Awkward Names

Jesus called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.  

This passage from Luke 6 highlights one of the most unfortunate names in history.  Now Mr. Judas son of James had no way of knowing how unfortunate his name was while growing up in that small little village or while bumming around with Jesus. But as soon as Judas Iscariot becomes a traitor, well awkward questions appear. And for the next 40 years people give Judas the stink eye until they find out he is the son of James. Awkward.