Rising in Jesus Name

Philippians 2:9–11 CEB

9 Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, 10 so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 14:13–14 CEB

13 I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. 14 When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

Rising in Jesus Name

Imagine a young man named David who lived in a small, close-knit community. David was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, but he often struggled with self-doubt and fear of failure. He felt that his efforts were insignificant and doubted if he could make any real difference.

One day, a severe storm hit the town, causing massive flooding and destruction. Homes were damaged, families were displaced, and chaos seemed to reign. The community was in desperate need of assistance, but many felt overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

David, despite his fears, felt a stirring in his heart. He remembered the words of Jesus in John 14:13-14, where Jesus promised that whatever we ask in His name, He would do it. Inspired by this promise, David prayed fervently, asking Jesus for strength and guidance to help his community.

With a renewed sense of purpose, David rose to action. He organized a group of volunteers, gathered supplies, and coordinated efforts to provide food, shelter, and support to those affected by the storm. Whenever they faced obstacles, David prayed in Jesus' name, and doors opened, resources flowed, and hearts were touched.

The transformation in the community was remarkable. Neighbors who had never spoken before began working side by side. Families found hope and encouragement amidst their losses. And David, once riddled with self-doubt, became a beacon of hope and strength, not through his own power, but by rising in the name of Jesus.

David's story illustrates the profound impact of acting in Jesus' name. It is not our abilities, but the authority and power of Jesus' name that enable us to rise above our fears and limitations to bring about real, transformative change.

David's story is a powerful reminder that the name of Jesus holds unparalleled authority and power. When we act in His name, we are not relying on our own strength but on the limitless power of Christ. This brings us to our first point: understanding the authority and power in Jesus' name.

The Authority and Power in Jesus' Name

Philippians 2:9–11 CEB

9 Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, 10 so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

John 14:13–14 CEB

13 I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son. 14 When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

In Philippians 2:9-11, we see a profound movement from the depths of humility to the heights of glory. Jesus, the Son of God, chose to humble Himself, taking on human form and submitting to death on the cross. This ultimate act of humility was not just a momentary phase but a deliberate and sustained posture of submission and obedience.

This humility is starkly contrasted with God the Father's response. Seeing His Son's obedience and sacrifice, God exalts Jesus to the highest place, giving Him the name above every name. This exaltation is a divine recognition of Jesus' humility and obedience, validating and acknowledging the power of humility in God's kingdom. The shift from humiliation to exaltation underscores a powerful truth: in God's kingdom, true greatness comes through humility.

The causal connection between Christ's humiliation and His exaltation is crucial. God exalted Jesus not despite but because of his humility. This dynamic highlights the divine principle that God will lift those who humble themselves, encouraging and motivating us to embrace humility in our lives.

This theme has profound implications for us. Just as Jesus humbled Himself and was exalted by God, we are also called to live lives of humility and obedience. When we act in Jesus' name, we are not just invoking His power and authority but also embracing His example of humility. This means serving others selflessly, putting their needs above our own, and trusting that God will honor our humility in His timing.

Jesus' name is not just a label; it embodies His character, mission, and divine authority. When we use His name in prayer or action, we are aligning ourselves with His will and purpose. This alignment brings us into the flow of His power and enables us to act with His authority.

One of the most striking examples of the power of Jesus’ name is found in Acts 3:6. Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. The man asks them for money, but Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, responds:

Acts 3:6 CEB

6 Peter said, “I don’t have any money, but I will give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk!”

Peter then takes the man by the right hand, helps him up, and immediately the man’s feet and ankles become strong. He jumps to his feet and begins to walk, praising God and causing amazement among the onlookers.

This miracle was not performed by Peter’s own power or piety but by the authority and power of Jesus' name. Peter’s faith in Jesus’ name aligned him with Jesus’ mission of healing and restoration, demonstrating the tangible power that comes from acting in His name.

Understanding the authority and power in Jesus' name encourages us to pray and act with boldness and faith. When we face challenges, whether personal or communal, invoking Jesus' name is an act of faith that aligns us with His mission and releases His power.

Consider the story of a modern-day missionary in a remote village. The village was plagued by a severe drought, and the people were desperate for water. The missionary, inspired by faith in Jesus’ name, prayed fervently, asking God to provide rain. He gathered the villagers and, in the name of Jesus, prayed for rain. To everyone's amazement, the sky, which had been clear for months, began to cloud over, and soon, rain poured down, replenishing the land and renewing the villagers' hope.

This modern miracle, like the healings in the early church, shows that the power of Jesus' name is not confined to the past but is real and active today. By aligning our prayers and actions with His name, we can experience and demonstrate His transformative power in our lives and communities.

By embracing the authority and power of Jesus' name, we step into the fullness of His character and mission, ready to bring His healing, restoration, and hope to a world in need.

By understanding the authority and power in Jesus' name, we can confidently rise and act in His name, knowing that our humble actions, like those of Christ, will be recognized and exalted by God. This is the first step in fully grasping the significance of rising in Jesus' name.

