This is a question we often ask someone when we are first introduced. It can be answered in different ways. For example, do you tell them where you were born? Or do you answer with where you were reared? You may answer with the location where you currently live, especially if you have lived there for some time. I was born in a large city but very early in my life moved to the country in North Alabama, where I spent my growing up years. However, I have lived in my current location all of my adult life, spanning several decades. So in a sense, I could answer the question 3 different ways.
This is similar to an interesting study about Jesus and the answer to the question. Where was Jesus from?
Was it Nazareth or Bethlehem? Or was He from the region of Galilee, Judea, or Egypt? Actually the Scriptures prophesied that the coming Messiah would come from all 3 areas. How can this be? It is a thrilling study to note how all three areas are linked.
The Scriptures tell us clearly that the Christ would be born in Bethlehem of Judea.
Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem…out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel…
Bethlehem was a small insignificant town, but she was destined to be the birthplace of the Messiah. So Jesus was from Judea and more specifically Bethlehem according to Matthew 2:1.
Elsewhere we read of Christ coming from the city of Nazareth in the region of Galilee.
Mark 1:9 But it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Luke 4:16 So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up.
John 7:41, 42, 52 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”
Some questioned Jesus as the Messiah since He came from the region of Galilee rather than Judea.
And then there is the reference that the Messiah would come from Egypt.
Hosea 11:1, quoted in the context of Jesus’ birth in Matthew 2:15, “Out of Egypt I called My son.”
Exactly how did Jesus come out of Egypt and how did He get there to begin with?
The parallels with the Old Testament exodus found in Exo 13:7; 14:1ff, would make for a profitable study at a later time.
The references are linked in the following manner. Joseph and Mary were residents of Nazareth in Galilee. They had to go to Bethlehem of Judea for the census because Joseph was from the lineage of David. While they were there, Jesus the Messiah was born. Joseph was warned in a dream that Herod would seek to kill the Baby Jesus. He was instructed to take the family to Egypt until the threat passed. When Herod died Joseph took his family and returned to his home town of Nazareth in the region of Galilee. The Scriptures note this was to fulfill a prophecy that He would be called a Nazarene.
The Scriptures in Luke 2:4 and Matthew 1:13-23 make an easy explanation of how Jesus was from Bethlehem of Judea, Nazareth of Galilee and also came out of Egypt. Other references to consult are Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 4:15, 16; Isaiah 9:1, 2; and Matthew 2:1.
It is indeed a beautifully woven tapestry of events that pulled all the prophecies of His life together. But where was Jesus really from? In the 14th chapter of John, Jesus told the disciples He was going back to heaven. Actually He wasn’t really from Bethlehem, Egypt, or Nazareth. He was from heaven and He was returning there.
He was going home. I want to go there as well when my time on earth is done.