What does your name say about you?
Are you named in honor of a close relative? Did you get your last name from your husband? Did your parents choose your name because it holds a special meaning to them? Is your name biblical? You may be named after a character in a work of art or an important historical figure.
Regardless of the reason behind your name, it carries value. Names are what we are known by and called by. They are the words that each of our faces is associated with within the minds of others. In many ways, your name is a representation of who you are. Your name reveals things about you– who you are married to, the level of education that you have earned, and who your family is. Names are important.
While each person’s name is unique and special, no name is as wonderful as the name of Jesus.
On April 3, the chapel band introduced a new never-before-sung on the Hughes Auditorium stage worship song titled “Name Above All Names” by Vineyard Worship and Hannah DeSpain. It is a powerful reminder of the character of Jesus revealed in His Name.
The song begins by describing the nature of humankind Christ took on as He walked the earth. “You took off Your glory, and You dressed up in frailty just to come near. You made Yourself nothing, as low as a servant, and You came near.” These lyrics are almost a replica of Philippians 2:7 (NIV), which says, “Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” The song then details the obedience of Christ— “even to death on a cross”— continuing to echo Philippians 2.
This first section of the song beautifully paints a picture of the life and nature of Jesus, all culminating to Good Friday and His obedience on the cross. And then we praise: “Jesus, You have a name above all names.”
But, as we know from Easter weekend, that is not where this story ends.
The song continues: “Now You’re exalted, You’re the highest in heaven.” Philippians 2:9 affirms this, giving the song its title: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Because of His obedience and character, He was given the name that stands untouched and unmatched by any other name.
Jesus’ name reflects His character. His name was written on a plaque above His head as He hung on the cross for our sins (Matthew 27:37, NIV). His love for us, his humility, is reflected in His name.
Jesus’ name represents His authority. Philippians 2:10 (NIV) declares, “that in the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” His name is power.
Jesus’ name brings salvation: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NIV). His name frees us from sin and welcomes us into the family of God.
Jesus is called by many other names in the Bible, including “Wonderful Counselor,” “Everlasting Father” and “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). All illustrate a key aspect of the nature of Jesus: His wisdom as a counselor, His Father’s heart for His children, and His royalty as a Prince.
The name of Jesus is the name above all names. His name is important. By His name, we get a glimpse of His character, His heart and His family tree.
No matter what we go through, this fact doesn’t change. We’re on the last day of classes, about to approach finals. It’s a stressful time. However, amid papers and projects, Jesus is the name above all Names. During time with friends and final exams, Jesus is the name above all names. For freshmen finishing their first year of college, Jesus is the name above all names. For seniors about to put on their caps and gowns, Jesus is the name above all names.
And it always will be.
