Bible Question:
Jesus’ sense of humor? Why did Jesus nickname James and John the “Sons of Thunder”? Our Lord used an Aramaic term: “Boanerges” to refer to James and John: Mark 3:17 and James, the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James (to them He gave the name Boanerges, which means, "Sons of Thunder"); Was it because of their request in Luke 9:54? Luke 9:54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" I apologize if this offends anyone, but I find it somewhat humorous. I know Our Lord had a very serious reason for coming to earth and I would never make light of that. However, it seems that at least on this one occasion during His 3 years together with His disciples, Jesus was being humorous in his choice of surnames. James and John seemed to be somewhat “boisterous” and probably deserving of some good-natured teasing: Mark 10:35: James and John, the two sons of Zebedee, came up to Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You." Then, they tried to put themselves ahead of the other disciples: Mark 10:37 They said to Him, "Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory." They even got their mom to help them out: Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons, bowing down and making a request of Him. If I am wrong in finding humor in the name Jesus chose for James and John please chastise me sternly. I find pleasure in imagining that Jesus might have laughed a few times while he was here on earth. If that is in any way disrespectful please point that out to me. |
Bible Answer: cwade, I can't possibly see how you could offend anyone (unless THEY have no sense of humor!) by suggesting that Jesus may have been being a bit humorous with His nicknames. Some years ago in a religious bookstore I came across a thin little book on the humor Jesus. The writer cited a number of passages in which he felt that Jesus displayed humor in certain of His discourses. I've had occasions (such as this one) to regret that I didn't buy the book. But I do believe that Jesus very likely had a keen sense of humor. He was, after all, fully God and fully man, and He had a healthy mind. Psychologists hold that having a sense of humor is one of the earmarks of a sound mind. So, yes, I'm convinced that Jesus had a sense of humor and that He exercised it. He and His disciples more than likely engaged in wholesome, good-natured joking and kidding each other on occasion.... There is every reason for the Christian to be of good humor and good cheer also, and to join in the spirit of the people of Israel: "When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion...then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with singing...and we are glad." [cf. Psalm 126:1-3]. This Psalm refers, of course, to the return from Babylonian captivity, but Christians have also been delivered -- delivered from the captivity of sin. Rejoice! "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." [Psalm 118:24]. --Hank |
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Questions and/or Subjects for NT general Archive 1 | Author | ||
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Dev | ||
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confusing | ||
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MR.J.R. | ||
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FTM | ||
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jheisey | ||
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Grace and Glory | ||
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FytRobert | ||
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justme | ||
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bluecow25 | ||
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cwade | ||
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Hank | ||
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cwade | ||
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Hank |