Nobody knew much about Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth, except it wasn’t much. Some said if you rode through on a donkey and blinked, you’d miss it. Did Jesus really grow up in the middle of nowhere?

Notes And Next Steps

John 1:46 + Part 2 of the series “Jesus Was Here"

List the first 5 disciples whom Jesus called, in sequence from first to fifth.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. (John 1:45-46) 

Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” (John 1:49) 

So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. (Matthew 2:23) (See also Isaiah 11:1)

So they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed … Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.(1 Kings 18:28,38)

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

Don’t be surprised to find Jesus in the middle of something in your life that seems like it’s insignificant, too weak, a mistake or unusable.

Discussion Questions

1. Don’t be surprised to find Jesus in the middle of something in your life that seems like it’s insignificant, too weak, a mistake or unusable. What is it about Jesus’ pedigree from Nazareth that gives you comfort in such circumstance? How about courage?
2. Read through the various accounts of Jesus calling his first disciples (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:35-50). Do you see how the pieces are put together for the list mentioned in today’s video?
3. Read John 15:5-8. What are some similarities or contrasts between you living as a branch and Jesus living as The Branch?
4. Read Psalm 22:7,8. How did those words of Nathanael, “can anything good?” actually come true throughout Jesus’ ministry, and even in his death?