Why was Jesus called a Nazarene?

The title "Nazarene" ascribed to Jesus has intrigued scholars, theologians, and believers for centuries. This term is first encountered in the Gospel of Matthew: "And he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene" (Matthew 2:23, NIV). To understand why Jesus was called a Nazarene, we must explore several layers of historical, geographical, and theological contexts.

Historical and Geographical Context

Nazareth was a small, obscure village in the region of Galilee during the time of Jesus. It was not a place of significant repute or influence. In fact, this is evident when Nathanael, one of Jesus' future disciples, skeptically asks, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (John 1:46, NIV). This question reflects the low regard in which Nazareth was held.

Jesus' association with Nazareth began early in His life. According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus' family moved to Nazareth after returning from Egypt, where they had fled to escape King Herod's massacre of infants (Luke 2:39-40). Thus, Jesus grew up in Nazareth, and this became His hometown. As a result, He was commonly referred to as "Jesus of Nazareth."

Prophetic Fulfillment

Matthew’s Gospel specifically mentions that Jesus being called a Nazarene fulfills what was spoken by the prophets. However, this reference has puzzled many because there is no direct Old Testament prophecy that explicitly states the Messiah would be called a Nazarene. Scholars have proposed several explanations for this.

One interpretation suggests that Matthew is not quoting a single prophet but rather summarizing a theme found in multiple prophetic writings. The term "Nazarene" could be linked to the Hebrew word "netzer," which means "branch" or "shoot." Isaiah 11:1, for example, prophesies, "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit" (NIV). This "Branch" is understood to be a messianic title, and the word "netzer" in Hebrew bears phonetic similarity to "Nazarene." Therefore, Matthew may be using a play on words to connect Jesus to this messianic prophecy.

Another perspective considers the socio-cultural implications of being from Nazareth. Prophets like Isaiah and Psalms often spoke of the Messiah as being despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3, Psalm 22:6-8). The lowly status of Nazareth could symbolize the humble and unassuming origins of the Messiah, aligning with these prophetic themes. In this sense, being called a Nazarene underscores Jesus' fulfillment of the suffering servant motif.

Theological Implications

The title "Nazarene" carries significant theological weight. It emphasizes Jesus' humility and His identification with the lowly and marginalized. The Gospel of Matthew, in particular, highlights Jesus' role as the one who fulfills Old Testament prophecies and embodies the characteristics of the suffering servant. By calling Him a Nazarene, Matthew underscores that Jesus did not come from a place of power or prestige but from a humble background, thus fulfilling the prophecies in a manner that was unexpected by many.

Furthermore, this title resonates with the broader New Testament theme of God using the weak and despised things of the world to shame the strong and wise (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Jesus' association with Nazareth aligns with His teachings on the Kingdom of God, which often turn worldly expectations upside down. For instance, in the Beatitudes, Jesus blesses the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who mourn (Matthew 5:3-12). His own life, beginning in the humble town of Nazareth, exemplifies these values.

Cultural and Linguistic Considerations

The term "Nazarene" also had cultural and linguistic implications in the early Christian community. In the Book of Acts, followers of Jesus were sometimes referred to as "Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5). This designation likely served both to identify them with Jesus of Nazareth and to distinguish them from other Jewish sects. It’s worth noting that the term "Nazarene" was sometimes used pejoratively by opponents of the early Christians, further emphasizing the theme of being despised and rejected.

Early Church Fathers and Christian Literature

Early Christian writers and Church Fathers also reflected on the significance of Jesus being called a Nazarene. For instance, Jerome, in his commentary on Matthew, connects the term "Nazarene" to the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1 and the concept of the "Branch." He argues that Matthew's reference is a subtle but profound way of linking Jesus to messianic expectations.

Origen, another early Christian scholar, suggested that Matthew's use of "Nazarene" might serve to highlight Jesus' humble origins and His fulfillment of the suffering servant prophecies. These reflections by early Church Fathers underscore the continuity between Jesus' life and Old Testament prophecies, as well as the theological depth of the term "Nazarene."

Conclusion

In summary, Jesus was called a Nazarene primarily because He grew up in the town of Nazareth. However, the significance of this title extends far beyond mere geographical identification. It fulfills the prophetic theme of the Messiah's humble and despised origins, aligns with the messianic imagery of the "Branch" from Isaiah, and emphasizes Jesus' identification with the lowly and marginalized. The term "Nazarene" encapsulates the paradox of the Messiah who comes not in worldly power but in humility, fulfilling God's redemptive plan in ways that challenge human expectations. This multifaceted understanding enriches our appreciation of Jesus' life and mission, highlighting the profound ways in which He fulfills Old Testament prophecies and embodies the values of the Kingdom of God.