Authority in the name of Jesus

Do you know what your name means?

My name means ‘noble’ ‘kind’ ‘protected by God’, so every time my name is called the characteristics of my name are reinforced.   

A name is important, which is why parents take so long to choose and reflect on what they are going to call their child. Interestingly there is a rise of naming consultants where people are choosing consultants to help name their child. A name can reflect your identity and can also influence an individual's self-perception and how they are perceived by others. Labelling theory assumes that the labels or names assigned to individuals can shape their self-identity and behaviour, potentially leading to self-fulfilling prophecies. 

When a person's name is called, it reinforces their sense of self and the characteristics associated with that name. This reinforcement can influence behaviour and self-esteem, as individuals often internalise the attributes linked to their names. Studies have shown that names can impact various aspects of life, including career choices and social interactions. 

The meaning of the name of Jesus

The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua, which means "Yahweh is salvation" or "The Lord saves." This meaning aligns with the mission of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. The name of Jesus is often associated with authority, salvation, and divine presence. 

Matthew 1:21 – "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

Acts 4:12 – "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."

The name of Jesus carries the power of salvation, healing, and authority over all things in heaven and on earth.

Using the Name of Jesus Without Realising It

Many people use the name of Jesus in everyday language without fully understanding the authority it holds. Examples include:

• Saying "In Jesus' name, Amen" at the end of prayers.

• Saying "Oh my God" or "Jesus Christ" in surprise or frustration (often used thoughtlessly).

• Singing worship songs that declare the power of His name.

Even though these phrases are spoken casually at times, they still carry spiritual weight. 

The Authority and Power in the Name of Jesus

Jesus' name is not just a title, it is a representation of his divine authority. When we call on his name in faith, we invoke his power.

Philippians 2:9-11 – "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."

Jesus Saves

The name of Jesus has authority over:

• Sin and Salvation (Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

• Sickness and Healing (Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

• Demons and Spiritual Forces (Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

• Death and Resurrection (John 11:43-44 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Different Sources of Power: 

God’s power and the name of Jesus isn't the only source of power in the world. It' important to understand that not all power comes from God. There are different sources of power, which can also include world power and false power (witchcraft).

God’s Power (Divine Power) 

God’s power comes through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. It is used for salvation, righteousness, healing, and miracles (Acts 1:8).

Examples

• God’s Word – The ultimate authority (e.g., "Let there be light").

• Miracles – Red Sea parted, healing, etc.

• Jesus' Name – Authority over demons, sickness, and nature.

• Prayer 

• Faith 

• Obedience to God – Brings blessings and victory.

Human Power (Worldly Limited Power)

Human power is limited power based on knowledge, strength, or influence (1 Corinthians 1:25 the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men)

• Kings & Rulers – e.g. Presidents, Prime ministers and leaders.

• Soldiers & Armies – Military strength.

• Wealth & Money – Influence but cannot control God.

• Knowledge & Science – Useful but not greater than God.

• Fame & Popularity – People listen, but only God's power saves.

• Physical Strength – Strong warriors vs. God's might.

Demonic Power (Witchcraft)

This is supernatural power that comes from Satan, used for deception, manipulation, and destruction.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 "There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer.").

• Magic Tricks – Pharaoh’s magicians copying miracles.

• Sorcery – Calling spirits for power.

• Fortune Telling – False predictions.

• Idol Worship – Trusting man-made gods.

• False Prophets – Claiming to speak for God but misleading people.

The Bible warns against seeking power from the wrong sources:

Example

In Exodus 7:8-12. And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying,

When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

When Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh, God told Aaron to throw his rod on the ground, and it turned into a serpent. The Egyptian magicians did the same thing, and their rods also turned into serpents. But then Aaron's serpent ate the others, showing God's true power.

This teaches us that not all power comes from the right source. Moses and Aaron had more than just power—they had authority because they had a relationship with God. Power can be given to anyone, but authority comes from knowing and trusting God. So, whenever we see amazing things, we should ask, "Where does this power come from?" God's power always brings truth, love, and goodness.

Living the Blessed Life requires us to walk in true spiritual authority, we must seek power from the right source, Jesus Christ. For in the name of Jesus there is not just power, but there is authority. By using the name of Jesus in faith and obedience, we tap into the ultimate power that comes from God alone.