The name of Jesus was at one time merely a common Jewish name. The term "Jesus of Nazareth" distinguished Jesus from Jesus of Jerusalem, Bethsaida, Chorazin, etc. However, this Man named Jesus of Nazareth died for our salvation and rose from the dead. After He poured out the Holy Spirit, people began to realize He was exalted above all the other people named Jesus and His name was above every other name. At His name, every knee must bend and every tongue proclaim that Jesus is Lord (Phil 2:10-11).
The Spirit inspired the apostles to teach about Jesus' name and fill Jerusalem with it (Acts 5:28). Nonetheless, the authorities gave "strict orders not to teach" about Jesus' name (Acts 5:28). The apostles defied the order (Acts 5:29). They baptized in the Name (Acts 2:38). They healed and delivered in the Name (Acts 3:6; 19:13). They considered suffering a privilege "for the sake of the Name" (Acts 5:41). They were immersed in the Name. "There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name in the whole world given to men by which we are to be saved" (Acts 4:12).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, during this Easter time, may I fall deeply in love with You and say Your name accordingly. |
| PROMISE: | "For the One Whom God has sent speaks the words of God; He does not ration His gift of the Spirit." –Jn 3:34 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, "the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords Who alone has immortality and Who dwells in unapproachable light, Whom no human being has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and everlasting rule! Amen" (1 Tm 6:15-16). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College