Today was an action packed day. We started out at about 8 a.m. and were able to meet up with the last of our wayward travelers at lunch. Here’s a quick run-down of what we saw today. I’ll follow up with a little more reflection in a bit. For now, enjoy these highlights!
Our first stop was the Valley of the Doves – next to the ancient city of Magdala, where Jesus met Mary Magdalene. Jesus frequently passed through this valley on his was to Capernaum, which is essentially the north shore of the Sea.
The area is very plush and fertile. Farms and kibbutzim (communes) in the area are growing olives, mangoes, grapefruit, lemons, bananas, oranges and pomegranates, among others.
We then travelled to the Mount of the Beatitudes, where Jesus left the crowds to go up to the mount and preach the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7). We visited the Church of the Beatitudes which has a, octagonal shape, representing the 8 beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). We read the blessings aloud in English and our guide repeated them in Hebrew.
Next we went to Ancient Capernaum, the city Jesus adopted as his second home. He preformed many miracles in Capernaum and, as written in John 6:35, preached that he was the bread of life. In ancient Capernaum there is a synagogue built in the 3rd to 4th century A.D. So, before Jesus time, but reflective of what would have been there. Just behind those ruins are more that are believed to be from the time of Christ. Quite possibly the temple he preached in.
On to Tabgha where we visited the Church of Multiplication. Tradition recognizes this site as where Jesus took the 5 loaves and 2 fish and fed 5,000 (men, not counting women and children). (Matthew 14:13-21)
A short walk down hill and we arrived at the Church of the Primacy, where tradition states, Peter was asked by Jesus to “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15-17) At this spot we were finally able to dip our hands or feet into the Sea and connect with those sacred waters. Several other groups were even worshipping by the shore.
One last stop before lunch at Bethsaida. An entirely archeological site, we walked amongst the ruins of the town where at least 3 of Jesus’ disciples lived – Philip, Andrew and Peter. This fishing village was also where Jesus healed the blind man in Mark 8:22-38.
Lunch was a nice meal of “traditional St. Peter’s fish” overlooking the Sea. Lots of hummus and beets and carrots, like each meal so far. Can one eat too much hummus? We’ll find out.
We then took a 20 minute boat ride out onto the Sea. We cut the engine, Dr. Andy Stoker led us in a quick devotional, and then some much appreciated quiet time. We finally had a moment to sit and take in the wonder that was around us. A verse of “O Come All Ye Faithful” was lifted up. Then a verse of “Amazing Grace”. Here's a link to the devotional video.
We continued to the other side of the Sea and then took a short bus ride to see The Sea of Galilee Boat or the "Jesus Boat" which is an ancient fishing boat from the time of Jesus Christ. It discovered in 1986 on the north-west shore of the Sea. While there is no evidence connecting the boat to Jesus or his disciples, there is also (glass half full) no evidence of Him not being connected to it. It is from his time… so they’re saying there’s a chance.
Wow! What a day! Tomorrow begins with a 5:30 wake up call!
