earth. He spoke for God, the eternal Father in heaven, whose embodiment is this spiritual kingdom.

Other Titles of Devotion

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he was referred to by multiple designations. He made proclamations of who he was and was assigned distinct titles. Jesus made a major impact on our world and continues to become better known and loved. Here are a few names of Jesus, who represents his Father.

The king of the world.The Master.The savior.The lamb of God.The prince of peace.The way, the truth, and the life.The light of the world.The living water.The resurrection and the life.

The Carpenter of Nazareth

Jesus was a master carpenter. He could do the detailed work of a cabinetmaker and the roughing-in of a builder. Jesus also made yokes for oxen and learned to work well with canvas and leather.

Jesus took over Joseph’s shop when Joseph died. Jesus was just fourteen. The responsibility of raising, feeding, and providing for the family fell on his young shoulders. Together with his mother, Mary, they carried on without Joseph as best they could. Jesus advised his brothers to take up trades other than carpentry so that together, they could find more work.

The Boatbuilder of Capernaum

During his 27th and part of his 28th year, Jesus worked at the Zebedee boatbuilding business. Due to his new designs and expert craftsmanship, they beat out the competition. These ships had exceptionally strong joints and hydrodynamics that allowed the boat speed, better steering, good buoyancy, and fine interior finishings. Jesus experienced satisfaction in the human achievement of accomplishing work of a superior grade.

The Translator, The Damascus Scribe, The Jewish Tutor

During his 28th and 29th year, Jesus accompanied an international businessman, Gonod, and his son, Ganid, on a trip to multiple locations throughout the Mediterranean region. On the trip to Rome, Jesus was known as the Damascus scribe, apparently for work he did for the merchant to keep Jesus busy while trying to convince him to help build a major learning center. On the return trip, being seen so often with Ganid, Jesus was called the Jewish tutor.

Jesus was hired as a translator for Gonod to carry out business transactions. He could also interpret conversations for his son, Ganid, who, at almost seventeen, was to learn about his father’s business.

Jesus also served as a tutor for Ganid. Throughout the trip, Jesus and Ganid explored the various cities, learned about major sites, and spoke with the people. Ganid enjoyed various deep discussions, and Jesus answered his many questions. Ganid learned much by watching how Jesus handled situations and his sage counsel.

The Caravan Conductor

During his 30th year, Jesus joined as the conductor of a caravan journeying to the southeastern Caspian Sea region. For a year, he held an executive position fully responsible for the trip's success: all the animals and materials in his charge, as well as the safe conduct of the travelers.

The Tentmaker of Antioch

Jesus’ 31st year was one of solitary wanderings. He spent two months in Antioch, taking on various jobs, and for three weeks, he worked as a tentmaker.

The Teacher

Throughout his adult life, Jesus taught and lectured on a range of topics, adding insights to science, philosophy, and knowledge of God, as well as answering the many questions that people asked of him.

In Rome, Jesus met diverse people, including leaders of the Stoics and the Mithraic mystery cult, and spoke on many different topics, including government and slavery. Jesus was approached by numerous persons who desired to secure his services in connection with some business or, more often, for some project of teaching, social reform, or religious movement. In Athens, Jesus expanded a Greek philosopher’s grasp of science. In Ephesus, Jesus gave a discourse on the soul to a learned Greek. After leading a caravan, Jesus rested in Urmia. Here, he gave twenty-four lectures on "The Brotherhood of Men." From intimate discussions with individuals to formal lectures before crowds, Jesus adapted his teachings to reach people of all backgrounds, cultures, and levels of understanding.