Sepphoris 

Sepphoris, situated in the central Galilee region of Israel, has undergone a fascinating historical journey, marked by various names and a diverse cultural legacy. Originally captured by Herod the Great in 37 BCE, the city saw subsequent transformations, including being known as Zippori, Diocaesaraea in the Roman period, le Saforie during the Crusades, and Saffuriya in Arabic from the 7th century. It is located approximately 6 kilometers (around 3 miles) north-northwest of Nazareth.

As the capital of Galilee, Sepphoris thrived under the meticulous reconstruction by Herod Antipas from 4 BCE to 39 CE. Serving as a bustling trade center strategically perched on a hilltop, the city became a crucial hub for commerce and cultural exchange. Its significance is further emphasized by its connection to Jesus, who, along with his family, had ties to Sepphoris. Joseph, Jesus' father, worked as a builder in the city, shaping Jesus' early experiences and skills. However, the tragedy struck when Joseph died while working in Sepphoris and a subsequent financial dispute led to a lasting distrust of Herod Antipas by Jesus. Despite the city's moral shortcomings, Sepphoris played a pivotal role in shaping Jesus' early life and laying the foundation for his later ministry.

Sepphoris was the capital of Galilee and had been meticulously rebuilt by Herod Antipas, a prominent figure during the youth and ministry of Jesus, from roughly 4 BCE to 39 CE. Herod Antipas held authority over the regions of Galilee and Perea and even renamed Sepphoris as Autocratoris during his reign.

Sepphoris was a bustling trade center, strategically located on a hilltop which made it a pivotal hub for commerce and cultural exchange. The city was experiencing rapid growth, which had a significant impact on the local population, including Jesus and his family.

Prior to Herod Antipas, his father, Herod the Great, played a pivotal role in shaping the geography of the region. He oversaw the construction of the harbor of Caesarea, a port city that further solidified Palestine's status as a crucial crossroads within the civilized world. Herod's death in 4 BCE marked the ascension of his son, Herod Antipas. Antipas was also a notable builder, overseeing the reconstruction of various cities in Galilee, including the vital trade center of Sepphoris.

Jesus' father, Joseph, worked as a carpenter and contractor, and this profession allowed Jesus to accompany his father on business trips, including frequent visits to the nearby city of Sepphoris. Tradition also suggests that Mary's parents, Joachim and Hannah, originally lived in Sepphoris.

In 1 BCE, Joseph turned over his shop in Nazareth to his brothers and officially began working as a builder. This decision significantly increased the family's income, and they no longer experienced poverty until after Joseph's death in 8 CE. Over the next few years, Joseph undertook construction work in various locations, including Sepphoris. During this time, Jesus often accompanied his father on trips to these towns and villages. Jesus was a keen observer and absorbed practical knowledge about human life on earth during these journeys.

As Jesus reached an age where he could help with the family's carpentry shop, he and his brother James took on increasing responsibilities in the business. By the latter part of 16 CE, when carpentry work in Nazareth was slow, Jesus left James in charge of the repair shop and Joseph at the home bench. He traveled to Sepphoris and worked with a blacksmith for six months, gaining valuable skills at the anvil during this time. This diverse experience laid the foundation for Jesus' later ministry and teachings.

Tragedy struck when Jesus was 14 years old, as a messenger brought news of Joseph's severe injury while working on the governor's residence in Sepphoris. Jesus wanted to go to his father immediately, but Mary insisted on rushing to Joseph's side. Unfortunately, Joseph passed away before Mary could reach him, and he was laid to rest in Nazareth.

Another significant blow came in Jesus' fifteenth year when he went to Sepphoris to receive Herod's decision on the dispute over the money owed to Joseph at the time of his death. Jesus and Mary had hoped for a substantial sum but were disappointed by the small amount offered by the treasurer. Herod's decree that there was nothing due to Joseph left Jesus with a lasting distrust of Herod Antipas.

In his twenty-second year, Jesus had a family conference and appointed his brother James, who was just past eighteen, as the acting head of the family. He promised support and cooperation and received formal promises of obedience from all family members. Jesus then assumed his new employment in Sepphoris, intentionally staying away from home to train James and Joseph in taking on family responsibilities.

Living much of the time in Sepphoris for six months afforded Jesus a new opportunity to become better acquainted with the gentile viewpoint of life. He worked with gentiles, lived with gentiles, and in every possible manner did he make a close and painstaking study of their habits of living and of the gentile mind. Nevertheless, on one occasion Jesus advised his followers to avoid the cities of Sepphoris and Tiberias in their future work.

The moral standards of this home city of Herod Antipas were far below those of even the caravan city of Nazareth and, after this six month sojourn at Sepphoris, Jesus was not averse to finding an excuse for returning to Nazareth. The group he worked for was to become engaged in public work in both Sepphoris and the new city of Tiberias, and Jesus was disinclined to have anything to do with employment under the supervision of Herod Antipas. And there were other reasons for him to go back to Nazareth. When he returned to the repair shop, he did not again assume the personal direction of family affairs. He worked in association with James at the shop and, as far as possible, permitted him to continue oversight of the home. James’s management of family expenditures and his administration of the home budget were undisturbed.

The people of Nazareth were never reputed for piety and righteous living. As the years passed, this village became increasingly contaminated by the low moral standards of nearby Sepphoris. Throughout Jesus’ youth and young manhood, there had been a division of opinion in Nazareth regarding him; there was much resentment when he moved to Capernaum. While the inhabitants of Nazareth had heard much about the doings of their former carpenter, they were offended that he had never included his native village in any of his earlier preaching tours. They had indeed heard of Jesus’ fame, but the majority of the citizens were angry because he had done none of his great works in the city of his youth. For months, the people of Nazareth had discussed Jesus much, but their opinions were, on the whole, unfavorable to him.

A pivotal moment in the life of Jesus came during his nineteenth year. Despite his modest background and humble upbringing, Jesus was highly respected and regarded in the town of Nazareth. He was not only a symbol of physical strength and intellectual prowess but also a recognized spiritual leader. Rebecca, the daughter of a wealthy merchant, found herself falling in love with Jesus. This revelation prompted discussions among Jesus' family members, particularly his sister, Miriam, who immediately went to her mother with the news. Mary feared the prospect of losing her son.

Concerned about Jesus' significant destiny, Mary and her daughter Miriam intervened to dissuade Rebecca from pursuing a relationship with him, fearing it could impact his role as a religious leader or even the Messiah. Despite financial support from Rebecca's approving father, Jesus declined her proposal of marriage, emphasizing his duty to raise his father's family. This decision left Rebecca heartbroken, and she persuaded her father to move away from Nazareth to Sepphoris.

Rebecca's love for Jesus remained unwavering. She dedicated her life to waiting for the moment when Jesus would embark on his career as a teacher of living truth. She followed him through his years of public service, even being present on significant occasions such as his triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the tragic crucifixion.