THE UNIVERSITY JESUS ATTENDED

“Then He went back with them  to Nazareth, and continued to be under their authority.” Luke2:51    So, for eighteen years Jesus lived and grew up in Nazareth. These were hidden years … according to the Gospel narrative. But they were not wasteful years. For eighteen years Jesus was following a course in ‘humility’. No, there were no Universities in Nazareth, or elsewhere in Israel for that matter. He did not follow a ‘Correspondence Course’; but, yes, Nazareth tutored Him in ‘humility’.

First of all we have to know from where the word Nazareth got its name.  The name Nazareth is derived from the word ‘netzer’ which means an ‘off-shoot’. All those who like gardening know what an ‘off-shoot’ is, and the reason why all farmers cut it down and burn it. Actually an ‘off-shoot’ is useless in any tree.  It is there simply to sap energy from the tree, but it does not contribute anything; the reason why it is ‘cut off’ and burnt.

In our language, Maltese, it is called ‘bagħal’ (pronounced bal). But the word ‘bagħal’ has got different shades of meaning, numerous definitions. It might mean a lazy, good for nothing fellow; anything or anyone worthless, only fit for the garbage;  a mule; an illegitimate son, a bastard; a hard-hearted person; a hybrid plant or animal; a fruitless sprout or shoot; a sucker, it is referred to an unirrigated field; to grow up without proper education. As a verb it might mean to degenerate. So, it follows that the word ‘netzer’ and the name ‘Nazareth’ seem to have a negative implication, something to be avoided and feared.

But, what have all these definitions to do with Jesus? Nazareth was built in a valley on a ridge, enclosed by hills and mountains. One could say that it was inconspicuous, so much so that not even the Roman soldiers, ever bothered to go down and have a look. It was a forgotten area, with no communication with the rest of the world. Thereby the name, ‘Netzereth’ known as ‘Nazareth’. We do recall that remark we find in the Gospel: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

So anything, anyone coming from Nazareth bore a stigma. Yet, God’s Plans from eternity were that Jesus had to spend a whole eighteen years living and growing up in this place. We also recall that Jesus was addressed as the ‘Man from Nazareth’ or ‘The Nazarene’. A stigma that got stuck to Him even unto His death, included in the declaration: “Jesus of Nazareth …” Yet, Pilate, who gave the order, also made another declaration, the crucified man was not simply : “Jesus of Nazareth” but also “King of the Jews”.

This was the university, the school were Jesus learned what ‘humility’ meant, and He lived it for full eighteen years. He was the only son who could have claimed personal independence, and yet to sanctify and exemplify human obedience, He lived under a humble roof, obedient to His parents, in a humble place … in Nazareth.

During these years he helped His father Joseph to fix the flat roofs of Nazarene houses and mended wagons, chairs, tables, and other lowly tasks. But all this unfolded so  naturally that not even the neighbours noticed anything special about Him. They were not conscious of the greatness, of Him who dwelt in their midst.

That how genuine humility is achieved: you go unnoticed notwithstanding all the good in the world you will be doing. What great lessons Jesus has taught us not by word of mouth or by written record, this time, simply by His behavior.                     “O Lord Jesus, meek and humble, make heart like unto Thine.”