When people hear the name Nazarene, it often causes them to wonder where the name comes from, and what it means.
The name Nazarene originally meant one from the town of Nazareth. Since this is where Jesus was from, He was at times called The Nazarene.
The name was not used, however, as a compliment. There was a proverb that asked, “can anything good come out of Nazareth?” People wondered how Jesus could be the Messiah, since he came from such a lowly place.
But Jesus did not just come from a lowly place, He also reached out to lowly people. He was there for the sick, lonely, and forgotten people. He brought hope to those who long ago quit believing in hope.
When the Church of the Nazarene came into existence, the name Nazarene was chosen because of our solidarity with Jesus. This lowly carpenter’s son from Nazareth transformed our lives through His life, death, and resurrection. He gave us hope, when we were ready to give up.
However, the name Nazarene also demonstrates that like Jesus, we have chosen to minister to those the world often tosses aside. There is a special place in god’s heart for the forgotten of this world, and He has created that very same love in us.
Not everyone understands our ministry to the less fortunate of this world, but how could we do less. We have either been where they are, or would have, but for the grace of God.
If you are looking for a church where you can find hope, and be a part of bringing hope to those around us, then this church is for you.
