THE NAME OF JESUS IS BACKED BY HIS POWER AND AUTHORITY OVER ALL EVIL
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The loyal band of apostles follow Jesus throughout His time of ministry on earth. They walk with Him and learn from Him. They watch as He performs miracles and healings on all who come to Him. They recognize the power and authority that emanates from Him. He can only be the Son of God.
Yet after the crucifixion, these devoted followers scatter, abandoning the One to whom they owe everything. When the risen Christ appears to them, they are amazed. The prophecies are true! Jesus warns them to stay in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high, His Holy Spirit.
Baptism by the Holy Spirit transforms these ordinary men into extraordinary men of God. Their reluctance becomes boldness. Their lack of education no longer hinders. They proclaim the gospel message with eloquence and persuasiveness. Their fearfulness becomes strong faith in their Savior and His power and authority.
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’.” – Acts 3:6
The apostles reach out in compassion and touch lives with healings and miracles in the name of Jesus Christ. In biblical times, names held great importance. Names could indicate one’s origin, purpose and character. Names could honor God and establish authority.
The name of Jesus reflects His origin and purpose as the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God. His name is backed by His absolute power and authority over all evil. Calling upon His name calls upon Jesus Himself. He acts through His Spirit to perform miracles and healings.
“Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus.” – Acts 3:12-13
The apostles are not claiming the name of Jesus as a magic power. Nor are they taking credit for the miracles and healings. By claiming the name of Jesus, Peter shows the people who gives the authority and power to heal.
“In the name of Jesus Christ” means “by the authority of Jesus Christ”. The apostles are healing through the Holy Spirit’s authority and power, not their own. It is not just the sound of His name, but Christ Himself who gives their prayers power. The apostles show the people what Jesus can do through them, not what they can do on their own.
“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through Him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” – Acts 3:16
The cornerstone of healings and miracles is faith. If the apostles did not have complete faith in Jesus and His power to heal, their prayers would have come to nothing. Faith releases the divine power of Christ. Scripture says He takes our infirmities and carries our sicknesses (Matthew 8:17).
Compassion is essential to healing. For compassion, together with faith, brings Jesus’ healing touch. Jesus reached out in compassion to those who came to Him. He cared deeply for the suffering. The blind received sight, the lame walked, the lepers were cleansed and the dead were raised (Matthew 11:5). All were healed by His power and His heart of compassion.
“People brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.” – Acts 5:15
Peter’s shadow does not heal. It is Peter’s faith… and the living faith of the people who come to him. Faith that the power of Christ is working through Peter. The apostles are calling upon the power of Jesus to heal, not power in themselves.
Healings and miracles bring glory to God. When done in the name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit’s power, all glory goes to Him. God is magnified in His miraculous works. People are awed and recognize His absolute sovereignty over all evil.
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” – Acts 4:13
Jesus’ Spirit transforms the lives of the apostles. They step out in great faith with His power and authority. Even the Jewish leaders recognize the change in their lives after being with Jesus. For a changed life convinces people of Christ’s power.
Jesus has transformed our lives by His Spirit. We who abide in Him can pray with great faith and His heart of compassion for healings. For we have the same Spirit within us as in the apostles and in Jesus Himself. We can call upon His name that has power and authority over all evil. The results are up to Him. For it is Jesus alone who heals… and He alone receives all glory.
