The Power and Significance of Jesus' Name

Devotional

Day 1: The Name Above Every Name

The name of Jesus is not just a title, but the very name that holds the power to save, forgive, and make all things new. It is the name that is exalted above every other name, carrying with it authority, hope, and the promise of restoration. When we declare “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,” we are professing allegiance to the One who humbled Himself for us and is now exalted over all creation. This confession is not mere words, but a declaration that shapes our identity and allegiance, even when it stands in contrast to the world around us. [02:17]

Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to intentionally declare the authority of Jesus’ name today, even if it means standing out or facing discomfort?

Day 2: Jesus—Fully God and Fully Man

Jesus is not a distant deity or a mythic demigod, but the Son of God who stepped into our story, fully God and fully man. He entered our brokenness, experienced our suffering, and took on human flesh so that He could redeem us from within. This profound mystery means that God Himself knows our struggles and pain, and He chose to humble Himself, becoming like us, so that He could save us and make all things new. [08:30]

John 1:14 (ESV)
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is both fully God and fully human change the way you approach Him with your struggles and prayers today?

Day 3: The Power and Hope of Christ’s Humiliation and Exaltation

Jesus’ journey from suffering and death to resurrection and exaltation is not just a story of the past, but the foundation of our hope and victory. He bore our sin, endured the cross, and was buried, but then He rose, declaring victory over sin, death, and the devil. Now, He reigns at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us and working all things for our good, while we await His return to make all things new. This is the living hope that anchors our souls and assures us that death has no hold on us. [10:54]

Romans 6:8-11 (ESV)
"Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one fear or burden you can lay down today because Jesus has already secured victory over it?

Day 4: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

The question “Who do you say that I am?” is not just for the disciples, but for each of us. Our answer shapes our trust, our hope, and our daily decisions. Jesus is the light of the world, the bread of life, the good shepherd, the prince of peace, the lion and the lamb—He is the One who heals, restores, and gives life. Recognizing who Jesus truly is transforms our identity and the way we live, inviting us to trust Him more deeply and reflect His character in our lives. [14:59]

Matthew 16:15-16 (ESV)
"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.'"

Reflection: If someone asked you today who Jesus is to you, what would you say—and how does your life reflect that answer?

Day 5: Living Under Christ’s Authority and as His Witness

If Jesus is Lord, then every part of our lives—our work, relationships, decisions, and words—comes under His authority. We are called to live as His witnesses, carrying His name and reflecting His goodness and faithfulness in all we do. His name is not just a label, but a source of power that brings healing, freedom, and hope. As we live under His reign, our lives become a testimony to His greatness, and we are empowered to extend His grace and forgiveness to others. [17:20]

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can intentionally reflect Jesus’ authority and goodness in your actions or words today?

Sermon Summary

The Apostles’ Creed stands as a timeless declaration of faith, forged in the early church to unify believers around the essentials of Christianity. Its words have endured centuries of persecution, division, and cultural change because they are rooted in the truth of God’s Word. At the heart of the Creed is the name of Jesus—a name that carries unmatched power, authority, and significance. Names matter deeply, shaping relationships and identities, but no name in history carries the weight or promise of Jesus. His name is not just a label; it is the very foundation of salvation, forgiveness, and new creation.

Jesus, as described in Philippians 2, humbled Himself, taking on human flesh, becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross. Because of this, God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This confession is not mere head knowledge or empty words; it is a declaration of total trust and allegiance. To say, “I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,” is to stake one’s life on the truth that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the only begotten Son of God, and the Lord over all things.

This statement was radical and even dangerous in the first century, directly challenging both political and religious authorities. It remains countercultural today, calling us to declare our allegiance to the eternal reign of Jesus rather than the fleeting powers of this world. Jesus is not a demigod or a myth; He is fully God and fully man, who entered our brokenness, suffered, died, and rose again to secure our redemption. His humiliation and exaltation are the heart of the gospel: He bore our sin, conquered death, and now reigns in glory, interceding for us and preparing to restore all things.