David's story and the miraculous healings performed by the apostles illustrate the immense authority and power in Jesus' name. This understanding leads us naturally to consider how we can rise and act in His name in our own lives. Knowing the power behind the name of Jesus is just the beginning; we must also learn how to practically align our actions and prayers with His will. This brings us to our second point:

How to rise and act in His name.

Jesus has given us a tremendous promise and a responsibility. He said in

John 14:13–14 (CEB)

13 I will do whatever you ask for in my name, so that the Father can be glorified in the Son.

14 When you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

Let me tell what Jesus is not saying here by ways that people will sometimes interpret this passage.

The Genie-in-a-Bottle Interpretation:

Some people jokingly interpret this passage as if Jesus is promising to grant them three wishes, like a genie. "Ask for anything in my name, and poof, it appears!"

"Jesus, I could really use a new car. Oh, and maybe a bigger house. Also, can you make my boss disappear for a week?"

The Magic Words Interpretation:

Abracadabra: This humorous take suggests that saying "in Jesus' name" is like a magic spell that makes anything happen.

"I need a miracle! In Jesus' name, let there be pizza!" and expecting it to appear instantly.

The Shopping Spree Interpretation:

This interpretation imagines believers treating prayers like a shopping spree, filling their cart with requests and expecting divine delivery.

"I'll take a new job, an all-expenses-paid vacation, and while you're at it, how about a winning lottery ticket, all in Jesus' name!"

The Instant Karma Interpretation:

This take envisions a vending machine approach, where inserting a prayer with Jesus' name instantly dispenses the desired outcome.

"I prayed for an A on my exam, and I got it! Now, let’s try it for getting out of gym class."

The Superpower Interpretation:

Jesus-Man: Here, believers imagine invoking Jesus' name gives them superhero-like powers to handle any situation.

"I forgot my homework! In Jesus' name, let my teacher forget to collect it today!" followed by confidently striding into class.

The Divine Butler Interpretation:

At Your Service: This humorous view sees Jesus as a butler who attends to every need with impeccable timing.

"Jesus, could you please have my laundry done by the time I get home? Thanks!"

The Wi-Fi Password Interpretation:

Using "in Jesus' name" like a Wi-Fi password to get a better connection with divine services.

"Oh no, my prayer signal is weak! Let me try again with the password: in Jesus' name."

The Get-Out-of-Trouble-Free Card Interpretation:

Divine Escape Plan: Some might humorously interpret it as a way to escape any trouble, like a supernatural get-out-of-jail-free card.

"In Jesus' name, may the cop not see that I was speeding!"

There are many ways the this passage is interpreted. As with all of scripture you must read it in context. If you look back at John 14:6, Jesus says

John 14:6 CEB

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

This verse underscores Jesus' unique and central role in salvation and access to God. He is the sole mediator between humanity and God the Father.

When Jesus promises to do whatever we ask in His name, it is within the context of His exclusive role as the way to the Father. Praying in Jesus' name means recognizing His authority and role as the mediator. Our prayers are directed to the Father through Jesus, acknowledging that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

When we pray in Jesus' name, we acknowledge that He is the only way to the Father. Our prayers are an act of faith in His unique role and redemptive work.

Jesus said in John 14:12

John 14:12 CEB

12 I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father.

Here, Jesus promises that His followers will do even greater works than He has done because He is going to the Father. This is tied to the sending of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to continue Jesus' mission on earth.

The promise of doing greater works is directly linked to asking in Jesus' name. The power to perform these works comes from the same source—the authority and presence of Jesus, now seated at the right hand of the Father and active through the Holy Spirit. Praying in His name is not just about requests being granted but about participating in His ongoing work in the world.

Jesus' promise of greater works encourages us to step out in faith, knowing that through His name, we have access to divine power. This power is meant to further His mission and bring glory to God.

David's story, along with the powerful examples from the early church, underscores the immense authority and power in Jesus' name. By understanding this, we see how praying and acting in His name is not merely a ritual, but a profound alignment with His will, His mission, and His divine authority. This brings us to the practical application of this understanding: how we can rise and act in His name in our daily lives.

Prayer:

Begin with Prayer in Jesus' Name:

Aligning with His Will: name, we are not just ending our prayers with a ritualistic phrase; we are invoking His authority and aligning our requests with His divine will. This practice brings our desires in harmony with God's purposes.

Begin each day with a prayer like, "Lord Jesus, guide my actions today. Help me to serve others and make decisions that honor You. May everything I do be a reflection of Your love and grace."

Jesus said, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13). This shows the importance of asking in His name, ensuring that our prayers align with His will.

Faith:

Act in Faith:

Acting in Jesus' name requires a deep faith in His power and authority. It means stepping out in confidence, knowing that He can accomplish what we cannot do on our own.

