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Devotionals
Jesus did much of His ministry in the three cities of Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Chorazin. John 1:44 records that Philip and brothers Peter and Andrew were from Bethsaida. Besides calling these men to become disciples, Jesus also performed many miracles in Bethsaida. He healed a blind man (Mark 8:22–26), walked on water (Mark 6:45–52), and fed the five thousand (Luke 9:10–11). "Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him" (John 12:37). For this stubborn unbelief, Bethsaida (as well as Capernaum and Chorazin) was cursed by the Lord in Luke 10:13–15. Jesus said, "“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades." Therefore, Bethsaida is now most remembered for its stubborn lack of faith.
Because disciples (Peter, Andrew, and Philip) hailed from Bethsaida, obviously not everyone in the city rejected Jesus' teaching. May we follow their bold and trusting example even in the midst of unbelief in the culture around us.
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