There is power in the name of Jesus!
Before he was even born, the significance of his name was made known when the angel of The Lord proclaimed to Joseph that he should name the child Jesus “…for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT)
Once Jesus began his ministry, his disciples would excitedly proclaim his name to their friends and family, having realized that he was the promised one.
…“We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus…” (John 1:45 NLT)
And the cities surrounding Jerusalem were no doubt buzzing with his name. “Did you hear about Jesus?”
In Cana…”Did you hear that Jesus turned water into wine?”
In the Judean countryside…”John the Baptist says Jesus is the one!”
In Jerusalem…”Jesus has healed a lame man and a blind man!”
At the temple…”Have you heard Jesus teach? He knows so much and he’s never been trained!”
In Bethany…”Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead after four days!”
Near the governor’s headquarters…”Did you hear? Jesus was arrested and beaten! They are going to execute him!”
At Golgatha…”Jesus has died! At the same moment of the big earthquake that ripped the temple curtain in two.”
Everywhere…”Jesus has risen! Just as he said he would!”
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, his name was worth suffering and dying for to many of his followers. And to this day, many believers around the world still suffer and die proclaiming the name of Jesus.
The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 5:41, 42 NLT)
Ever since the church began, the “establishment” has been threatened by the name of Jesus. Much like so many today are trying to eradicate the name of Jesus from the “public” realm, the apostles then were commanded never again to speak or teach of Jesus. (Acts 4:18). Fortunately for us, they had no intention of disobeying God to fall in line with leaders that wanted them quiet.
It kind of makes you wonder why more people haven’t come to the realization that Jesus is the Savior of the world. What other name in history has gotten so much attention?
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 NLT)