Bible Word of the Day
Boanerges (Sons of Thunder)
Meaning
The word, “Boanerges” means “Sons of Thunder.” This was the nickname Jesus gave to the two sons of Zebedee. Their names were James and John and both men were apostles and followers of Jesus. Both of these men were very zealous for the Lord and bold for the Gospel of Christ. In addition, both were known for their fiery temperament which was one the reasons Jesus gave them their name. One of the more famous moments was when a Samaritan village would not receive Jesus, so James and John asked the Lord if they should call fire down from heaven to destroy the village. Jesus, of course rebuked them for their behavior and He taught them that He did not come to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. Overtime, they both became great witnesses for Christ, contributed to the Bible and helped to build the early church.
“Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem, and sent messengers before His face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And 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, just as Elijah did?’ But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. “For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:51-56)