Is ‘the name of Jesus’ a kind of mantra?

"Mantra" is a sound associated with Hinduism and Buddhism. The sound is used to realize a thought or purpose. The word has several meanings, like e.g. a prayer, hymn or spell. It is the repetition of the sound or word that is supposed to trigger the effect. 

Interestingly, Jesus repeatedly spoke about prayer in his name. 

Here is one example:

You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:14

It is very clear that the first Christians had accepted this teaching and practiced it. They believed that Jesus was among them when they gathered in His name (1). They proclaimed that miracles happened through faith in the name of Jesus (2). They baptized in the name of Jesus (3), and they proclaimed that there is salvation in no other name (4).

Nevertheless, there is nothing to suggest that they used the name as a form of mantra. The name had power only when it was used through faith in Jesus Christ.  If used outside of such a context, the name may function against its purpose. An example of this can be found in the story about the seven sons of Sceva who tried to exorsize evil spirits in the name of Jesus without knowing him as Jesus Christ (5).

I often exclaim ‘Jesus’, but not as a sacred sound or a magic formula that will get me in contact with a deity that is outside of me or in me. I use the name because I believe it symbolizes everything that God is able to do for and through me. It is by that name, the Father is glorified, for it confirms that I believe in Him and all that he has done for me. Further it confirms that faith is linked to His name and not to mine.

So, when General Peddle reminds us that “our mission is to meet human needs in Christ’s name” (6) – it is more than a ‘sacred sound’ – it places our ministry right at the heart of God’s mission. For the purpose of this mission, nothing should be done, or can be done, outside of his name.

‘Manna’ for today:

In the name of Jesus Christ only!

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(1) Matthew 18:20
(2) Acts 3:16
(3) Acts 2:38
(4) Acts 4:12
(5) Acts 19:13-16
(6) General Peddle’s call: A Call to Inclusion: We must be beyond reproach in treating all people with respect and compassion, remembering our mission to meet human needs in Christ’s name without any discrimination

He does it anyway ... - a time for everything *

NORSK
Today, I return to the theme of ‘praying in the name of Jesus’, because it is important, and because Jesus returned to the theme himself:

In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.
John 16:26

I think Jesus primarily is speaking about the fact that after ‘that day’ we have direct access to Father. After ‘that day’, his role as a ‘mediator’ is not necessary in my interaction with God. For, as Paul wrote: “A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one” (1). The role of Jesus as a mediator was necessary for my salvation and my new life in Him. However, where the new life lives, there is direct access to the whole deity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name.

Nevertheless, it is comforting and good to know that:

Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Rom 8:34b

Even though I do not need to use him as a mediator, he still continues to intercede for me. The Spirit does the same, and ‘in the name of Jesus’, my spirit can pray together with them ‘through wordless groans’ (2).

‘Manna’ for today:

In the name of Jesus: ‘wordless groans’. Amen!

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(1) Gal 3:20
(2) Romans 8:26
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost 

Recognition (1) - a time for everything*

NORSK
It is very interesting to notice that many of those who saw Jesus after the resurrection did not recognize him at first. They needed time to understand that it was Jesus.

In the course of the next few days I will reflect on a few examples of these ‘revelations’ or ‘discoveries’. It is an easy choice to start with Maria. There was a time when she did not recognize him, and then all of a sudden came an affirmation:

“…she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
John 20:14-16

Maria recognized him in the way he called her name. There is a ‘flavour’ of something prophetic by recognizing him in the way he calls us by our names. Isaiah prophesied to the people of Israel:

I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1b

Why was this an important part of Jesus' teaching in the 40 days he had at his disposal?

I think it was important for the resurrected Jesus that the believers eventually would discover him in one another. Therefore, he practically 'trained' them to recognise him so that they would recognise him in revealed in his future body – the church. This is my simple belief, and several examples will follow.

‘Manna’ for today:

I know him in the way he calls me.

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(1) The illustration in the logo of the label “His Master's Voice” is the dog 'Nipper' listening to his master’s voice. 
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.