Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see” (John 1:46)

In Tasmania, we are aware that there are 2, even 3 distinct business, sporting and cultural regions: the South (Hobart), the North (Launceston), and the NothWest (Burnie, Devonport [& Ulverstone]. 3 Newspapers: The Mercury. The Examiner. The Advocate.

In Jesus time, there was a saying, probably coined by the studious types, living in Judea in the south: “If a person wishes to be rich, let him go north; if he wants to be wise, let him come south”. There was another saying, originating in the beautiful, rich, abundant farming district of Galilee: “It is easier to rear a forest of olive-trees in Galilee than one child in Judea”.

The Rabbi’s held a general contempt for all that was Galilean. Nathanael possibly felt that the Messiah must come from somewhere more noteworthy than Nazareth. He was wrong.

Like Nathanael we set limits to the power of God. Many Christians do not consider small, aging fellowships are able to produce much fruit. Often they are proven right. But we ought to be cautioned against limiting the power of God. He directs human affairs in judgment, and mercy, and acts in surprising ways. Added to that, this Man, Jesus, is more about substance than image.

Towns and people who try to project a good image, are often, less authentic than the seemingly ordinary places - and people - we meet. Often, country kids say: 'this place is a hole!' But then spend half a lifetime trying to find somewhere with as much community spirit, and fun, as that seemingly dull place they once came from.

Can anything good come ...from where you live? Yes, you - especially if you know the Father, in the same way Jesus did - and does.

Jesus, from Nazareth - he is Our Lord, and Lord of all. Being from Nazareth, he's not going to despise anyone else, now is he?