"Nazarenes" or "Netzarim" is a title used to identify the foundational group of disciples (Apostels) of the Messiah. The singular of "Netzarim" is the Hebrew (#5342) "Netzer" - Greenness, a shoot, Figuratively a descendant- Branch /Wiki- Netzarim, twigs that shoot off from a branch of a tree (Hebrew from the root "neitzer" (נצר) meaning "a shoot").
From the Hebrew (#5341) root "Natzar"- to guard , in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey...) or a bad one (to conceal, ...) : besieged, hidden thing, keep Ex.34:7 (er,ing), monument, observe, preserve (r), subtil, watcher (man)
Is.11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch (Netzer/ sprout) shall grow out of his roots:
Netzar is more properly translated shoot or sprout. The Hebrew for Tsemach (H#6780) is most commonly translate branch, which is used to mention the coming of Messiah Jer.23:5 / Jer.33:15 / Zec.3:8 / Zec.6:12( Is.4:2)
So the "Nazarenes" or "Netzarim" are those who are being sent forth by the increase of Hashem. They are instruments of the Holy Spirit in relation to the Word. Originating from the foundation that is Yeshua HaMashiach. The disciples being of Israel were sent forth to the nations Mk.28:19. The Hebraic roots remain a major part of the Nazarene (Messianic) Movement. Its not required that all Nazerenes be physical descendants of Yakov (Israel) but its most often the case. The lost sheep are being regathered unto YHVH in this manner from within (many of them not knowing who they even are). Yet its more important to note that the many membered body of Christ is Spiritual.
Paul a Benjamite and Pharisee taught on many levels in many languages with such boldness and truth that the enemies of Torah and the Gospel found him and his message hard to deal with. Paul is called a ringleader of the sect of Nazarenes* Acts 24:5 !
Is.11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Rom.15:12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
Israel Is to be a Light unto the nations. To be an example of what it is to have a relationship with YHVH (Blessings and or curses). To bring forth the Word (Written, oral, and Messiah!). A kingdom of priests (Ex.19:6/ 1 Pet.2:9/ Is.49:6; 42:6; 60:3) Without the nations Israel wouldnt be choosen. Its like a teacher without students (what purpose would they serve?).
Netzar- Is.60:21/ Dan.7:11
Yeshua is the Vine
Jn.15:1-8 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (the friends of Christ -Jn.15:15)
Yeshua wasn't considered a Nazarene so much cause he lived in Nazareth as much as Nazareth was called Nazareth cause that is where Yeshua (the Branch) began to gather disciples(Netzarim) unto YHVH.
Is.11:2-4
Attributes to be observed of the Netzarim:
Is.11:2 And (1) the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of (2)wisdom and (3)understanding, the spirit of (4)counsel and (5) might, the spirit of (6) knowledge and of the (7) fear of the Lord;
1) Instruments of the Ruach HaKodesh ("The Spirit of The LORD shall rest upon him")
2) Wisdom
3) Understanding
4) Councel
5) Might
6) Knowledge
7) Fear (reverance) of YHVH. As Yeshua said (Jn.15:4-5/ Matt.19:26) WITH G-d all things are possible. Apostels are but instruments of the Holy Spirit. They always give glory to the Father (in the name/character of Yeshua). Note: lucifer gave life to wickedness from within (Pride). G-d has no need of the self righteous. To whom much is given much is exspected.
Is.11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
Is.11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked
How we choose to identify ourselves for the most part is vainity. Known by Fruits Matt.7:15-20; 12:33/ Lk.6:43 . Identifications can do some good when true rather than deceptive. They can be used for us to find (and recognize) other members of a spiritual family.
Later disciples were called "Christians" Acts.11:26
I personally have found many like to label you before carrying on a biblical based discussion. This is often done for no other reason than to put one in a box. Something i care nothing about.
I often say: I am not looking for someone to agree with on All things All the time (Ps.118:8). No two people are Always at the same stage of their walk or understanding All the time. Yet when two (or more) agree in a truth our Lord be there in the midst of them. * Rom.8:28 (1 Cor.14:26)
Enemies of the Netzarim were known to give them condescending names (much like catholics call non- catholic Christians "protestants"). Many of the derogatory titles given to the Netarim were given to them by those who embraced man's authority over Hashem's when it came to religion. These "Jews" often would have seen true instruments of the Ruach Hakodesh to be threats to their social status and way of life. These serpents used names such as:
"Natsarim" or "Natzarim" (naw-tzarim) w/ the root Natsah- meaning waste Jer.4:7/ Is.37:26)
"Notsarim" or "Notzarim" (no-tsrim) w/ the root Notsah feathers- Lev.1:16/ Eze.17:3) also a term that some rabbinic zionist "jews" like to call American believers in relation to their location in order to show favortisim of living in Physiacl Israel today.
Wikipedia is currently Guilty of this (using the insulting term Noszarim) when you look up NETZARIM you will see one of the uses they list for the term is first changed to the term "NOTZARIM" in order to acknowledge the Nazarene sect. This is insulting and obviously uses a differ root than Nazerene or Netzarim which is the subject of the wiki page.
Netzarim isn't to be confused with Nazerite. Many simularities though.
Strongly suggest "The 2 Witnesses" blog!
Also in relation to the Fig Tree Netzer I suggest The Parable of the Fig Tree.
