When we read the stories recorded in the Gospels, we often don’t take a lot of notice as to where the events took place. But sometimes building an understanding of what happens in and around a certain location can help us grasp a larger view and make sense of the events.
Jesus spent a lot of time in the region of Galilee during his 3 years of public ministry. And Capernaum is one of the very first places He visits. In fact, Capernaum became Jesus’ ‘home town’ as far as his ministry in Galilee was concerned.
Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali.
Matthew 4:13 (NIV)
The town of Capernaum
Capernaum was located along the edge of the Sea of Galilee, on the border between two political areas. The Gospels record several significant things about this town.
Firstly, a Roman garrison was located in Capernaum, where Roman soldiers were stationed. Incredibly, it was a Roman centurion who actually built a synagogue for the Jewish community there. In return, the Jewish elders of the village pleaded earnestly with Jesus asking Him to heal the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-10).
Secondly, there was a customs house between the two political areas. Merchants travelling along the trade routes had to pay duties or tolls as they passed from one area to another. One of the people who collected taxes at this customs house was Levi (or Matthew) the tax collector, whom Jesus called to follow Him.
Thirdly, Capernaum was a major fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen living in the village, whom Jesus called to be his disciples.
Miracles in Capernaum
It was in Capernaum where Jesus healed the man with paralysis who was let down through the roof of the house where He was staying (Luke 5:17-26).
While in Capernaum He healed the woman who had an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48) and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Luke 8:40-56).
There are many other miracles Jesus did in the surrounding area of Galilee. I’ve just highlighted those recorded by Luke as specifically taking place in Capernaum.
Jesus in the Synagogue
Jesus went to the synagogue in Capernaum often, where the gospels record him teaching and doing miracles (Mark 1:21). (This was the synagogue built by the Roman centurion.) One day as Jesus was teaching there, he was confronted by a demon-possessed man who began shouting at him. Jesus immediately told the spirit to leave, which it did – causing much astonishment from those who saw it happen (Mark 1:23-27). As a result, “His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee” (Mark 1:28).
One of the things Jesus declared while teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum was that He was the bread of life that came down from heaven (John 6:35-59). But when He went on to say that they needed to “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood” in order to have life, many people turned away from following Him (John 6:66).
It was also in this synagogue that Jesus healed the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath day (Luke 6:6-11). As a result, the Pharisees were furious with Jesus and began to talk about how they could get rid of Him.
Unrepentant Capernaum
With all the amazing miracles Jesus did in Capernaum, you would think the whole area would be transformed. There were certainly crowds of people who followed Him wherever He went (eg. John 6:24).
Yet as Jesus leaves Capernaum for the last time, He proclaims judgment on a largely unrepentant people.
Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.
Luke 10:13-15
The people of Capernaum had Jesus living among them, teaching and performing miracles. They would have heard the gospel message numerous times. They marveled at the miracles. Yet many chose not to personally engage or change. How incredibly sad.
I wonder what our reaction would have been if you and I had been in Capernaum when Jesus lived there, and seen and heard what they did? Would our reaction have been any different to theirs?
God is looking for repentant hearts. Those who are willing to surrender and follow Him without reservation.
The blessings God brings into our lives are amazing. His forgiveness, His presence and His peace are wonderful. But let’s make sure we aren’t just standing on the sidelines of discipleship. There’s so much more about God to discover – and the only way forward is to be all in!
