If you look at a map of Palestine you will find four towns or cities, in each of which the Lord Jesus spent part of His earthly life. From each of these we may learn something.
BETHLEHEM — (Matt. 2:1), where the infant Jesus was born. There was no room for Him in the inn. The inn at Bethlehem is like the world, and the worldling’s heart. Room for pleasure, room for business, but no room for Jesus. Is that like your heart?
NAZARETH — (Luke 2:51), was the place of His boyhood. He was known among men as “Jesus of Nazareth” (Luke 18:37; John 19:19). Nazareth was a despised place: “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 2:46). But the Lord still delights to own that name in glory (Acts 22:8). Yet, sad to say, the people of Nazareth openly rejected Him (Luke 4:28), because lie spoke the truth. Are you rejecting Him?
CAPERNAUM — (Matt. 9:1), was the place of His choice, “His own city,” where much of His time was spent, and where many of His miracles were wrought (Matt. 11:23). Exalted to heaven in privileges, yet sunk down to hell in judgment — nowhere to be seen now. It despised Christ. Solemn lesson. Let us remember it. Do you despise Christ?
JERUSALEM — (Matt. 16:51), where Jesus died. Guilty Jerusalem; it crucified the Lord of glory. Jesus wept over it (Luke 19:41), for well He knew its doom. Alas for Jerusalem, and for all who know not the day of their visitation. After grace comes judgment; after privilege, perdition.
ML 02/05/1967