The NAME: Only Jesus Is the Name That Saves You. – May 4, 2026
Read: Acts 4:8-12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
The NAME: Only Jesus Is the Name That Saves You.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
What’s in a name? Is a name just a word? A man named William Shakespeare (he lived a long, long time ago and wrote stories and plays) once said something like this: “A rose would smell just as sweet even if it had a different name.” In other words, he was saying, “Names don’t really matter that much.”
Hmm . . . do you think that’s true?
Let’s try something—when someone says your name, what do you do? You turn your head, right? You listen! Your name matters because it means YOU. Maybe it’s short. Maybe it’s long. Maybe people even have a nickname for you. Maybe your name will never be famous that people will ask you for your autograph—to sign your name on something of theirs. Think about your name. But your name isn’t just random letters. Your name helps people know you and call you. The people who love you? They love hearing your name—because it reminds them of YOU.
But there is one name that is more important than any other name ever. One name that is more powerful than every other name put together. That name is . . . Jesus. Why is the name Jesus so special? Because of what he did. Jesus saved the whole world. He died on the cross. He took away sin. He rose from the dead. Without his name, even life loses meaning. He won life forever—for you.
The Bible tells us about a time when Peter talked about Jesus’ name. Some leaders asked him, “How did you heal that man?” Peter didn’t hide it. He didn’t whisper. He said it loud and clear: “Jesus did it!” And then he said something really important: “There is no other name under heaven . . . by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:10,12).
That means: Only Jesus can forgive sins. Only Jesus can open heaven. Only Jesus can make us God’s children. Best of all, God put his name on YOU. When did that happen? At your baptism. That’s when God said, “You belong to me.” So now when God hears your name . . . he smiles—because you are his. And when you hear the name Jesus . . . you can smile too—because he saved you!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for living and dying and rising again for the salvation of the whole world. Thank you for sharing your saving name with us so that we are yours now and forever in heaven. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- What do you like about your name? Do you have a nickname? Who calls you that?
- What does the name “Jesus” mean? (Look up or ask a family member to read Matthew 1:21). Why is Jesus’ name the best name ever?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Which commandment talks about God’s name? (It’s the 2nd Commandment!) Can you try to say it? Even part of it? (For help, look in Luther’s Small Catechism.)
- Why do you think God wants us to use his name in a good way? (Like praying, thanking, and praising him?)
Questions for Middle School and Above
- What’s the connection between someone’s name and their reputation? How does God’s reputation help us to use his name in a good way?
- When did God put his name on you? (Your baptism!) How does what happened that day still make a difference in your life now? (Look up Romans 6:1-14 for help!)
