Nazareth, a liberal center of Jewish thought and culture, was where Jesus received his education and moral training, embracing a diverse community and challenging traditional beliefs. [1] The climate of Nazareth, ranging from 50° to 90° F, was mild compared to the extremes found throughout Palestine. [2]
The people of Nazareth, contaminated by low moral standards of Sepphoris, were resentful of Jesus' fame and actions elsewhere, leading to unfavorable opinions towards him. [3] Nazareth, a major caravan way station, was largely gentile and a crossroads of travel from three continents. [4] In Nazareth, pupils studied Hebrew scriptures from a complete copy at the synagogue under the chazan's guidance until age twelve. [5]
Jesus began his formal education at the synagogue school in Nazareth, with a view from the hill above guiding his young mind towards a deeper understanding of the world around him and his place within it. [6] At the spring in Nazareth, young Jesus charmed the town, learning skills and dreaming of a future as a potter with his friend Jacob. [7]
From the hill of Simeon behind Nazareth, once a high place of Baal, Jesus beheld a landscape rich with historic and biblical significance, reflecting on the tales of triumph and tragedy that shaped his people. [8]
“Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” was a question asked due to the city's unique characteristics and reputation, but ultimately proved wrong by the virtues and qualities of Jesus. [9]
Jesus spent his early childhood in a one-room stone home near the outskirts of Nazareth. [10] Nazareth fell from favor in Jesus' later years, leading to his move to Capernaum. [11] Jesus delivered his first sermon at the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath day after his fifteenth birthday. [12] On March 20, A.D. 7, Jesus graduated from the Nazareth synagogue, becoming a “son of the commandment” and servant of the Lord of all the earth. [13] Jesus, master of Hebrew, regularly read Scriptures at the synagogue in Nazareth with skillful commentary. [14] Jesus was rejected at Nazareth. [15] After Jesus warned them, the apostles avoided Nazareth and preached freely on their first public tour of Galilee. [16]
The degenerate husband of Hildana from Nazareth shamefully forced her into prostitution for financial gain, betraying her and conspiring against Jesus. [17]
See also: UB 138:1.4.