Why Is Nazareth Important To Jesus?

Nazareth, also pronounced as Natsrat in Hebrew, is a city in Galilee. It houses some of the most important Christian historical sites in the world. It is a city of holiness, spirituality, religion, and faith. It is a city full of history, modern culture and fascinating archeology. It is an important city for Jesus. Jesus was born in Bethlehem according to all the Gospel books. He was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. He grew up in Nazareth where he spent most of his youth. It is here that the Nazareth Church of Annunciation was built. The church marks the place where Angel Gabriel delivered the news to Mary that she was going to be the mother of Jesus. Nazareth is important to Jesus for some reasons.

 

He was always referred to as Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus is often referred to as Jesus of Nazareth. Maybe for a non-Christian or a person who has little knowledge on Jesus, this may be baffling since he was born in Bethlehem, and not Nazareth. Although during those times, people were always referred with the native where they came from. For example, Joseph of Arimathea, the man who buried Jesus, was from Arimathea, which distinguishes him from all the other Josephs. It makes sense if Jesus is referred to as Jesus of Nazareth.

Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in Nazareth

Angel Gabriel first appeared to Mary, mother of Jesus in Nazareth. The angel had been sent to bring the news to her concerning her expected conception that was to be through the Holy Spirit.

Every time he went away from Nazareth, fate would always bring him back
After conception, Mary later went to see Elizabeth in Judea where she spent about three months but came back to Nazareth. Mary and Joseph go to Jerusalem for the census where Jesus is born. His birth spreads, and Herod hears about it. He plans to kill the child. Joseph and Mary escape to Egypt. As fate would have it, they come back and settle in Nazareth.

Jesus grew up in Nazareth

After coming from exile in Egypt, Joseph and Mary settled in Nazareth. It is here that Jesus spent most of his childhood life and youth. They would often go to the temple in Jerusalem but come back to Nazareth. For example, when he remained behind, and his parents traveled a whole day before realizing he had been left behind in the temple. When they went back, they found him in the temple. They took him and went back to Nazareth.

Nazareth is home to Christianity evidenced by the churches built here

Nazareth is always associated with Jesus, which makes it one of the most important Christian cities in the world. Many Christians come for pilgrimage in this city to see the place where Jesus and the Virgin Mary lived. Many churches were built here and destroyed when the rulers exchanged power between Christian and Muslim rulers. The Nazareth Church of Annunciation was the first church to be built there. Although it was later destroyed, the Basilica of the Annunciation stands in its place.