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Busy and Happy Days at Capernaum
This chapter is based on Mark 1:21-38; Luke 4:31-44.
In between His journeys here and there, Jesus stayed at Caper-
naum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and it came to be known
as “His own city.”
Matthew 9:1
. The shores of the lake and the hills
that encircle it a little distance away were dotted with towns and
villages. The lake was covered with fishing boats. Everywhere was
the stir of busy, active life.
Capernaum was on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem
and Egypt and to the Mediterranean Sea, so people from many lands
passed through it. Here Jesus could meet all nations and all ranks,
and His lessons would be carried to other countries. This would stir
investigation of the prophecies, direct attention to the Savior, and
bring His mission before the world. Angels were preparing the way
for His ministry, moving on people’s hearts and drawing them to the
Savior.
In Capernaum, the nobleman’s son whom Christ had healed was
a witness to His power. The court official and his household joyfully
testified of their faith. When news spread that the Teacher Himself
was among them, the whole city became excited. On the Sabbath,
the people crowded the synagogue until great numbers had to turn
away.
All who heard the Savior “were astonished at His teaching, for
His word was with authority.” “He taught them as one having author-
ity, and not as the scribes.”
Luke 4:32
;
Matthew 7:29
. The teaching
of the scribes and elders was cold and formal. They claimed to
explain the law, but no inspiration from God stirred their own hearts
or the hearts of their hearers.
Jesus’ work was to present the truth. His words shed a flood of
light on the teachings of the prophets. Never before had His hearers
seen such depth of meaning in the Word of God.
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