Matthew 4:13 says,
“And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:”
One of the most beautiful areas in Israel is the village of Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
Located along the ancient Via Maris (The Way of the Sea), Capernaum was at the crossroads of the northern border. Millions of people a year would have passed through this bustling sea side community.
Why Capernaum?
Have you ever wondered why Jesus chose Capernaum as the base of this ministry?
Isaiah 9 gives us the main reason for this city.
“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.”
The tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali were the first two tribes that were carried off into captivity when the Assyrians conquered the northern tribes in 740 BC. Because of their disobedience and sinful ways, God turned them over to the invading armies of Assyria.
God was not through with His people. Even though they had been a wicked people, God through His only son, Jesus Christ, made a way of return for his people.
The first of the tribes carried into captivity would be the first ones that Christ would bring the gospel message.