Nazareth (Read Luke 4:14-30)

Nazareth was not the largest or most significant town of the area when Jesus was growing up there. We were told that Tzippori, just 6 miles or so west was much larger, wealthier and of better reputation. The saying: “can anything good come from Nazareth”, was probably well deserved.

Presently Nazareth is primarily Arab and semi-industrial. Although I enjoyed our short time there, I admit nothing really stood out in my mind about the town except the local Messianic congregation we visited and it reminded me of some of the larger towns in Bolivia. That is until Eitan explained that the root word for Nazareth is ‘netzer’, which means ‘spout’ or ‘root’. A common term used by Israelis for believers in Christ is ‘Netzereem’ or little sprouts. Interesting that people that don’t believe in Yeshua, call us essentially ‘little sprouts’. I would love it if people would look at me and see a little Jesus or “mini-me Jesus”. I am afraid more often than not people see a “little knucklehead” instead of Jesus. The Messianic congregation we visited there is called Netzer HaGalil, or Sprout of The Galilee. It is very small but has an amazing ministry through their soup kitchen. What is called a kitchen is more like a counter with cooking implements. Yet out of this small kitchen are produced 1500-1800 HOT MEALS a month! Meals that may be the only real food some folks get for a while until their situation improves. Two thousand years ago The Bread of Life lived in a town of poor reputation and today that same town with similar reputation has a little ‘sprout’ that is giving bread for life and telling those that will listen about the Real Root and the Bread that truly satisfies all hunger! Humbling, amazing…I think I have changed my mind about that place….

Jesus, I really didn’t like the town you grew up in, but I like what is happening there through your Spirit. Forgive me if I judge things by superficial standards and not by the potential of the sprout.