LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 2:23, And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

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

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus came to live in the town of Nazareth. It was a city located about 55 miles north of Jerusalem; those from Nazareth were not thought highly of by the Jews of Galilee. With this in mind the question asked by Nathaniel is not as odd as it seems on the surface. “While no Old Testament prophet states, “He shall be called a Nazarene”, the prophets do say that Jesus would be “despised by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Nazareth, where Jesus would grow up, was a place “despised and rejected” (John 1:46). The hatred of Nazareth mirrored scorn that was leveled against Jesus, fulfilling this aspect of Old Testament prophecy” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). Nathaniel’s question reflects his concern that the Messiah, the One to deliver Israel, should be held in the highest reverence. Then, why would He come from Nazareth?

But, read further in John 1; Nathaniel soon changes his tune when he meets Jesus. Jesus greets him and Nathaniel asks how Jesus knows him. Jesus answers him and Nathaniel declares, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49).

“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Philip said to Nathaniel, “Come and see!” Is that not what all people are called to do regarding Jesus? I assume (too often) that most people who read this blog are saved. If you are reading this and have not come to see who Jesus is, I invite you to “Come and see!”  -- come and see if Jesus is the Savior for all who would believe. Come and see, investigate to see for yourself. There is no attempt here to argue with you about the kingdom of God or who Jesus is. Just “Come and see!”

For those of you reading this who have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ, let me ask you this. Are you walking the narrow way into His kingdom with Him in obedience? John Kilpatrick states the real difference between Christians who fear God and those who call themselves Christians is obedience to Him and doing His will. Christmas is about Jesus coming into the world to save people from sin and death. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, walking in obedience is a priority. That means no longer thinking one can do whatever they want because they believe grace will cover it and everything will be okay. The issue is centered on walking the narrow way as Jesus demands of His Followers – walking by obedience to Him. The challenge is to “Come and see!” how He will change your life when you become obedient.

Jesus Christ is still inviting all people to “Come and see!”. It is a decision each person will give an account for. You will be amazed and in awe of Him if you decide to say yes to the invitation!

 

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