(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.
Make it short and simples

Answer 1

(a) To illustrate knowing a person’s name, consider an elder named David. You’ve known him for years, but when he saves your life during a medical emergency, his name gains deeper meaning for you. He is no longer just an elder; he is the surgeon who helped you.

(b) Jesus’ disciples already knew Jehovah’s name, but it took on greater significance through Jesus’ ministry. Jesus reflected Jehovah's personality in his teachings and actions, allowing the apostles to better understand and appreciate Jehovah by observing how Jesus interacted with others.