John gives us a happy example with the healing of the boy. Luke gives us a sad one. He tells us that on a Sabbath, they honored Jesus by allowing him to read the scripture portion for the day. Considering the reports of his good reception in Jerusalem, this was probably shortly after his return. To be asked to read the scripture was as great an honor—and still is—as a local synagogue could offer. Soon, however, their admiration turned to anger. It was one thing to bring honor to Nazareth by being noticed in Jerusalem. It was quite another thing to claim to be the Messiah!

Soon, it became apparent that the hill country of Galilee had limitations that required a move. The reasons are not given. The “headquarters location” for the ministry was somewhat irrelevant, since Jesus never really stayed in any set place. Most likely, it was the old problem of a “prophet without honor in his own country.” For whatever reason, Nazareth lost its opportunity to be of significance in the Kingdom’s growth. The only further record of activity in the city of Jesus’ birth and childhood is a negative one. It is that he “could do no miracles because of their unbelief.”