Nazareth
The biblical significance of Nazareth belongs entirely to Jesus. The town is never mentioned in the Old Testament, at all. In the New Testament, all of its references are found in the Gospels, except for two occasions in Acts when Jesus is identified as "Jesus of Nazareth."
Nazareth of Jesus' day was probably a small town and a little off the beaten path. Nathanael's disparaging reference to it (John 1:46) suggests that the town did not enjoy a very positive reputation. And while we are sentimental about it because it was Jesus' hometown, the Gospel records indicate that the people there were not receptive to Him as an adult. The fondest biblical association with the town, therefore, is the angel's visit to Mary there. Nazareth is located in lower Galilee, north of the plain of Esdraelon (Jezreel), west-southwest of Tiberias, and 88 miles north of Jerusalem. Modern excavations (right) have sought to unearth the ruins of the city of Jesus' day. |