The Name Above All Names
Understanding the crucial difference between “the name Jesus” and “the Name of Jesus”
“the name Jesus”
The Hollow Word
Using the word as a magical formula, disconnected from a personal relationship and genuine faith.
- ✗Superstitious Use: Treated like a charm.
- ✗Lacks Relationship: No real connection to Christ.
- ✗No Spiritual Authority: An empty, powerless phrase.
Biblical Example: The Sons of Sceva
Acts 19:13-16
“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus… saying, ‘In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches…’ The evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?’ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all… they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”
– Result: Failure & Humiliation
“the Name of Jesus”
The Key to Authority
Invoking the full Person, character, and supreme authority of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.
- ✓Faith-Filled Invocation: A confident appeal to the King.
- ✓Rooted in Relationship: Acting as His representative.
- ✓Accesses His Authority: The power is in Him, not the word.
Biblical Example: The Apostle Peter
Acts 3:6 & 4:10
“Peter commanded, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!’ and later testified, ‘…by him this man is standing before you well.'”
– Result: Miraculous Healing