Comedian John Crist recently shared a funny take on kids with biblical names that has people laughing and nodding in agreement.
Many Christian families name their children after biblical heroes. It’s a beautiful tradition. But Crist points out something many of us have noticed, ,that these kids don’t always live up to their famous namesakes.
In his comedy routine, Crist talks about his own name. He asked his parents why they named him John. They told him they picked it because of John the Baptist.
Crist’s response is honest and hilarious. “Me? I don’t think I’m doing a very good job,” he says. He explains the gap between them.
John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ and died for his faith. What did Crist do yesterday? “I used a coupon at Wendy’s.”
The comedian then talks about his nephew Malachi. In the Bible, Malachi was a warrior and prophet. He was strong and faithful. Crist’s nephew Malachi?
“Extreme peanut allergy,” he says with a laugh.
Crist continues with another example. He knows someone named Caleb. The biblical Caleb was a warrior who led Israel into battle. He helped claim the land of milk and honey.
His friend Caleb? “Allergic to milk and honey,” Crist jokes.
The bit is funny because it’s true. We see the disconnect everywhere. Parents choose these powerful biblical names with hope and intention. But life doesn’t always work that way.
Still, there’s comfort in this humor. God doesn’t ask us to be perfect copies of biblical heroes. He uses regular people with peanut allergies and Wendy’s coupons. He works through our ordinary lives to do His work.
That’s the real encouragement here. We don’t have to measure up to impossible standards to be used by God.
WATCH: John Crist’s Funny Truth About Kids Named After Bible Heroes
