Day 15

The Name Jesus

“Whenever we pray ‘in Jesus’ name,’ we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.”
— Timothy Keller

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”

Philippians 2:9

Audio readingThe Name JesusAudio in preparation

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In our recent reflections, we’ve explored how Jesus’ blood was shed for us and the importance of applying His efficacious blood to our lives. But there's another vital aspect to this truth: the authority by which we apply the blood, the name of Jesus.

Sometimes, Christians assume that Jesus possesses a powerful name simply because He is the Son of God. But Scripture reveals that the authority and honour attached to His name were given for a reason. Philippians 2:9 opens with “Therefore…”, signalling that what follows is the result of what came before. So why was Jesus highly exalted?

Philippians 2:5–8 outlines the depth of Christ’s humility. Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God something to be grasped, but humbled Himself, even to death on a cross. Because of this, God loves Him and exalts Him (John 10:17, Philippians 2:9-11). The all-encompassing power in Jesus’ name in all realms and ages was earned through humility and obedience.

For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.

John 10:17

As Derek Prince insightfully notes, Christ’s promotion mirrors His descent in Philippians 2:

He is highly exalted

Given a name above every name

At the mention of His name every knee must bow

Every tongue must confess His Lordship

In the heavenly realms

In the earthly realms

And under (or outside) the earthly realms

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so 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

In both ancient cultures and modern legal systems, a name is more than a label. It represents authority, identity, and inheritance. To act “in someone’s name” is to act with their authority. To carry their name is to be joined to their legacy. And so, our use of Jesus’ name is not casual. It is a sacred privilege, a sign of our access, inheritance, and alignment with Him.

Whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16:23–24

To ask in Jesus’ name is to approach the Father not in our righteousness, but in His, through the new and living way His blood has made for us (Hebrews 10:19–20). Our claim to the promises of God is validated by the name of Jesus, just as legal documents require the signature of the rightful heir.

In John 17, Jesus reveals that He bears the name of the Father, and that His followers are kept and unified in that name. Through His Spirit, we, together with all believers across ages and time, have access to the Father, not as strangers or outsiders, but as members of God's family. His name is our shared identity. And when we gather in His name or agree in His name, His presence is assured, and tremendous power is released for the fulfilment of God’s kingdom purposes on the earth.

Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.

Ephesians 2:18–19

Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Matthew 18:18-20

As God's children and ambassadors, the name of Jesus is our badge of authority, the legal proof of heaven’s backing. Salvation, healing, deliverance, and authority over darkness are all enforced through His name. When we speak His name in faith, we’re not reciting a formula; we are enforcing Christ’s victory on earth.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Acts 4:12

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues…

Mark 16:17

Beloved, the honour of receiving and bearing the name of Jesus is a profound expression of God’s love and acceptance. Through His name, we are not only saved; we are empowered, protected, commissioned, and eternally united with the Father.

Let us therefore:

Trust in His name

Ask in His name

Gather in His name

Serve in His name

Walk in a manner worthy of His name

As David testified, “Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” (Psalm 9:10).

May we know His name deeply, trust it fully, and carry it boldly. Glory to the Name above every name: Jesus!