Disciples of the Nazarene

Numbers 6:1-21; Matthew 2:23
"Disciples of the Nazarene"

I. The Exaltation and Humiliation of the Nazarite

o Exaltation and Glory
Her Nazirites were brighter than snow and whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, Like sapphire in their appearance.—Lam. 4:7 (NKJV). And I raised up some of your sons for prophets, and some of your young men for Nazirites.—Amos 2:11

o Humiliation and Rejection
Now their face is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets; their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as wood.—Lam. 4:8. But you made the Nazirites drink wine, and commanded the prophets, saying, 'You shall not prophesy.'—Amos 2:12

He shall be called a Nazarene.—Mt. 2:23

II. The Ascending Success of the Nazarite

o Samson (Judg. 13:5, 7) a 'Naziraios'
o Samuel (1 Sam. 1:11)
o John (Lk. 1:15)
o Jesus (Mt. 2:23; Jn. 19:19) the 'Nazoraios'

III. The Disciples of the Nazarene

… the sect of the Nazarenes.—Acts. 245b