Coming in the name of the Lord

What does it mean to come in the name of the Lord, and what does it mean to “say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord”?

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, crowds of people lined the streets to greet him:

And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (Mark 11:9)

Just a few days later, Jesus lamented over their rejection of him:

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.
39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. (Matthew 23)

Someone who comes in the name of the Lord is someone who is in the character and purpose of the Lord, doing his works in so far as they are able and understand. All believers in Christ are called to come in the name of the Lord through living as Jesus would in their place. Taking the name of God upon you is represented symbolically through accepting robes indicating you are an emissary of the heavenly king.³ High priests demonstrated this lesson by wearing robes representing God’s glory and even wearing the engraved name of God draped upon their forehead.¹⁶¹⁰

Most people—particularly professed Christians—incorrectly believe that they would rejoice at the opportunity to know God better. Most people—including professed Christians—would respond to Jesus the same way the people in his time did if he lived here today.¹⁶¹¹ These people respond the same way to his servants as they would to him:¹⁶¹² by ignoring, rejecting, and even persecuting those more like Jesus than they are. The principle error made by those who rejected Jesus during his life was appraising his worth in terms of what they thought they already had. What they failed to recognize was that Jesus possessed power,¹⁶¹³ wisdom,¹⁶¹⁴ and love¹⁶¹⁵ far beyond their limits. Instead of drawing near to him for what was better than what they already had, they rejected him for differing from it. Do not make the same mistake.

If you truly desire to learn more about how Jesus is, it is absolutely essential that you get better at correctly identifying those who come in the name of the Lord and improve how you would respond to one if you were to meet them. The best way to achieve both outcomes is to fully live up to what you presently believe about Jesus. When you live up to what you know about Jesus, not only have you chosen to value his character and purpose, as far as you understand it, more than anything else, but you will have the clearest possible picture of your ongoing limitations and lack, and will be best suited to recognize and value the opportunity to learn more about the Lord when he sends you someone who knows him better than you.