It is always interesting when a specific place is mentioned in the Old Testament and New Testament. Places had significance to the readers of their day as they do in every era. At the mention of the city or site the author elicited thoughts and emotions connected with the place.
What is known about Bethsaida?
We know that the Hebrew name Bethsaida is translated as "house of the fisher." It is also thought that Herod Philip renamed the city after Julias who was the daughter of Agustus. There are some experts that believe that the Bethsaida named Julias was located east of the Jordan and north of the Sea of Galilee; however, others believe it to be on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee or that there were actually two communities that were called Bethsaida. The gospel writers record that Christ fed five thousand people near Bethsaida (Matthew 14:15-21; Luke 9:10; John 6:17) and it was the place that He restored the sight of the blind man (Mark 8:22).
Why did John let the reader know that Philip, Andrew, and Peter were from Bethsaida?
It seems to me that there is an underlying tension. Bethsaida most likely was a place where a fisherman could have a successful career. Conversely, it was a place where Christ revealed power. The disciples had to choose if they would refocus the message of their lives.
Luke records Jesus giving instructions to the disciples as they share the message:
Go now, and remember that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. Don't take along any money, or a traveler's bag, or even an extra pair of sandals. And don't stop to greet anyone on the road. Whenever you enter a home, give it your blessing. If those who live there are worthy, the blessing will stand; if they are not, the blessing will return to you.When you enter a town, don't move around from home to home. Stay in one place, eating and drinking what they provide you. Don't hesitate to accept hospitality, because those who work deserve their pay. If a town welcomes you, eat whatever is set before you and heal the sick. As you heal them, say, The Kingdom of God is near you now. But if a town refuses to welcome you, go out into its streets and say, We wipe the dust of your town from our feet as a public announcement of your doom. And don't forget the Kingdom of God is near! The truth is, even wicked Sodom will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. What horrors await you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have sat in deep repentance long ago, clothed in sackcloth and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. (Luke 13:3-13, NLT)
What does this mean for our daily life with Christ?
Connect with others and live the message of Christ . . . knowing there will always be tension between living with and without Christ.
Learning with you to live the message of Christ,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
