Capernaum
After Jesus and his disciples arrived
in Capernaum... the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among
them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like
little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever
humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And
whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me" (Matthew
17:24, 18:1-5)
Capernaum is situated on the scenic northwestern shore
of the Sea of Galilee. This important city, mentioned only in the Gospels, is
on the ancient Via Maris, the main international trade route from the Mediterranean
coastal plain through the Golan Heights on to Damascus and the East. It is also
situated near where the fresh water of the river Jordan, carrying the melted snows
of Mount Hermon, enters Galilee. Since the many varieties of fish are attracted
to the fresh water, Capernaum came to dominate the thriving fishing communities
along the northern shore of this border region, most likely after the return of
the Jews from captivity.
This perhaps explains the presence of a Roman tax and
customs post as well as a military base under the command of a centurion (Luke
5:27) who also apparently built the synagogue there, the foundations of which
are still visible today (Luke 7:1-5). These are probably the reasons why Capernaum
is described as a 'city' in the original Greek of the Gospels (Matthew 9:1; Mark
1:21) to distinguish it from the smaller fishing villages nearby such as Bethsaida
and Magdala.
Capernaum was therefore a strategic location for the
development of Jesus' ministry. It was known as the "Galilee of the Gentiles"
(Isaiah 9:1). Matthew sees great significance in this, indeed as the fulfillment
of Isaiah's prophecy of the coming Messiah (Matthew 4:13-16). It is not surprising
perhaps that when he was rejected in Nazareth Jesus made Capernaum his "home".
He probably stayed with Peter and his family (Mark 2:1, Luke 4:38-40). Jesus chose
several of his Apostles from among its residents including Matthew the tax collector
as well as several fishermen such as Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matthew
9:9; Mark 1:29).
Jesus frequently taught in the synagogue at Capernaum
(Mark 1:21-22; John 6:25-59). Many of his miracles were also performed here, like
the healing of the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5; Luke 7:1-2), the man possessed
by a demon (Mark 1:23-28) and Simon's mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39). The scene
portrayed by Matthew, Mark and Luke of the whole town gathered at the door of
Peter's home, as the sun was going down, is one of the most moving in the New
Testament. According to Mark, Jesus continued to minister long after it was dark.
"That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.
The whole town gathered at the door..." (Mark 1:32-33). Yet his first priority
in Capernaum, as elsewhere, was to teach and preach about the Kingdom of God (Mark
1:38-39). Although Jesus used Capernaum as his home base, many of the people who
lived there did not understand his message and tried unsuccessfully to make him
king by force (John 6:14-15).
The message of Capernaum? It is futile trying to make
Jesus fit our expectations or agenda for him. Unless we change and become like
little children, we too like those of Capernaum, will never enter the kingdom
of heaven (Luke 10:15-16).