The distinction between Jesus and Christ offers profound insight into Christian theology. While the name “Jesus” refers to His earthly, human identity, the term “Christ” signifies His divine lordship—a title as sacred as Lord itself. Much confusion in Christianity stems from conflating these two aspects. Jesus’ life exemplified servanthood, demonstrating that human existence finds its highest purpose in sacrificial devotion to God’s will. Just as Jesus surrendered His physical body for future glory, every individual must embrace a life of purpose—one shaped by God’s design.
Servant and King: The Paradox of Jesus and Christ
Jesus and Christ represent two contrasting yet inseparable roles: the suffering servant and the exalted King. Many believers struggle with the name Jesus because it calls to mind humility, sacrifice, and servitude—qualities often at odds with worldly notions of power. During His first coming, Jesus taught that true greatness is found not in dominion but in surrender—laying down the physical self for eternal glory. Prioritising the flesh diminishes divine promise, while embracing sacrifice secures the coming Kingdom. Humanity’s redemption, therefore, hinges on this very principle of self-denial.
“Why Do You Call Me Good?”—Jesus’ Challenge to Human Perception
“A ruler asked Him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ And Jesus said, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone’” (Luke 18:18-19, ESV).
The ruler addressed Jesus with customary honour, yet Jesus redirected the praise to God alone. Understanding the reason for Jesus refusing the honour is key to understanding His teachings. Adopting the opposite view of greatness is the essence. Though He walked among humanity, Jesus was bound by no earthly standard of greatness. His response exposed a societal flaw: the tendency to elevate individuals based on status or achievement. Jesus rejected such distinctions, emphasising that true goodness manifests in service, not titles.
This principle remains countercultural today. Society glorifies rank, wealth, and influence, trapping humanity in cycles of pride and competition. Jesus dismantled this hierarchy, declaring, “The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the leader like the servant” (Luke 22:26). His teachings clashed so radically with tradition that they provoked fierce opposition—then and now.
The Humility of Christ: A Model for Humanity
Believing in Jesus means embracing His character, as seen in how He lived on Earth. The only time He took for Himself was during prayer, prioritising God’s will above His physical needs. He served people from all backgrounds, never limiting His care to those who shared His beliefs. Even the apostle Paul, a former staunch Pharisee, echoed Jesus’ teaching:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, ESV).
For extraordinary individuals, humility is a formidable challenge. Likewise, those who benefit from selfless acts often struggle not to idolise their benefactors. Yet Jesus, despite His miracles, was not genuinely celebrated in His lifetime. Instead, His service led to betrayal, denial, and crucifixion. When tested, the crowds chose Barabbas, a criminal, over Him. This paradox reveals humanity’s deep-seated resistance to divine humility.
The Man of Sorrows: Bearing the Weight of Sin
Isaiah 53:3 describes Jesus as “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief.” In human form, He bore no outward majesty—only the scars of servitude. Those He healed praised Him, yet in His darkest hour, even His closest disciples faltered. Peter denied Him; the masses rejected Him. Why? Because Jesus embodied a truth too uncomfortable for a world obsessed with power: redemption comes through sacrifice, not supremacy.
Fully Human, Fully Divine: The Path to Salvation
Jesus was both God and man. In His humanity, He endured scorn, modelling the path to salvation: “The last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). His crucifixion was not a defeat but the ultimate act of victory, proving that divinity is revealed through surrender. The ultimate goal of humanity is to attain the glory that is inherent in Jesus Christ.
Many Christians struggle to reconcile Jesus’ humanity with His divinity, focusing solely on the cross while missing the greater truth: Christ is Lord. To worship Him “in spirit and truth” (John 4:24) requires understanding that His sacrifice was not merely physical but eternally redemptive.
The Cost of Discipleship: Rejecting Worldly Glory
Following Jesus demands abandoning the pursuit of status, with its privileges and benefits. One cannot cling to titles and accolades while claiming to walk in His footsteps. This is more to do with common sense, rather than a religious ritual, hence the saying, “you cannot eat your cake and have it at the same time”. Jesus’ life—and death—exposed the futility of human pride. True greatness, as He demonstrated, is forged in persecution and obscurity.
Conclusion: The Invitation to Servant-hood
Jesus, as both servant and Christ, bridges humanity and divinity. His radical way of life enabled His ascendancy to a position unparalleled by anyone in this world. Looking to Him implies not only trusting Him, but forgetting about the cares emanating from worrying about how other people perceive one. We are God’s children, if willing to forgo the comfort that goes with this world. He calls us to a radical transformation: to serve as He served, to love as He loved, and to surrender as He surrendered. The path is narrow, the cost is high—but the promise is sure.
While being enslaved by others implies inhumane treatment and stirs pity, it can serve as a path to God’s Kingdom. The only true hope for humanity lies in crucifying the body to follow Christ. Will you take up the cross?
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilisation, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, relieving those who have witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions, leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book to be a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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