Wherever one goes in the world, the name “Jesus” is heard everywhere particularly by people who face mundane problems with relevance to health or finances, among others.
St. Bernadine of Siena says in this regard, “This is that most holy name longed for by the patriarchs, anxiously awaited, called upon amid cries of suffering, invoked with sighs, implored with tears, given when the fullness of grace arrives.”
It is reported that St. Bernardine used to carry a wooden placard showing the Eucharist surrounded by rays with the monogram “IHS,” an abbreviation of the name of Jesus in Greek. Later, the devotional tradition added a new meaning to this monogram, turning it into a Latin “Christogram”: “I” for “Iesus” (Jesus); “H” for “Hominum” (of men); “S” for “Salvator” (Savior). That is, IHS means “Jesus, savior of humans.
Consequently, the name “Jesus” is derived from Hebrew roots meaning, “the Lord is Salvation.” It means savior. “'They shall call his name Immanuel,' which means, God with us. (Matthew 1:23)
The name “Jesus” also contains a sweet promise to believers, whereby invoking the holy name of Jesus with faith brings help in bodily needs, according to the promise of Christ. He said, “In my name they shall take up serpents; and if they shall drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay their hands upon the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:17-18)
The Holy name “Jesus” provides innumerable blessings which include salvation in the name of Jesus alone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. This holy name also reflects forgiveness of sins which is received through the name of Jesus. Furthermore, the faithful are baptized in the name of Jesus, while healing and miracles are performed in the name of Jesus.
It is important in this regard to note that Lord Jesus teaches believers to pray in His name, in other words to pray, in His authority. He said, “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13–14)
The name “Jesus” is reminiscent of the power, presence, and purpose of the Risen Christ. According to the Holy Bible, when people speak or act in the name of Jesus, they did so as the Lord’s representatives with His authority bearing in mind that the very life of the believer is to be lived in the name of Jesus. (Colossians 3:17)
“Great names come and go, but the great name of Jesus remains. The Holy Bible states, "You shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from all sins." (Matthew 1:21)
Thank you, Lord Jesus, because Your name is the key that eliminates all sources of misery. It is the weapon that defeats the enemy, namely Satan and all forms of evil, and serves as the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. It's the name that causes our hearts to rejoice and our lips to sing His praise.
