Before fixed, hereditary surnames became widely used, people needed a way to distinguish between people with the same name. “Which Jane are you talking about?” Often their occupation was used (Jane Miller, Jane Carpenter) or their home’s location (John Woods, John Riverside). Patronymic surnames, where the father’s first name is used as the child’s surname, were commonplace as well. “Oh, you mean David’s son!” (John Davidson). Some cultures still use these or similar naming methods.

Of course, with patronymic surnames, if you knew the father, you probably had some ideas about the child being discussed. Reputations are powerful, rumors are abundant, and people love to judge.

So when John Davidson appears, and David is a known thief in the village, the townspeople hide their valuables and lock their doors. But when John Peterson shows up, and Peter is a beloved teacher, John becomes beloved as well.

It’s not fair to be judged based on your family, but it happens even today. If you are from “the wrong side of the tracks,” it can be hard for you to make friends, be invited to parties, or be offered many job opportunities. If I’m the daughter of the town drunk, I will spend a lot of energy convincing folks that I’m not like my dad. A move to a new town and a name change could even the playing field for me, but until I’m able to do that, I have to put up with people’s negative assumptions.

“But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name,” (John‬ ‭1‬:‭12,‬ ‭CSB)‬‬

No matter who I am, what I’ve done, or where I come from, when I choose Jesus, I get a whole new identity. A new family and a new name. My reputation is washed away, and I get a good name, the best name. I can now be called God’s child. John Godson, as it were.

Dear God, thank you for adopting me into your family so I can enjoy freely all the benefits of being your child. I am thrilled to give up being weighed down by the mess of my family, my sin, and my history. I am so humbled and honored to be called by your name.