Sovereign Divine Power Demonstrated In the Name of Jesus
by Miles McKee

In Luke 10:17, seventy enthusiastic disciples returned from their preaching mission. I can just hear the awe and wonder in their voices as they reported to the Master that the very demons were subject to them when they used His name. It is no wonder they were gripped with amazement. They knew that the demons were, after all, under the direct authority of Satan (Beelzebub the ruler of the demons---see Matthew 12:24). Satan is called by many names among which are,

The Dragon (Isa. 27:1; Rev 20:2)
The Enemy (Matt. 13:39)
The Father of lies (Jn. 8:44)
A great red dragon (Rev 12:3)
That old serpent (Rev.12:9; 20:2) The Power of darkness (Col. 1:13)
The Prince of this world (John 14:30 )
The Prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2 )
The Ruler of the darkness of this world (Eph 6:12)
The Spirit that works in the children of disobedience (Eph.2:2)
The god of this world (2 Cor.4:4)
The Wicked-one (Matt. 13:19,38)

What an array of titles! And these are only but some! Now here’s a question for those who say that Jesus was merely a man. How can the name of a mere man topple the hordes of demonic powers controlled by the prince and god of this world? Yet the name of Jesus routed the host of demonic minions. The name of Alexander or Caesar would not have moved them but the demons lost all authority when confronted by the name of Jesus the Christ. Of course we see the Lord Jesus himself taking authority over the devils and this in and of itself points towards his deity. But in Luke 10 He sends out the disciples armed only with His name and the demons fall. Just try sending someone to cast out a devil in your name! It won’t work! The devils will just look at your messenger or attack them as they did the unfortunate sons of Sceva (Acts 19: 16).

What immense power, therefore, is bound up in this wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ! Luther writes,

“I, out of my own experience, am able to witness, that Jesus Christ is true God; I know full well and have found what the name of Jesus has done for me. I have often been so near death, that I thought verily now must I die, because I teach his Word to the wicked world, and acknowledge him; but always he mercifully put life into me, refreshed and comforted me. (Martin Luther: The Smalcald Articles.)

There is no other name like the name of Jesus! In Luke 24:47 we are told repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in Jesus’ name.

In John 1:12 authority is given to become God’s children, because of faith in Jesus’ name.

In Acts 10:43 everyone putting faith in Jesus gets forgiveness of sins through his name.

In Acts 4:12 we discover there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved other than Jesus’ name.

In John 14:13-14, 26 we are told that whatever we ask, He will do, if we ask in Jesus’ name.

In Acts 3:16 a man was made strong through faith in Jesus’ name. In Acts 4:7-10, 30 healing and signs came in Jesus’ name.

In Revelation 1:6, 5:9 the worship of the redeemed is drawn out at the mere mention of Jesus’ name.

So how say you then that He is merely a man? What name has done more good for more people throughout the ages than the name of Jesus? Bishop Ryle astutely observes,

“Jesus is a name, which is peculiarly sweet and precious to believers. It has often done them good, when the favor of kings and princes would have been heard of with unconcern. It has given them what money cannot buy, even inward peace. It has eased their wearied consciences, and given rest to their heavy hearts. The Song of Solomon speaks the experience of many, when it says, "your name is oil poured forth." (Cant. 1:3.) Happy is that person, who trusts not merely in vague notions of God's mercy and goodness, but in "Jesus."

(Bishop Ryle, Gospel of Matthew)