Articles
The Nazarene
BIBLE THOUGHT: “And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up . . .” (Luke 4:16, NASB).
“Where are you from?” is a question we often ask when getting acquainted.
Where is Jesus from? Born in Bethlehem, He lived briefly in Egypt, then grew to adulthood in Nazareth of Galilee.
When Jesus returned home, His fellow Nazarenes tried to push Him off the cliff (Luke 4:16-30). No sign at the city limits boasted: “Welcome to Nazareth: Hometown of Jesus the Messiah” (Mark 6:1-6).
The sign Pilate placed on the cross said: “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (John 19:19). The Nazarene connection was not lost even after Jesus returned to heaven. Appearing to Saul of Tarsus, He announced: “I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 22:8). Of all the ways Jesus could have identified Himself, isn’t it remarkable He chose as His reference point the very place that had so violently rejected Him?
Both Peter and Paul refer to “Jesus the Nazarene” or “Jesus Christ the Nazarene” or “Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 2:22; 3:6; 4:10; 10:38; 26:9).
Though from heaven, He was willing to be widely known as a citizen of “that despiséd Nazareth.” “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked (John 1:46).
Yes, Nathanael, indeed it can!
Father, thank You so much that Your Son was so willing to live here on earth and suffer rejection so we may live with Him in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reprinted from the daily devotion guide Power for Today
