Thursday, March 13 – Day 5

Although most of the day was rainy and wet, it was a great day around the Sea of Galilee!  Our first experience was Arbel, a 800 foot mountain cliff overlooking the NW corner of the Sea of Galilee.  A few of the group hiked up (despite the muddy and slippery conditions), while the rest of the group approached the top in a bus from the west.  The view from the top was fairly good despite the fog and mist.  Thankfully, this first 2 hours of the day was rain free.  Leaving Arbel (the rain started then), we drove to Capernaum, the “home base” of Jesus’ ministry. Inside the ruins of the late 4^th century synagogue (built most likely over the foundations of the 1^st century one), we read from Mark 1 & 2, Luke 7, and John 6, all pertaining to the synagogue and the authoritative ministry of Jesus.

At 11:30 we enjoyed a boat ride on the lake.  It was rain-free for this hour of worship, reflection, and fellowship.  We read from Mark 4 and Matthew 14, the two storm narratives.  We celebrate the peace that Jesus continues to offer us in our own “storms” of life.  We then saw the 1^st century boat found at Nof Ginnoar in 1986, followed by a quick lunch at the same place.

Following lunch we drove to the southern end of the Sea of Galilee, to a place where that water exits the lake. Here in the Jordan River (“Yardenit”), about half the group renewed their commitment to be followers (“Talmidim”) of Jesus.  Despite the chilly waters and heaven rain when we began, it was a meaningful experience that warmed our hearts!  Our last stop was the Mt. of Beatitudes.  Driving along the eastern then northern side of the lake and we arrived there being greeted with clearing skies.  Shlomo read in Hebrew the text from Matthew 5:1-12.  After reading the English version of the first section of the “Sermon on the Mount,” We enjoyed an extended time of quiet, worship, and reflection about how God wants to “reign and rule” in our lives.  Our prayer is that we will “seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).”

We drove back to the hotel for dinner.  We enjoyed a relaxing free night, our last night here in Tiberias.  What a great day!  We all are looking forward to the drive to Jerusalem tomorrow night.

Friday, March 14 – Day 6

The day will include the Kinneret Cemetery, Beth Shean, Jericho, and Bethlehem