With common names like James, John, and Joshua, people in Bible times were often distinguished by their Father, their passion, or a prominent character trait.
- Joshua, the “Son of Nun”
- Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement.” (Imagine what a great friend this guy would be!)
- James and John, the “Sons of Thunder” (Drama, anyone?)
- Judas, the “Son of Perdition.” (Damnation)
- Jesus, the Son of God. (A definite conversation starter in first century Jerusalem.)
Then there were the “Sons of the Kingdom,” (Matthew 13:38). Can’t say I’ve ever heard anyone referred to in such terms. But I think I’d like that. Maybe when people thought of us, they’d remember the kingdom, and think, “Ah yes… the kingdom! What a sublime and glorious idea, and what a worthy and beautiful King.”
Dispatches from the Shadowlands 