and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.
Matthew 2:23
If we refer to Matthew Henry we see that the ‘Nazarene’ reference is significant - set apart to the honor of God in our redemption. But at another level, it became a moniker of scorn. To be called a Nazarene was to be labeled despicable, of no respect. And Christ became ‘despicable’ in our place! So much to meditate on here! I can see nothing more despised in all of scripture than Jesus as he hung on that cross, bearing shame and abuse whilst enduring unimaginable torment.
The root word for Nazareth also means branch, reminding us of Isaiah in chapter 11, predicting Jesus as the branch from the stump or root of Jesse, bearing fruit. I wonder, branch/cross? A connection? Maybe. Because of the cross he has borne fruit, you and me, won to him by love so unspeakably lavish, that he would suffer and die for us.