John 1:44-46 ⁴⁴ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." ⁴⁶ Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see."

Can anything good come out of Nazareth? I think if I had been Philip, I could have come up with many more answers other than just “Come and see.” Nazareth was a small, yet thriving village in Galilee. With a population of only around 200, it had many of the same things to offer as some of the larger villages in Galilee. We know that Jesus grew up as a carpenter. Archaeological findings also suggest that many of the villagers grew grapes on the terraces just outside the city. Wine making is thought to be the chief product of the city.

Unlike some of the other famous Biblical cities of the area, Nazareth has a lot of its history still preserved. Rather than tearing down and building new building, settlers over the years have built on top of what was already there, often leaving access to the ruins. Christians over the years have continually venerated the site, and markings still exist from the Crusades as well as from the early years of Christianity.

Today many of the Holy Sites in Nazareth have been preserved. The Grotto of the Annunciation has been preserved by building a basilica on top of it. Many of the Holy Sites are tributes to Mary, the mother of our Lord. Nazareth is now one of the main tourist attractions in Galilee.

In 1964 Pope Paul VI visited Nazareth. He said there are three lessons of Nazareth: the lesson of silence, everyday work, and of family life. It seems as if Philip could have chosen one of these to answer Nathanael’s question. But instead, chose perhaps the best answer he could have: “Come and see.”

In our prayers this week: Gail and Linwood, Buddy and Ann, Alma, Gail Nunamaker (friend of Robert and Alice), Chris, Michael, and Brenten.

God's Peace,

 Pastor Judson