Based on John 1:44, Bethsaida seems to be the hometown of Phillip, Peter, and Andrew. At some point, Peter would move to Capernaum. Bethsaida, Capernaum, and Chorazin have the unfortunate legacy of being cursed and rejected by Jesus, which is tragic because Matthew 11 and John 10 tell us that many miracles took place in all three cities. And yet, after seeing all these great miracles, they rejected Jesus.

One specific miracle that occurred at Bethsaida is interesting. I took the attached photo on one of my visits. I was standing near the place where they believe Jesus healed a blind man. When Jesus arrived in Bethsaida, someone brought this man to Him. The Bible doesn’t say if it was one of the disciples or a friend of the blind man. Mark 8:23 tells us that, for some reason, Jesus did not pray for him while they were in Bethsaida; instead, Jesus took him by the hand and led him out of the city.

Was it because the city was already under condemnation, and Jesus would no longer do any miracles inside the cursed and rejected city? The Bible is silent as to why. After Jesus healed the blind man, He told him to return home, but apparently his home was not in Bethsaida, because Jesus told him not to re-enter the city or tell anyone there.

There’s too much to sort out in this brief devotion, but the one thought I want to share is this. Too many people are in a place that God has rejected. And sadly, some of those places are so-called churches. But their doctrines and lifestyles are contrary to the Word of God, and one day they will face God’s judgment. If you are in such a place, it’s time to get out of town.