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In the Name of

Dwayne Gandy
05/04/25 - Praise and Preaching Service

In the Name of Jesus: Understanding Authority and Representation

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17

What does it really mean to do something “in the name of Jesus”? That simple phrase carries tremendous weight. It is not just a habit we tag onto the end of a prayer or a slogan we place on a building. To act in Jesus’ name means to represent His character, submit to His authority, and only do what He has authorized. This lesson explores what that truly means by looking at real-life biblical examples and the implications for our lives today.

1. A Matter of Authority: Names Mean Something

In Scripture, names aren’t just labels—they represent the person, their qualities, and often their authority or position. The name of Jesus is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11), and acting in His name is a serious matter.

If we claim to do something "in Jesus’ name," we must be absolutely sure:

• He has given us the right to do it.

• It reflects His character and teachings.

• It is something He would do if He were standing in our place.

2. A Biblical Example: The Book of Esther

The story of Esther provides a vivid, real-world example of delegated authority. When Haman wanted to annihilate the Jews, he didn’t act on his own. He sought permission from King Ahasuerus, who gave him his signet ring—a symbol of royal authority. Haman used it to send out a decree “in the name of the king.”

This shows us several important truths:

• To act “in the name of” someone means you act with their permission.

• That action carries the full authority of the one who gave it.

• But that authority is limited. Haman had broad permission, but only within a specific scope.

Later in the story, Mordecai was given the same ring and authority. However, Esther still double-checked with the king before acting. Why? Because she understood the seriousness of using the king’s name. That’s wisdom we should imitate when we seek to act in Jesus’ name today.

3. A Second Example: Joseph and Pharaoh

In Genesis 41, Pharaoh gave Joseph sweeping authority to manage Egypt during the coming famine. He gave him his ring, fine clothes, and power to make decisions. But Joseph never abused this authority. He didn’t act selfishly or add personal commands. He used his authority for Pharaoh’s benefit, ensuring that everything he did aligned with the king’s wishes.

Even when Joseph’s own family came to Egypt, he sought Pharaoh’s guidance before giving them land—again, showing respect for the source of his authority.

4. Abusing Authority: The Danger of Misrepresentation

Back in Esther’s story, Haman abused his granted authority. He lied to the king, manipulated the situation for personal revenge, and acted out of jealousy and pride. When Queen Esther revealed Haman’s true motives, the king was outraged—even though Haman technically had his permission.

This reminds us: Even if we think we have authority, if we use it in a way that contradicts the character of the one who gave it, we are in the wrong.

This is crucial when applying it to Jesus. We cannot say, “Well, I found a verse that kind of supports this,” if what we’re doing doesn’t reflect Jesus’ heart, values, or mission. God will not honor technicalities or excuses. What matters is faithfully representing His will.

5. New Testament Applications: Living in His Name

So what does this mean for us today?

• Peter healed in Jesus’ name (Acts 3:6), making it clear that the power wasn’t his own—it came from Jesus.

• Jesus said that when we give or serve “in His name,” we are acting as His representative (Mark 9:37, 41).

• When Jesus gave the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20), He declared that all authority had been given to Him, and commanded His followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• In Acts 2, Peter responded by teaching people to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the forgiveness of sins.

When we teach, serve, worship, baptize, or pray, we must do so with His authority—not our own. And when we pray in Jesus’ name, it isn’t a magic phrase. It means we are asking for things that align with His will and nature, not our selfish desires (John 16:23; James 4:3).

6. What This Means for the Church

As the Church of Christ, we bear His name—not just on our sign, but in our mission, worship, and identity. Everything we do should be grounded in His teachings, carried out by His authority, and offered with reverence to His name.

That’s why general or delegated authority matters. God has given us guidance, but He has not micromanaged every detail. Like Joseph, Mordecai, and Esther, we must be thoughtful, honest, and cautious. It’s okay to double-check and ensure we are honoring Jesus in all we do.

7. A Final Warning and Invitation

In Matthew 25, the man with one talent did nothing out of fear of doing the wrong thing. But fear is not faith. We must not be paralyzed by the weight of Jesus’ name—we must be moved to act, with confidence that if we follow His word, we are secure in His name.

So let me ask you:
Have you been baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins?
Are you living and praying with His authority, reflecting His character?

If not, the invitation is always open—day or night. We’ll baptize you at 3 a.m. if you’re ready to submit to Jesus. That’s how much His name matters.

If you have questions or want to study further, please contact us. We’d be honored to help you understand and walk more fully in the name of Jesus.