Why is Jesus called Jesus of Nazareth?

TL;DR:

: Jesus spent most of His life in Nazareth, so he was naturally known as Jesus of Nazareth. The clarification "of Nazareth" also connects Jesus of the New Testament with the Jewish Messiah of the Old Testament.

what does the bible say?

Multiple New Testament verses connect "Jesus of Nazareth" with the Jewish Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. For example, John 1:45 reveals, "Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.'" (See also Matthew 26:71; Mark 10:47; 16:6; Luke 4:34; John 19:19).

Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Jewish parents and was raised mostly in Nazareth, a Jewish town in Galilee. Jesus was a common name. Adding "of Nazareth" clarified which Jesus people had in mind.

The phrase Jesus of Nazareth also emphasizes the humble background of Jesus. Nazareth was considered a lowly, despised town in Galilee. This explains the reaction of Nathanael in John 1:46, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

from the old testament

Isaiah 9:1-2 indicates the Messiah would be associated with Galilee, the region where Nazareth is located.

from the new testament

Jesus' family lived in Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy "He will be called a Nazarene" (Matthew 2:23).
When the blind beggar heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me" (Mark 10:47). This declaration connects Jesus of Nazareth with the Messiah (Isaiah 9:7).
In Mark 16:6 the angel told the women who had found the tomb empty that Jesus of Nazareth, who had been crucified, was risen. The angel's message provides assurance of Jesus' victory over death, offering hope and certainty to believers.
The demon's acknowledgment of Jesus of Nazareth as the "Holy One of God" underscores the spiritual authority of Christ (Luke 4:34).
Pilate's inscription for the cross "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews,” was intended as a mockery, yet it declared a profound truth about Jesus' identity (John 19:19).

implications for today

In this day of Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and social media profiles, it would be strange for someone to be identified by just their first name and hometown—a “John of Scranton” or “Susan from Des Moines” wouldn’t be easy to find.

But in Jesus’ day—a time in which surnames weren’t used—it was common to designate someone by their first name along with their hometown or father’s/ancestor’s name or job. Jesus was called “Son of David” (Matthew 1:1, 9:27) and Jesus of Nazareth. He was also called Jesus Christ (shortened from Jesus the Christ)---the Greek word Christos for "anointed one,” the Hebrew equivalent of Messiah. Each way of designating Jesus pointed to Him as the Christ—as prophesied, He was descended from David and came from Nazareth. Jesus of Nazareth highlights both His prophetic fulfillment as the divine Messiah and His human nature as One who lived humbly among humanity.

understand

Jesus is called “Jesus of Nazareth” because He was raised in Nazareth, a small town in Galilee.
Jesus being from Nazareth clarified His identity among many with the same name.
“Jesus of Nazareth” connects Jesus to the Jewish Messiah, revealing both His divine mission and His humble upbringing.

reflect

How does knowing Jesus grew up in a humble, ordinary town like Nazareth affect the way you relate to Him?
How does the title “Jesus of Nazareth” help you see the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy?
How can reflecting on Jesus’ human upbringing inspire you to live faithfully in your everyday circumstances?

engage

What is the impact of emphasizing Jesus’ divine mission and His humble upbringing through the title “Jesus of Nazareth”?
How does understanding the significance of Nazareth help us better interpret the reactions of people like Nathanael and the crowds?
How does the title “Jesus of Nazareth” challenge modern assumptions about greatness, status, or leadership in God’s kingdom?