When facing a challenging situation at work or in your personal life, pray for guidance in Jesus' name, and then proceed with the confidence that He will provide the wisdom and strength you need. For instance, if you are dealing with a difficult coworker, you might pray, "Lord Jesus, help me to show Your love and patience in this situation. Give me the right words and actions to resolve this conflict peacefully."

In Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you if you have faith and do not doubt...you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." This underscores the power of faith in Jesus' name.

Obedience:

Follow Jesus' Teachings:

To act in Jesus' name means to live according to His teachings, embodying His principles in our daily lives. This includes showing love, kindness, and humility in our interactions.

Embrace opportunities to serve others selflessly. Whether helping a neighbor in need, volunteering at a local charity, or simply offering a listening ear to someone going through a tough time, your actions reflect Jesus' love. You might pray, "Jesus, help me to see others as You see them and to serve them with Your heart of compassion."

Jesus commands us in John 13:34, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." By obeying His command to love, we act in His name.

By understanding how to rise and act in Jesus' name through prayer, faith, and obedience, we align ourselves with His will and tap into the divine power and authority that comes from His name. This alignment allows us to witness and participate in Jesus' transformative power in our lives and the lives of others. This leads us to our third point: Examples of transformation when we act in Jesus' name.

Examples of Transformation When We Act in Jesus' Name

Acts 3:6: Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth at the temple gate called Beautiful. The man asks them for money, but Peter responds, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." The man is instantly healed, demonstrating the power of Jesus' name.

This miracle shows that acting in Jesus' name brings about physical healing and is a powerful witness to those who see the transformation.

Acts 16:25-34: Paul and Silas are imprisoned, yet they pray and sing hymns to God. An earthquake shakes the prison, opening the doors and loosening the chains. The jailer, fearing the prisoners have escaped, is about to kill himself. Paul stops him, and the jailer asks, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They reply, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." The jailer and his family are baptized, transforming their lives through faith in Jesus' name.

This story highlights the spiritual transformation and salvation that come from believing in and acting upon the name of Jesus.

Many today share testimonies of how invoking Jesus' name has brought physical healing and deliverance from addictions or harmful behaviors. These personal stories are powerful evidence of Jesus' continuing work in the world.

A person struggling with addiction might pray in Jesus' name for strength and deliverance and, over time, experience freedom from their addiction, attributing their transformation to the power of Jesus' name.

Churches and Christian organizations often undertake missions and community projects in Jesus' name, leading to significant positive changes in their communities.

A church might start a food pantry or shelter, providing for the needs of the homeless and hungry in their community. Through these acts of service, performed in Jesus' name, lives are changed, and the love of Christ is made manifest.

These examples, both biblical and modern, illustrate the profound impact of acting in Jesus' name. When we align ourselves with His will and invoke His name, we open the door for transformative power to work through us. This transformation affects individuals and can ripple out to bring healing and restoration to entire communities.

As we've seen, understanding the authority and power in Jesus' name and learning how to rise and act in His name through prayer, faith, and obedience, enables us to witness and participate in transformative miracles both in the Bible and in our lives today. These examples of transformation remind us of the profound impact we can have when we align ourselves with Jesus' mission and authority.

Conclusion

Today, we have explored the incredible authority and power found in Jesus' name. We have seen how, by rising and acting in His name, we can bring about real, tangible changes in our lives and the lives of those around us. From the healing of the lame man to the salvation of the Philippian jailer, and from personal testimonies of deliverance to community-wide initiatives, the name of Jesus carries the power to transform.

As we conclude, let's reflect on how we can incorporate this understanding into our daily lives. Jesus has given us the authority to act in His name, promising that whatever we ask in His name, He will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Call to Action

I challenge each of you to embrace this calling:

Embrace the Authority: Recognize the immense power in Jesus' name. When you pray, when you act, do so with the confidence that you are invoking the name above all names.

Rise in Faith: Step out in faith, trusting that Jesus' power and authority are with you. Whether you are facing personal struggles, seeking to serve others, or engaging in community efforts, believe that Jesus will work through you.

Act with Obedience: Live out Jesus' teachings in your daily interactions. Show love, kindness, and compassion, knowing that you are reflecting Jesus' character and mission.

Imagine what our lives, our church, and our community would look like if each of us fully embraced the call to rise and act in Jesus' name. We would see miracles, transformations, and a profound sense of God's presence and power at work among us.

Let's commit ourselves today to living out this calling. Let’s pray boldly, act with faith, and live in obedience, all in the powerful name of Jesus.

Prayer:

"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the incredible power and authority in Your name. Help us to rise and act in Your name, aligning our prayers and actions with Your will. Fill us with faith and courage to step out and be instruments of Your transformation. May our lives glorify You and bring honor to Your name. Amen."

By embracing the authority of Jesus' name, rising in faith, and acting in obedience, we become conduits of His transformative power in the world. Let us go forth with confidence, knowing that as we act in Jesus' name, He will accomplish great things through us.