Jesus, the Nazarene

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:23

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5:39

What is a Nazarene according to the prophets? In the Old Testament, the symbols, the ceremonies, sacrifices, and types all points to Jesus. Likewise, the Nazarite vow also points to “Jesus of Nazareth”. In the New Testament, when Paul took a Nazarite vow in Acts 21:23-24, he was labeled as “a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes”. Therefore we conclude that a Nazarene in the New Testament is the same as a Nazarite of the Old Testament.

1. No razor shall come on the head:

   “For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb.” Judges 13:5

2. “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried.” Numbers 6:2-3

   “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye ALL OF IT; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I WILL NOT DRINK henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” Matthew 26:27-29

   “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: For I say unto you, I WILL NOT DRINK of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.” Luke 22:17-19

   “And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.” Mark 15:23

   • Christ shed His blood for us, He did not shed His blood for Himself. A Nazarite vow foreshadows Christ’s mission in shedding blood for others and not for Himself.

3. “All the days that he separateth himself unto the LORD he shall come at no dead body.” Numbers 6:6

   
   

During Israel’s prosperity, “Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire.” (Lamentation 4:7) However, during Israel’s rebellion, “Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.” (Lamentation 4:8)

While Jesus walked on earth, he was the healthiest man on earth. His hair was long and not shaved, his diet is clean and he never came at a dead body. The dead he touched lived and the sick he touch were healed.

After the resurrection, Jesus’ Nazarite vow with His Father ended. His hair looked different. This is why Mary Magdalene, Cleopas & many disciples could not recognize him at first. It took them time to recognize their old friend.

• “And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation…” Numbers 6:18

• “And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.” Luke 24:15-16

• “And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.” John 20:14

• “But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.” John 21:4

Now that Jesus is in heaven, can you recognize Him in your neighbors?

• “Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” Matthew 25:44-45