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Return to Capernaum

Text: Matthew 9 : 1 - 8

Once again, Jesus got into a boat with His disciples. This time round, it was a quiet boat trip. No storms on the horizon! We have an interesting statement in this text.

“So He got into a boat, crossed over, and
came into His own city.”
Matthew 9:1

How should we understand the phrase, “His own city”?

1. Was it a reference to Bethlehem?

Bethlehem was mentioned as Jesus’ birthplace. This little town would have known no fame, if it had not been for the fact that it was prophesied by the prophet Micah that the Messiah would be born there (Cf. Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:5-6). Bethlehem was not the place mentioned in this text. The sequence of events in the literary context would indicate that “His own city” would be a place that could be reached easily by a simple boat trip from Gerasa. Bethlehem was near Jerusalem, and you couldn’t sail from Gerasa to Bethlehem.

2. What about Nazareth?

Nazareth was the place Joseph and Mary chose to bring up Jesus. Nazareth of Galilee was chosen in preference to Bethlehem in Judea (Cf. Matthew 2:22-23). A number of reasons make us hesitate to conclude that “His own city” in this context was a reference to Nazareth.

a) The question of context

Nazareth was not reached by boat. The text above made a direct reference to the fact that this city was easily reached by boat (Cf. Matthew 9:1). The literary context requires us to look for a city that was easily accessible by boat.

b) Rejection at Nazareth

One of Jesus’ earliest attempts in public ministry was at Nazareth. He preached in the local synagogue and there made a formal declaration that He was the Anointed One. However, the local populace rejected Him. If they could, they would have ended His life and ministry in Nazareth itself (Cf. Luke 4:16-30).

3. The adopted city of Capernaum

Capernaum was the city privileged to have Jesus adopting it as “His own city”. The synoptist Mark took note of this same event in his gospel and identified this city.

“And again He entered Capernaum after some
days, and it was heard that He was in the house.”
Mark 2:1

Jesus had returned to Capernaum after a short trip to minister in Gerasa. It did not take very long before His Presence became known to all at Capernaum.

MINISTERING DIFFERENTLY THIS TIME ROUND

On the surface, it would appear that there was hardly any difference at all. There was the usual crowd. Mark described the scene even more vividly than Matthew.

“Immediately many gathered together, so that
there was no longer room to receive them, not
even near the door. And He preached the Word to them.”
Mark 2:2

The multitudes had not gone away! They may have been disappointed that Jesus was not there with them when He left them as He did (Matthew 8:18). Many probably waited in Capernaum hoping that He would soon return.

The crowds returned, but Mark noted that Jesus sought to engage them by preaching the Word of God to them instead of attending to the matter of healing the sick and the demon-possessed. Did the multitude know the difference when He ministered in Capernaum this time round? Jesus still healed the sick out of love and compassion, but deep down in His heart, He longed for them to hear the Word that would make an even greater difference in their lives!

If the crowds did not fully appreciate the difference in ministry in natural circumstances, then Jesus would startle them into thinking hard as to Who was ministering to them! The opportunity arose when a paralyzed man was brought to Him for healing.

“Then behold, they brought to Him a paralytic
lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, He
said to the paralytic, ‘Son, be of good cheer;
your sins are forgiven you.'”
Matthew 9:2

“They brought to Him a paralytic lying on a bed”

Again we are indebted to Mark for describing this event in graphic detail.

“Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic
who was carried by four men. And when they
could not come near Him because of the crowd,
they uncovered the roof where He was. So when
they had broken through they let down the bed
on which the paralytic was lying.”
Mark 2:3-4

“Your sins are forgiven you”

As dramatic as this incident was to all who witnessed it, the words of Jesus were even more so! Jesus could have healed the man with a simple command. Instead, He chose to address the matter of sin. He pronounced forgiveness of the man’s sin on the strength of His own authority! Yes, Jesus ministered differently this time round!