Capernaum is located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It was one of the main trading villages in bible times. With a population of 1,500, mostly fishermen, the town was active and thriving in its prime.
Upon leaving Nazareth, Jesus chose Capernaum as the hub of His ministry, performing miracles as well as teaching and preaching repentance (Matthew 4:13, 17). In fact, it was in the synagogue, here, that Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the Bread of Life. (*insert high pitched squeal* “I was there!”)
Some of the many miracles which took place in Capernaum were:
- Peter’s mother in law healed of fever
- The Roman centurion’s servant healed from near death
- The paralytic (lowered through the roof) forgiven and healed to walk
- The daughter of Jairus raised from the dead
- The woman with the “issue of blood” for 12 years bled no more
- The man with the withered hand healed on the Sabbath
Sadly, for the inhabitants of Capernaum, seeing was not believing. Due to the unbelief of the people, Jesus cursed this town, saying “And Capernaum, though highly honored, shall go down to hell! For if the marvelous miracles I did in you had been done in Sodom, it would still be here today. (Matthew 11:23)
Capernaum was one of three towns cursed by Jesus, (Korazin and Bethsaida are the other two). All three were reduced to rubble and remain that way to this day.
~ Cheryl