The name which disciples found for Jesus.
In a previous homily attention has been given to the name which Jesus found for himself, "The Son of man." Here we have the name for the highest thoughts which disciples could reach concerning him, "The Son of God." Much interest may be found in comparing the leading names given to Christ. God's name for him. His own name for himself. His disciples' name for him. The name he was to have. The name he wished to have. The name he came to have. "Emmanuel;" "Son of man;" "Son of God." The disciples' confession was made in a moment of wonder at their Lord's walking on the sea, which convinced them that he was more than man. We need not suppose that they put into the term that full meaning which we associate with it; but they said it to Christ in a spirit of true reverence, offering to him the worship due only to a Divine Being.
I. THE NAME "SON OF GOD" DOES NOT REPRESENT OUR FIRST APPREHENSION OF CHRIST. It is intended that the humanity of Christ should make the first impression upon us. At first sight he is the "Man Christ Jesus." St. John is even supremely jealous of the truth that "Jesus is come in the flesh." It may be doubted whether any arguments for the Divinity of Christ can be effective until the truth of his humanity has been fully apprehended. What requires to be seen clearly is that the humanity of Christ cannot be fully and adequately set forth without producing the conviction that he was more than human. What the orthodox party needs to secure is a complete representation of our Lord's humanity. Imperfect representations have laid the basis of erroneous doctrines concerning our Lord's Person. We begin with his full humanity.
II. THE NAME "SON OF GOD" REPRESENTS ADVANCED CHRISTIAN ATTAINMENT. Hardly in the instance now before us, which is better regarded as an anticipative exclamation of what would be more intelligently and more considerately stated by and by. We have also to remember that the Jews commonly spoke of tradesmen as "son of the trade," and these disciples may but have intended a figure for the good man, the "Son of God." But the term was subsequently used with its fullest meaning. It represents the advanced spiritual apprehension of Christ. He is "the Son of God with power." The conviction of the Divinity, or Deity, of Christ is seldom or ever reached by arguments. It is the conviction which comes to men by personal dealings with Christ; personal experiences of his power. At first we know him as our Saviour; by and by we know him as our God.—R.T.
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