As the Lord Jesus left the desert wilderness victorious over satanic temptation He began a vibrant ministry which would end with betrayal, death, and resurrection. It would be during those early weeks of miracles and preaching that the Lord would return to the place where He had spent many years as a child and young adult. Nazareth was His hometown. It should have been the place of support and joy over His success.

But sadly, we see in Luke chapter four a very different outcome for the returning carpenter’s son. As He gave them an introduction to His Divine ministry they reacted terribly. Instead of joy and support they gave Him anger and rejection. They even went so far as to attempt to kill Him by throughing Him off a cliff. But even though death was His future, it was not His time to die. The Lord released Himself from their hands and walked away. And I can imagine as the demonic fever wore off from the angry residents of Nazareth they were left in disbelief at how things spiraled out of control. Yet the damage was done. Jesus had gone. Never again do we see the Lord returning to accomplish some great miracles in His hometown.

With Nazareth in the distance, our Lord set His face to go to Capernaum. This city was nothing new to Him. He had been here before performing miracles. This city on the Northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee had no reason to open their hearts to the Lord but they did nevertheless! Demons were cast out (Demons who recognized the Lord’s deity more than any in His hometown ever would) sicknesses were healed and the message of repentance was preached.

Yes, Capernaum was a very different experience from Nazareth. However, these two cities were similar in many ways. They both were Jewish. Both were classified as Galileans. Both cities were very religious. Yet both reacted fundamentally different to Christ’s ministry. In your life, were do you reside? Do you fit in with those people who do not see God’s power or enjoy His richest blessings? Are you “too” familiar with Christ that His Word or Will is not held in adoration and respect?

Hopefully, you can better identify with the people of Capernaum! Considering Christ their hearts were open. When His blessings were given they were partakers!

Where do you live today?