Why choose Galilee? - a time for everything

NORSK
It is still Easter – at least in the orthodox part of the world. We are still in Jerusalem, and when I began the journey up to Jerusalem, I asked the question “What is the most special aspect of Jerusalem?”

Yesterday the angel asked the women to tell the disciples that Jesus

“…is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him…” Matthew 28:7

Why Galilee? Jesus had spent much time there, and I do not think it was accidental that he wanted to meet there again. When John the Baptist was imprisoned Matthew writes that Jesus “withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum” He also writes that this was a fulfillment of one of the prophecies of Isaiah (1) who called the area “Galilee of the Gentiles” (2). In other words, an area which was inhabited by people from several nations in addition to Jews.

There may be several reasons why Jesus would meet them there after the resurrection. He had once more a limited period of 40 days to "repair" any misunderstanding and to make them ready to receive the Holy Spirit. Because Galilee was a good distance away from the center of power, it was likely that they could work undisturbed there. The distance between Jerusalem and Capernaum is app 130 km.

Still, I like to think that it was even more important for Jesus to remind his disciples that the gospel applies to all nations. It is easier to do where 'Gentiles' live.

Therefore, even in the first message given after the resurrection, there is an element of guidance and teaching. They should be prepared for a new ‘module’ of teaching - it is a time for everything.

‘Manna’ for today:

A time to reaffirm the mission and the foundation of the mission

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(1) Isa 9:1-2
(2) Matt 4:12-15
(3) The area around the Sea of Galilee
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity'
 Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.