The question Jesus asked His disciples—“Who do you say that I am?”—remains the most important question for each of us. Our answer shapes every aspect of our lives: our trust, our hope, our identity, and our mission. Jesus is the light of the world, the bread of life, the good shepherd, the prince of peace, the lion and the lamb. He is the one who heals, restores, and saves. When we confess Him as Lord, Savior, and King, our lives become a testimony to His greatness, and His name becomes the source of our hope, confidence, and purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. The name of Jesus is not just a title but the very embodiment of God’s saving power and presence. To profess His name is to acknowledge the authority, love, and sacrifice that define our relationship with God. This name is the foundation upon which our faith and hope are built, and it is the name that brings salvation and new life to all who call upon it. [02:17]
2. Declaring Jesus as Lord is a radical act of allegiance that transcends cultural, political, and religious boundaries. In the early church, this confession could cost one’s life, as it directly challenged the authority of earthly rulers. Today, it still calls us to place our ultimate trust and loyalty in Christ, recognizing that His reign is eternal and unshakable, unlike any power in this world. [05:42]
3. The incarnation and humiliation of Jesus reveal the depth of God’s love and the lengths He went to redeem us. Jesus, fully God and fully man, entered into our brokenness, suffered, and died in our place. His willingness to lay aside His divine privileges for our sake is the heart of the gospel and the assurance that God is intimately involved in our story. [10:54]
4. The resurrection and exaltation of Jesus secure our hope and guarantee our victory over sin and death. His triumph is not just a past event but an ongoing reality—He reigns now, intercedes for us, and will one day return to restore all things. This living hope empowers us to live with confidence, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [13:16]
5. Our answer to the question, “Who is Jesus to you?” shapes every aspect of our lives. If He is Lord, we submit every area of life to His authority; if He is Savior, we rest in His finished work and extend His grace to others; if He is exalted, our lives become a witness to His greatness. The power of His name transforms us, making us agents of His love, forgiveness, and hope in the world. [17:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Apostles’ Creed: History and Purpose
[02:17] - The Power and Significance of a Name
[03:30] - Jesus: The Name Above Every Name
[05:42] - Declaring Jesus as Lord: A Radical Confession
[07:30] - Jesus: Fully God and Fully Man
[08:30] - The Incarnation: God Steps Into Our Story
[10:54] - The Humiliation and Sacrifice of Christ
[12:30] - The Exaltation: Victory Over Sin and Death
[13:16] - The Gospel Story in the Creed
[14:59] - Who Is Jesus? Titles and Mission
[16:30] - The Personal Question: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
[17:20] - Living Under Jesus’ Authority
[18:39] - The Power of Jesus’ Name in Our Lives
[19:59] - Final Challenge and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV) — Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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.

Matthew 16:13-16 (ESV) — Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Observation Questions

According to Philippians 2:5-11, what actions did Jesus take that showed his humility?
In the sermon, what was the significance of declaring “Jesus Christ is Lord” in the first century? [05:42]
What are some of the titles and descriptions the sermon gives for Jesus? [14:59]
How does the Apostles’ Creed summarize the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection? [13:16]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul say that God “highly exalted” Jesus and gave him the name above every name? What does this mean for how we view Jesus’ authority? (Philippians 2:9-11)
The sermon mentions that declaring Jesus as Lord was a radical and even dangerous act in the early church. Why would this confession be so threatening to both political and religious authorities? [05:42]
The pastor says that Jesus is not a demigod or a myth, but fully God and fully man. Why is this distinction important for our understanding of salvation? [08:30]
When Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15), why is this question so central to the Christian faith? How does our answer shape our identity and mission? [16:30]

