Knowing His Name

Scripture:

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. – Acts 19:13–16

Think:

The sons of Sceva were intentional about what they were doing. They were among the traveling Jewish exorcists who attempted to drive out evil spirits. When they invoked Jesus’ name, they were deliberately trying to exercise the power associated with Him.

Their words reveal their approach: “Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

They knew about Jesus. They knew Paul proclaimed Him. But they attempted to use His name without personally surrendering to His lordship.

God was performing extraordinary miracles through Paul. The power belonged to God, and Paul served under Christ’s authority. These men tried to claim that authority by speaking the same name. Their approach suggests they wanted the influence and recognition such power could bring, though Luke does not explicitly describe their motives.

They were treating Jesus’ name as something they could use while remaining in charge themselves.

Then the evil spirit answered. It acknowledged Jesus and recognized Paul, but challenged them: “Who are you?” The afflicted man overpowered them, and they fled wounded and stripped.

They knew His name. They had not surrendered to Him.

That distinction searches our hearts because knowing about Jesus can leave our own authority undisturbed. We can learn His words, acknowledge His power, and ask for His help while continuing to insist that our lives belong to us.

We want Him involved in our circumstances. But when He confronts our choices, we hesitate. We ask Him to bless plans we have never placed in His hands. We call Him Lord while reserving the right to refuse what He says.

The sons of Sceva show us how serious that distance is. Jesus’ name is not a tool we can use to accomplish our own purposes. He is the risen Lord to whom we must personally come in repentance and faith.

Knowing Him means entrusting ourselves to Him—trusting His death and resurrection for our salvation and yielding our lives to His leadership. We do not earn salvation through obedience. We receive it by grace through faith, and that faith begins a life of following Him.

A believer will still struggle. We will need forgiveness, correction, and help to obey. But there is a difference between struggling as someone who belongs to Jesus and attempting to use His name while refusing His claim on our lives.

The question is deeper than whether Jesus is familiar to us.

Have I entrusted myself to Him?

You do not have to protect your reputation or pretend the answer is settled because you have been in church for years. You can come honestly, needing mercy. The Savior who died for sinners receives those who turn to Him in faith.

You may know His name. He invites you to surrender your life.

Application:

Have you personally trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord? Consider where you have asked for His help while resisting His authority, and respond to Him honestly today.

Prayer:

Jesus, forgive me for asking You to serve my purposes while resisting Yours. I trust Your death and resurrection for my salvation, and I yield my life to You. Teach me to know You and follow You with a willing heart. Amen.