The Name of Jesus
In every culture, names carry meaning. But in Scripture, names hold power. A name isn't just a label - it represented nature, authority and identity. Nowhere is this more evident than in the name of Jesus. To the casual observer, Jesus may seem like just another religious figure, but the reality is the name of Jesus is a fountain of life, a banner of victory and a strong tower of safety.
His name is not a relic of the past, but a living source of power, promise and presence.
It is the name above every name - given, exalted and honored by God Himself!
What's in a name
The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning Yahweh saves or The Lord is salvation. This was not by co-incidence. The angel instructed Joseph before Jesus' birth You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Mat 1:21). Jesus did not name Himself. The name was given from heaven, confirming its divine significance.
His very name declares His mission - to save. Unlike other leaders or teachers, Jesus didn't simply come to inspire - He came to rescue
On earth, a title may be obtained through inheritance, as with royalty; through conquest, as with an invading king; or by conferral, such as in the case of a knighthood (The Name of Jesus, Kenneth E. Hagin; The Wonderful Name of Jesus, E. W. Kenyon).
Jesus got His name via inheritance - Acts 13:33 says You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. When Jesus, (the Word), took our place on the cross, He gave up His Spirit and God resurrected Him - the first born from the dead. (Heb 1:1-4, John 1:14) When Jesus defeated the enemy by conquest, God gave Him a name above everything Col 2:14-15. In Phil 2:9-10, Paul writes Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and of those under the earth And lastly, Jesus also got His name by conferral. Eph 1:17-23 says ...and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. Jesus Christ is the only person in all of history to get His name and title by all three methods!
God gave Him the name - not just Jesus but the full title and honor that comes with it - Lord, Christ, Son of God, King of Kings!
The Authority in His Name
When Jesus walked the earth, demons trembled at His presence. After His resurrection, that power was conferred to those who believe in Him - through His name
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons (Mark 16:17).
The name of Jesus breaks spiritual oppression. It is not a formula but the divine authority in His name. When spoken in faith, the name of Jesus releases heaven's power against the works of darkness.
When Jesus ascended to heaven, He gave us the Great Commission - the right and responsibility of every believer - to stand against the enemy, by the authority in His name!
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover. Mark 16:15-18
All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Mat 28:18-20
Healing in His Name
Peter and John believed Jesus and when they encountered a crippled man at the temple gate, they said, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk (Acts 3:6). The man jumped to his feet, healed by the authority of that name.
Healing didn't come from Peter's holiness or eloquence - it came from Jesus' living name, applied in faith.
Prayer in His Name
Jesus taught His disciples, If you ask anything in My name, I will do it (John 14:14). To pray in Jesus' name is not a ritual phrase. It means to ask according to His will, in His authority and on the basis of His finished work.
His name gives us access to the Father - because Jesus lives, our prayers have power!
Protection in His Name
Proverbs 18:10 says The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
The name of Jesus is not just for offense but defense. In spiritual warfare, in fear, in temptation - the name of Jesus is a refuge. It carries the weight of His character and the weight of the authority behind His name.
Christians throughout history have testified to the power of calling on Jesus in crisis. Whether whispered in a hospital room or cried out in a car accident, the name of Jesus has brought peace, intervention and miraculous outcomes - Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8).
Because Jesus lives, His name is not a distant relic - it's a present help in trouble!
The Identity in His Name
When we become Christians, we are identified with Christ. We are baptized in His name. We are called by His name.
If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed... (1 Pet 4:14)
To carry the name of Jesus is an honor. It means we represent Him in the world. His name is stamped on our hearts, marking us as His own. Our identity is rooted in His! Because Jesus lives, our identity is secure.
We are not defined by failure, culture or past sin - we are defined by the one whose name we bear:
We are children of God through Jesus.
We are co-heirs with Christ.
We are ambassadors in His name.
His name reshapes ours. It changes our destiny.
The Worship of His Name
Paul writes in Phil 2:9-10, Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven and of those on earth and of those under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ...
The name of Jesus is worthy of worship in heaven and earth. Even now, angels and saints proclaim His worth. Every healing, every salvation, every answered prayer is a reason to worship that name. We worship not just because of what Jesus did, but because He still lives. His name carries glory - that's why early Christians (as well as today) have suffered and died for His name - they knew it was not just history, but eternal reality!
When we say, Thank You, Jesus, we aren't just recalling a good teacher; we're addressing a living King.
The Name in Daily Life
The name of Jesus is not just for church or crisis, it's for everyday life:
Speak His name when you wake up: Jesus, guide me today.
Whisper His name when tempted: Jesus, help me overcome.
Call on His name in gratitude: Thank You, Jesus, for this moment.
His name invites Him into every moment. It centers our hearts and brings peace.
Col 3:17 exhorts us all And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him
It means living life with integrity, humility and dependence on Him.
To live in Jesus' name is to live like Him, with Him and for Him
Because He lives, we can live differently - marked by His name in how we love, serve and shine.
The Boldness of the Name
The book of Acts is filled with the bold use of Jesus' name. The apostles were beaten and forbidden to speak it - but they rejoiced, They never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 5:42)
Why? Because they knew the name they preached belonged to the resurrected Lord, and that no power could stop Him! We are called to the same boldness - Speak His name without shame. Declare His name over your family. Share His name with your neighbors. Trust in His name in the face of fear.
The name of Jesus is your anchor and weapon - because Jesus lives, you never walk alone!
The Final Victory in His Name
The Revelation of JEsus Christ reveals that Jesus will return with a name written on Him that no one knows but Himself (Rev 19:12) - a mysterious testimony to the infinite depth of who He is.
He is called Faithful and True, the Word of God, the Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth and the Life and the King of Kings! The armies of heaven follow Him. Why? Because His name guarantees victory. We don't just begin in His name - we end in it.
We are saved in His name. We are kept in His name. We will be raised in His name. As believers, we live in a story authored, sustained and completed by Jesus.
Because He lives, we live in the power of His name - now and forever!
Jesus, Name Above All Names
Whether you are a new believer or have walked with Christ for years, don't let the name of Jesus become ordinary. His name is your inheritance, your authority, your comfort and your worship.
Call on His name. Trust in His name. Live for His name.
Because Jesus lives, His name lives in you!