After dropping my kids off at school, I drove onto a busy road and turned on some Christian music. Worrying my way through a long to-do list, I started to feel overwhelmed. Just then, I saw a sign in the back window of a car that read JESUS. At the same moment, the name Jesus was sung by someone on the radio. Hearing and seeing “Jesus” in the same instant snapped me out of my anxious state as I considered the power and hope found in His name (Matthew 28:20).
Peter and John healed a crippled man by the power of Jesus’ name (Acts 3:6). But when they explained the gospel to the awestruck onlookers, religious officials soon came and arrested them. The next day, the disciples were put on trial and asked, “By what power, or in whose name, have you [healed this man]?” (Acts 4:7). Guided by the Holy Spirit, Peter answered, “He was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead” (Acts 4:10).
Amazed at the disciples’ boldness, the religious officials demanded that Peter and John never speak or teach in Jesus’ name (Acts 4:18). Peter and John refused to obey but were finally released. They met with other believers and prayed: “O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:29-30).
Jesus’ name is powerful—it means Savior. It’s the only “name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Through faith in His name, we can find help when we’re troubled, sick, oppressed, and harassed. By believing in Him, we “have life by the power of his name” (John 20:31).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Deuteronomy 34:1-12
More:
Look up Matthew 1:18-21 to see how the naming of Jesus was a supernatural event. Read Philippians 2:9-11 for more on the significance of His name.
Next:
How important is it to pray in Jesus’ name? What could you do to share His name with someone today?
Gary Shultz on February 26, 2016 at 5:28 am
Jennifer, I certainly feel more and more of the pressure that was evident opposition to the infant church. They hated the name and power of Jesus. I think anyone reading these pages feels the great surge to dismiss Jesus as the only way. So much so that like in those days all tangible good is overlooked because of distaste of Christ’s offer. The mix of these things would tend to leave us on the ropes. Jesus calls us by the power of the Spirit and by it we need to be moved, like the disciples, to stand for Jesus. Thanks, Jennifer
jennifer benson schuldt on February 26, 2016 at 11:32 am
Gary,
I think a lot of us feel the pressure to back away from the truth of the Bible. There are many reasons for this. But we know we can’t deny what God has said, even if it means difficulty. James said, “…We count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverence and have seen what the LORD finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11). Believers will always be accepted and loved by God.
gagirllive on February 26, 2016 at 7:30 am
Jennifer, from what I’ve learned along the way, “Jesus” was a very common name of that time. I use to wonder why the Father would give Him such a name. Why not something unique…set apart and unheard of? But then I realized that this Jesus is THE JESUS…Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus the Christ, Jesus the Son of God, Jesus the One and Only Risen Savior of the world. This is MY Jesus and all who know Him know that there is no other Jesus. Isn’t it interesting that His name ALONE is either praised or blasphemed? That His name ALONE is the most controversial name under the sun? Even unwittingly, the world testifies that He IS. I’d say that’s a powerful name. It sure saved my life. Thanks for this post, Jennifer.
gagirllive on February 26, 2016 at 7:41 am
Don’t mean to double post here, but I wanted to add that when my heart is overwhelmed and I can’t find the words to pray, I call out the name Jesus. He’s never failed to help me. His powerful name has lifted me from the pit over and over again. Can I get a witness? 🙂
jennifer benson schuldt on February 26, 2016 at 11:19 am
gagirllive,
Thanks for lifting up the name of Jesus and describing how it identifies our Savior–the totally unique One!
jim spillane on February 26, 2016 at 12:09 pm
Jennifer – you posed the question about the importance of praying in Jesus’ name, and I’d like to take a stab at that. I feel that it is important because I have learned that Christ is the bridge between a sinful person and a holy God, He is our mediator and our High Priest by whom we, though sinful in nature, have access and the ability to come into the throne room of our eternal and majestic God, and stand before His mighty presence. Without Jesus that could never be possible. (did my stab reach it’s intended mark?)
Gary Shultz on February 28, 2016 at 8:32 am
Jennifer, you may not see this; however, I often come back and reread comments and articles. I see how badly I rolled this out. Sorry, I will not go back and re-explain, but what I will do is say how gracious you are in your kind comments. I know you can not always respond, but the personal time you commit to each answer is most up lifting and speaks of your person to us. Thank you so much.