Nestled into the hills of Lower Galilee, the historic city of Nazareth today is the largest Arab city in Israel. Though not mentioned in the Old Testament, New Testament Nazareth is connected with the boyhood home of Jesus. Nazareth (Arabic an-Nasira, Hebrew Nazerat) draws tourists from the Christian faith wanting to connect with the heritage of their Lord.
Nazareth in the Scriptures
There are 27 verses which use the word Nazareth in five different books of the New Testament. Technically the word Nazareth is used 12 times. The word “Nazarene” is used 19 times. The village is not specifically mentioned in the Old Testament, although Isaiah alludes to its future existence.
Matthew 2:23 NIV
Matthew 4:13 NIV
Matthew 21:11 NIV
Matthew 26:71 NIV
Mark 1:9
Mark 1:24
Mark 10:47
Luke 1:26
Luke 2:4
Luke 2:39
Luke 2:51
Luke 4:16
Luke 4:34
Luke 18:37
Luke 24:19
John 1:45-46
John 18:5, 7
John 19:19
Acts 2:22
Acts 3:6
Acts 4:10
Acts 6:14
Acts 10:38
Acts 22:8
Acts 26:9
FOCUS SCRIPTURE
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.
Luke 2:4 NIV
Nazareth in Bible Times
In the first century, Nazareth was a farming village. It was home to less than 400 Jews who lived a simple life. They were mostly livestock farmers who herded sheep, goats, cattle, chickens, as well as donkeys and camels. Some ancient ruins have discovered that they domesticated animals like dogs and cats.
Most of the houses in Nazareth were built from mud bricks. Wood was scarce in the area and would have been cost-prohibitive. The houses were likely simple and small.
Nazareth Today
Today, Nazareth is a tourist city. Its chief attractions are its many churches. Nazareth is home to dozens of monasteries and churches, many of them located in the older part of the city. Several denominations have buildings present. The Roman Catholic and the Greek Orthodox churches have the most dominant presence. The Jesus Trail connects many of the sites in Nazareth by a walking trail that ends in Capernaum.
The Roman Catholic Church of the Annunciation is probably the best known. According to tradition, it is on the site where Gabriel appeared to Mary (Luke 1:26-31) to announce the coming birth of Jesus. This church building is the largest Christian house of worship in the Middle East. Other important churches are Gabriel’s Church, believed by Greeks to be the site of the Annunciation; the Synagogue Church located in the traditional site of the synagogue where Jesus preached; the Church of Joseph supposedly on the site of Joseph’s carpentry shop; and the Mensa Christi Church where Jesus is said to have dined with His disciples after the resurrection.
FIVE THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT NAZARETH
- Many archaeologists believe that in the time of Jesus the population of Nazareth was less than 200.
- Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would come from Nazareth about 600 years before the village existed.
- Most of the Nazarenes were royalty and related.
- The village of Nazareth was built on a hill. Fellow townsmen attempted to throw Jesus off this hill (Luke 4:29).
- Nazareth was a farming village. As a carpenter, Joseph would have been one of the more elite and respected citizens.
Let’s Learn About Nazareth on the Web
Our understanding of the village of Nazareth, both at the time of Christ and today, can be enhanced by information that we can learn from the Internet. Three sources of trustworthy biblical information available online are the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, BiblePlaces.com, and the Jewish Virtual Library.
Let’s Apply a Truth
- The style and character of our hometown impact our personality and up-bringing.
- It is usually difficult to share matters of faith with those closest to us.
- Those closest to us often have difficulty seeing our leadership or our authority.
Points to Ponder
- Is it more difficult to share your faith with those who are close to you – family or friends from your hometown? Why or why not?
- As you were growing up in your hometown, who had the greatest influence upon your faith? Have you ever expressed your gratitude for such a gift? In what ways can you show your appreciation for those who made an impact on your faith?
- How does your hometown make an impact upon your faith?
