NAME THIS CHILD

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark. 10: 46-47

I am struck by the fact that a name is so very important, and yet so many characters in the gospels, especially recipients of healing, are anonymous. The pericope of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar of Jericho. Luke does not name the blind man (Luke 18.35–43) and Matthew makes him two anonymous men (Mt 9.27–31, 20.29–34). In Mark he is introduced simply as “Bartimaeus”. ‘Bartimaeus’ could be a straightforward name or it could also mean “the son of Timaeus”. Whereas I am not prepared to rule out the possibility that Bartimaeus was a historical person, I am more inclined to accept that neither Mark nor Jesus knew the man’s name. Therefore he who publicly acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, Son of David, was only known as “the blind man”. Alas, No name!

Every Methodist Minister, other clergy, and worshipper of Jesus have heard or used the words “Name this child.” This given name is used again when, as part of the final rites, we commend the person to God. So the name is important to us and to God. Two of my worst and most unforgettable moments were when I returned to Jamaica after being away for nine years and met two persons who were very close to me, and could not remember their names. One literally cried. To this day, I feel a twinge of embarrassment when I see the one who cried.

Some persons have very uncommon names, like Everald Leeanah Galbraith, and today parents “construct” names that are a challenge to pronounce. To this day, some persons call me Eve, Ever, Gabbo and Evrol, but no one shortened my middle name because that was top secret. Names create a sense of endearment, power, control and confidence. How many times have we been tricked by someone who is begging and calls the name of a predecessor or someone we know and that prompts us to help? The name is important.

When God called Moses and instructed him to go to Pharaoh, Moses wanted to know God’s name (Exod. 3: 13-14). Before casting out the demons Jesus asked the man for his name (Luke 8:30). When Paul had his Damascus Road experience, he asked for the name of the one he encountered (Acts 9:5). When Jesus raised Lazarus, he called him by name (John 11: 43). Zacharias regained his speech when he gave his son the right name (Luke 1:63). Jesus said we must ask for things in his name (Jn. 16:23). I wonder what the blind man’s name was. It is a real shame that we do not know.

It is good to know that God knows us by name and nature. It is impossible to learn and remember the names of all those we meet but as God’s representatives, we must make an effort to learn the names of those around us. Knowing and calling someone by name can make a major difference in that person’s life. NAME THIS CHILD!

Thought : What is the sweetest name for you?

Prayer Focus: Say a prayer for someone. Call the person’s name to God.