Dear Believer

I’ve been reading the book of John throughout this year. I started in January because I needed to be reminded of who Jesus is, not just what He’s done. It’s taken me a while to finish, partly due to inconsistency, if I’m honest, but also because I wanted to take my time learning and soaking in His character.

As I near the end of John, I realize how much I’ve learned. I’m confident I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the nature and heart of Jesus.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on Jesus’ prayer to the Father in John 17. In this prayer, Jesus speaks to the Father about Himself, His disciples, and what is to come. In verse 6, Jesus says, “I have manifested Your name.” He manifested the name of God the Father, revealing the Father’s character to those God entrusted to Him.

Then, as Jesus shifts His prayer toward His disciples, He says in verses 11–12:

"And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me."

This got me thinking about names and how significant they are. They have meaning, yes. Parents often handpick names for their children long before meeting them. But have you ever heard of a parent changing their child’s name after holding them for the first time? Sometimes, after spending a few days with their baby, they realize the name they chose doesn’t quite fit the child’s personality.

Names matter, but ultimately, it’s the character of the person that gives the name its meaning. We are known by our names, but we are known for our character.

When we pray, “In the name of Jesus, amen,” we are really saying, “In the character of Jesus, amen.” Because his character never changes. Throughout Scripture, God is called by many names, yet His character remains constant through them all.

Now, when I pray, I hold this truth in mind: I’m calling on and trusting in the name of Jesus because His character is true and steadfast. The name of Jesus was given to Him by a holy Father, and it is the Father’s character that makes His name holy, trustworthy, and unfailing.

We don’t need deeper faith, we need deeper trust in the name (character) of Jesus.