In the previous article, Peter gave credit to Jesus Christ for healing a man named Aeneas (see Acts 9:34). This may be a good time to pause and address a related question: Sometimes, you may hear church people talk about doing things “in Jesus’ name”, or ending their prayers with that phrase. But, what does it mean to do things in Jesus’ name?
Let’s start with some background on various aspects of this concept. For one thing, the Bible talks about things being asked for in Jesus’ name. The following passage from the Gospel of John is taken from the words of Jesus Himself.
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:23-24 NIV
(See also John 16:23-28, John 14:13-14, Matthew 18:20.)
We also learn from the book of Philippians (and elsewhere), that the name of Jesus is great.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11 NIV
Even the translation of Jesus’ name has a significant meaning, like English surnames that came from professions like Smith, Cooper, or Wright. While the specific translation varies slightly, the consensus of the meaning of this word is clearly around salvation: The LORD saves. Consider what an angel told Joseph about his betrothed, Mary (i.e., the mother of Jesus).
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 NIV
So, while asking for things with the authority that Jesus granted His disciples, we might use the phrase “in Jesus’ name” and think about the impact of His name on our life:
- Because of His salvation – His payment for our offenses – we can be reconciled with God and return to spiritual “speaking terms” with Him, again.
- Because Jesus came to save mankind and instructed His disciples to share that good news, we can ask for the opportunities, skills, and resources to help expand His kingdom on earth and to bless others.
- Because God reached out to save us (no thanks to our own actions), we can have confidence that He will continue to be loving and gracious when we talk with Him, since He will remain true to His nature.
That makes sense when we pray, but what does it mean to live or serve in Jesus’ name? In light of Colossians 3:15-17, I think of acting in Jesus’ name in three main ways (although perhaps you have more examples – feel free to share those in the comments).
- Living like Jesus taught us to and being clear that this is how we are making our choices.
- Telling people about Jesus and showing them what we mean by our example.
- Giving Jesus credit for what we are able to do for others.
These three elements seem to be what Peter was living out, as he was speaking to Aeneas in Acts 9:34:
- We expect that Peter was living like Jesus had taught him to, even if Peter was imperfect at doing so.
- We know that Peter told other people about Jesus, both at Pentecost and what we can infer he was teaching in Lydda (where Aeneas was).
- We see that Peter explicitly gave Jesus Christ credit for Aeneas’s healing.
So, I think that this three-part approach is also a good example for how we go about our days, too: living for Jesus, telling about Jesus, and giving Jesus credit for our ability to do good things.
So, as Colossians 3:17 instructs, let’s have everything that we do or say be done in Jesus’ name, with thanksgiving. This can include:
- Living as Jesus taught us to, with the help of the Holy Spirit that Jesus provided, and being clear that this is why we live the way that we do.
- Telling people the good news about Jesus whenever and wherever we are led to do so, and living in a way that illustrates His example of loving others.
- Giving Jesus credit for what God has blessed us with the ability to do, whether it is a talent, skill, or gift that He has given us in order to serve others; or resources that He has provided so that we can share with those who are in need.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for October 29, 2023
References:
- The Lookout, October 29, 2023, © 2023 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- New Testament History: A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Book of Acts, by Gareth L. Reese. © 1976, College Press Publishing Company.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Acts, by Dennis Gaertner. © 1993 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 