Application Questions

The sermon says that names shape relationships and identities. How does the name of Jesus shape your relationship with God and others? Can you think of a time when calling on Jesus’ name made a difference in your life? [02:17]
Declaring Jesus as Lord means giving him authority over every part of our lives. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to let Jesus be Lord? What would it look like to surrender those areas to him this week? [17:20]
The early Christians risked everything to confess Jesus as Lord. What are some ways, big or small, that you might face pressure or pushback for your faith today? How can you stand firm in your allegiance to Jesus? [05:42]
The sermon describes Jesus as the one who heals, restores, and saves. Is there a place in your life right now where you need Jesus’ healing or restoration? How can your group pray for you in this area? [14:59]
If Jesus is Savior, the pastor says we can rest in his finished work and extend his grace to others. Is there someone in your life who needs to experience Jesus’ grace through you? What is one practical way you can show them grace this week? [17:20]
The power of Jesus’ name is described as bringing hope, confidence, and purpose. What is one area of your life where you need to rely more on the power of Jesus’ name? How can you remind yourself of his authority and love in that area? [18:39]
The sermon challenges us to let our lives be a testimony to Jesus’ greatness. What is one specific way you can reflect Jesus’ love, forgiveness, or hope to someone around you this week? [17:20]

Sermon Clips

Because by declaring that Jesus Christ is Lord, you were challenging the authority of Caesar, who in his mind was the Lord, a God who was worshipped and over all things. So this statement that says Jesus Christ is Lord is a direct challenge to that. And it was considered treason and would have likely cost you your life. [00:06:32] (23 seconds) #LordOverCaesar

But then the creed shifts, because as He's buried, then He descends into hell, not to suffer more, but to declare His victory over sin, death, and the power of the devil. So we see the beginning of the state of exaltation, where He exercises His divine glory and His power, and He's announcing the victory and sharing this victory with His people. [00:11:53] (29 seconds) #VictoryOverDeath

Death has no hold on Him, and because of that, it also has no hold on us. Because of Jesus, it is the seal or the moment that victory secures our hope. It's the guarantee that sin is defeated and eternal life is ours in Him. [00:12:27] (24 seconds) #ReigningIntercessor

He is the good shepherd that guides us and leads us and protects us through life. He is the prince of peace who restores our souls and fills our heart with peace instead of anxiety. He is the lion of the tribe of Judah who is fighting on our behalf. He is the lamb of God who was slain. [00:15:28] (24 seconds) #HealerAndConqueror

Jesus is the one who touched lepers, who befriended prostitutes, and who ate with sinners. He fed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind. He healed the broken. He comforted the sick. He carried our sin, took our shame, conquered the grave, and defeated death, and defeated death so that we may have life here now and forever with Him. [00:15:53] (24 seconds) #LivingUnderHisRule

If we say that He is Lord, then we live under His authority. And all parts of our lives come under His rule and reign. Our decisions, our works, our work, our relationships, our words, they all come under His reign. And our lives, as we leave this place on Sunday, we go into Monday through Saturday looking for ways to carry His name and be a reflection of His goodness and His faithfulness. [00:16:50] (30 seconds) #ConfidenceInGrace

If He is Savior, then our confidence is in His promises. We look to His finished work, what He accomplished for us on the cross and through the empty tomb. And instead of striving to earn what He has already secured for us, we rest in His forgiveness and His forgiveness. And we walk in His freedom. And because of that, we have confidence for this life. [00:17:25] (28 seconds) #WitnessToHisGreatness

``The name that when His name is spoken, demons tremble. That when at the name, at the sound of His name, the darkness flees. At the sound of His name, the broken are healed. The sound of His name, chains fall and sinners are saved. That is the power of His name. [00:19:20] (24 seconds) #AuthorityThatTransforms

And there is no equal. It's the name above every other name. At the sound of His name, every knee bows on in heaven, on earth, and under earth. That encapsulates all of creation. At the sound of His name, every tongue confesses that He is Lord. [00:19:44] (23 seconds)

And because Jesus humbled Himself to save us and now reigns in glory, His name carries authority, power, and hope for every part of our lives. [00:20:07] (15 seconds)

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