The Bible reveals that Joseph took his family to Galilee in northern Israel, to a city called Nazareth. This city would become the home of Jesus throughout His early years growing up. One could stand on a hillside in Nazareth and see many of the historical landmarks, or a major highway with many travelers passing by. Nazareth comes from netzer in Hebrew which means "branch" and is reminiscent of Jesus' lineage, a "branch" of king David. Nazareth was a part of the tribe of Zebulun and the prophet Isaiah foretold that the light of the messiah would dawn in this area first.

"at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." Isaiah 9:1-2

Map of Israel Showing Nazareth

 

Painting of Nazareth in 1842 by Roberts

 

Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt, Herod's Slaughter of the Infants in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary Return to Israel, Archelaus Ruling in Judea, Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth, Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit, Theological Insight about the Incarnation, The Boy Jesus Comes to the Temple, The Dwelling Place of God

 

 

The Childhood of Jesus

"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him." - Luke 2:40

The New Testament - A Brief Overview

Brief History of the Childhood of Jesus Scriptures and Topics Covered: Joseph and Mary's Flight into Egypt (Mat 2:13-23). Herod's Slaughtering of the Infants (Mat 2:16-18). Joseph and Mary's Return to Israel (Mat 2:19-21). Archelaus Ruling in Judea (Mat 2:22). Joseph and Mary Settle in Nazareth (Mat 2:23; Lk 2:39). Jesus Grows Strong in Spirit (Lk 2:40). Jesus Visits Jerusalem (Lk 2:41-50). Jesus Increases in Wisdom (Lk 2:51-52).