The Name Of Jesus

 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you" 

John 15: 16 NKJV 

How powerful is the name Jesus?  We're told that if we ask for anything in Jesus' name that our request will be granted {John 14:14}.  Yet, we're also told that we will have our request granted if we simply have faith that it will be {Matthew 21: 22}.  This has led to some hand wringing within the Christian community as far as which is the correct way to pray.  Jesus went so far in His sermon on the Mount as to give an example of the correct way to pray.  This "Lord's prayer" is demonstrated by Jesus in Matthew {Matthew 6:9-13}.  However, He is careful to tell those gathered on the hillside that the Father already knew what their needs were before they asked {Matthew 6:8}.  But is the Lord's prayer a true model prayer for us to follow?  I don't think so.  What we see in Jesus' sermon on the mount is Jesus speaking to the crowds in a way which they could understand what He was trying to teach them.  This is exactly why He chose to teach in parables at times as well.  So how is it that we incorporate the model prayer of Jesus we find in Matthew with the reality of asking in the name of Jesus?  That is the question I was asked by a friend this week.  In order to shed some light on how I see Jesus, it's important to visit how the apostle Paul saw Jesus as well.  It is Paul who spoke to the idea of Christ Jesus in him.  Paul speaks to this in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  Knowing the truth of Galatians 2:20, I know that I, as an individual, no longer exist.  My "old man" was crucified on that cross next to Christ.  All that remains is the vessel which is my body, which is now inhabited by Christ Jesus.  Knowing this truth makes all of my prayers uniquely personal.  I have opened up many a prayer with the phrase, "Jesus, you know who I am."  Would you treat a conversation with a close friend in a distant manner?  No, you would be very personal with them.  So is our relationship with Jesus.  I believe using the name of Jesus in our own prayers not only acknowledges who we truly are but how close we are to Christ as well.  

"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you ask anything in My name, I will do it"

John 14: 13 - 14 NKJV 

When it comes to our prayers, is Jesus speaking to us to ask in His name for His own honor?  No!  This is evident as Jesus speaks to the Father being glorified in the Son {John 14:13}.  This has never been about Jesus taking credit for our mere mention of His name.  It is the Father who gives the Son His glory {John 17:22}.  God, for His part, simply wants to be known by His children.  He desires to be one with Christ and His creation {John 17:21}.  So how does this enter into our prayers?  How powerful is this name of Jesus?  Consider the words of James, that even the demons believe that there is a God...and tremble at that thought {James 2:19}.  The very name of Jesus is a powerful spoken word, and we are to recognize it as such when we pray.  When we pray in Jesus' name, we understand the authority which He has been given {Matthew 28:18-20}.  We understand that there is nothing we will ever ask which Jesus is not capable of delivering.  We also understand that there is no situation we will ever face which Jesus has not faced Himself.  He is our advocate {John 21:1-2}.  He is also our access to the presence of the Father {John 14:6}.  It is but through Christ Jesus that we have access to the Father.  If we seek an audience with the Father, it is through the name of Jesus which we are welcomed.  This is the name of Jesus. 

Jesus said to him, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me" 

John 14: 16 NKJV 

~Scott~