John was known by one nickname early in his life....it might sound cool, but it wasn't great. John then gives himself a nickname that explains the transformation that he went through.

Normally you don't want to be the person who gives themself their own nickname. But it does beg the question - how do you view yourself?

Let God define how you view yourself.

Let the cross define how God views you.

You are a disciple whom Jesus loved/freed/forgave/equipped/empowered.