(a) How might we illustrate what it means to come to know a person’s name? (b) In what way did Jesus’ disciples come to know Jehovah’s name?

Question

To illustrate, imagine that there is an elder in your congregation named David and he is also a surgeon. You have known that brother for many years. But then one day you have a medical emergency. You are rushed to the hospital where that brother works, and he uses his medical skill to save your life. Does that brother’s name now take on more meaning for you? Of course it does! David is no longer just the elder you know; he is also the surgeon who saved your life.In a similar way, Jesus’ disciples already knew Jehovah’s name. But that name took on greater meaning for them as a result of Jesus’ ministry. Why can we say that? Because Jesus reflected the personality of his Father in everything he said and did. So his apostles came to “know” Jehovah better by listening to the way Jesus taught and by observing the way he dealt with people.​—John 14:9; 17:3.

Answer 1

(a) To illustrate what it means to come to know a person’s name, consider the example of meeting someone named Sarah. At first, Sarah is simply a name—a label associated with a face in a crowd. However, as you spend time getting to know her, you learn about her interests, her values, and her background. Perhaps you discover that she is an artist who expresses herself through her paintings or that she has a kind heart and often volunteers at the local shelter. As you gain deeper insights into who she is and what she stands for, her name becomes much more significant to you. It no longer represents just a person; it represents her character, her experiences, and the relationship you share.

Now, Sarah’s name is imbued with meaning and connection because it is attached to your memories and feelings about her. Similarly, knowing a person’s name in a deeper sense involves understanding their essence, their impact on your life, and how they relate to you and the world around them.

(b) In the context of Jesus’ disciples coming to know Jehovah’s name, they initially understood it as a title that indicated His authority and power. However, as they followed Jesus, their understanding evolved. Jesus revealed more than just the name; He showed them the character, compassion, and love of Jehovah through His actions and teachings. For example, when Jesus healed the sick or forgave sins, he demonstrated attributes of Jehovah’s mercy and kindness. His disciples learned that Jehovah was not just a distant deity but a loving Father who cared deeply for humanity.

By observing Jesus’ ministry, the disciples grasped a fuller picture of who Jehovah was: not only the Creator but also a God who desires a personal relationship with His people. Thus, the name "Jehovah" became more meaningful to them, representing not just a powerful being, but a loving, involved, and approachable God who had a plan for their lives. This deepening of their understanding mirrored the way in which we may come to appreciate a name when we witness the character and actions behind it.