Nazareth Nobody

Read:

Matthew 2:23, “…and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.”

John 1:46, “Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’”

Think:

Jesus didn’t behave like a king the world expected. He didn’t have academic credentials, no social status. He was born in a manger and settled as far as He could from the royal power – He grew up in Nazareth. In this time, people looked at Nazareth as backwater country – the least likely place for a king to be raised. But that is exactly where the Messiah grew up.

The world has a bias towards people with certain credentials. But we see that God operates in the opposite manner. He disposed of Goliath with a shepherd boy and a sling shot. He created a tiny nation to bless the world. He used a baby to be the Savior. That’s just how God works.

Over and over again, religion says you have to be strong. You have to be “right.” But Jesus says, “I have come to save the weak.” The climax of His life wasn’t a throne, but a cross. What a comfort! It doesn’t matter who we are or where we are from. It’s all about Jesus. Only Jesus.

Act:

Today be grateful for the everyday Savior from Nazareth. Be grateful for His blessings right where you are!

Pray:

Lord, help me to be humble and focused on You this season. Amen.