From NoK to Nazareth: The Misjudged and the Miraculous

…artistic creation and sensitivity cannot exist without domestic talent and sanitary comfort

That quote brings to mind the story of Nok art, the breathtaking terracotta sculptures discovered in Nigeria, crafted with such skill and detail that early archaeologists couldn’t believe they were indigenous. How could such technical and artistic brilliance come from a civilization that the world dismissed as unsophisticated?

Surely, this must be Greek art. Or perhaps remnants from the lost city of Atlantis. Anything, anything, but the work of African hands.

That disbelief echoes an old question in Scripture. In John 1, when Philip tells Nathaniel that he’s found the one the prophets wrote about—Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah—Nathaniel is intrigued. Until Philip adds: “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” You can almost hear the pause before Nathaniel replies: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

It’s a fair question, at least from the world’s point of view. Nazareth wasn’t known for anything remarkable. It was a small village, the kind of place no one expected greatness to emerge from. Much like the world’s view of NoK. Much like how many of us feel about our own beginnings.

Some of us come from places where dreams seem far-fetched. We grew up on the margins—watching others enjoy privileges we couldn’t even name. Our lives have been stitched together with scarcity, not opportunity. So when someone speaks of destiny, of calling, of greatness, you might feel like Nathaniel: Can anything good come from here? From me?

But Christ didn’t come from a palace. He came from Nazareth. He was born in a manger. He wasn’t welcomed by the world; there was no room for Him in the inn. And yet, He is the Savior.

What does that mean for us?

It means our values aren’t decided by where we started. It means that even if the world overlooks us, God doesn’t. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men… for ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24)

Your diligence, your hope, your effort—they are not wasted. And even if it feels like hope against hope to believe in any good within yourself, remember what Jesus said: “No one is good except God alone.” The goodness we carry isn’t our own—it’s His, reflected in us as we trust and walk with Him.

So yes, good can come from Nazareth. Art can rise from NoK. And through Christ, beauty, purpose, and impact can flow from your life too.

One day, whether in this life or before the throne of God, someone might look at your journey—the quiet persistence, the faith in the shadows—and say: “Blessed is the womb that bore you.”