DAY 10 (DAY 4 OF ISRAEL TOUR) – WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23: SEA OF GALILEE BOAT RIDE, CAPERNAUM, MT. OF BEATITUDES, ARBEL, MAGDALA, JORDAN RIVER BAPTISM, KENNERET CEMETERY
We spent all day in the Sea of Galilee area, retracting the footsteps of Jesus! It was a wonderful day, with great weather (low 80s and full sun), and with many connections with the life and ministry of Jesus.
Boat Ride/Ancient Boat
The day started early (7:15), with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. We enjoyed a time of worship and reflection. We read from Mark 4 and Matthew 14, the two storm narratives when Jesus calmed the waters and the waves. Upon disembarking, we saw the 1st century wooden boat that was discovered here in 1986.
Capernaum
Located on the NW corner of the lake is Capernaum. This town was Jesus’ “home base” for his ministry in this area. We enjoyed the entire place to ourselves! We gathered in the 5th AD century synagogue (built over the 1st century one) where we read from Mark 1, 2, 9; Luke 8, 9; and John 6. Jesus displayed His s’mekah (authority) here in his teaching and healing. We enjoyed a time on the shoreline where Jesus called his initial talmidim (disciples).
Mt. of Beatitudes
Located on the hill above Capernaum is the traditional Mt. of Beatitudes. We gathered on a few rocks situated to listen to portions of Matthew 5 read in both Hebrew and English. Jesus’ primary message was the kingdom, specifically about inviting people to yield to the reign and rule of God in their lives.
Mt. Arbel
Overlooking the Plain of Genesseret are the high cliffs of Mt. Arbel. Twenty in the group hiked the 1.5 miles trail (ascending 1,100 feet) while others bussed around the other side and walked up the back trail to the top. The view was incredible of not only the lake and surrounding area, but we could even see the snow-capped mountain of Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133) 40 to the north! Could it be that Arbel was the Mt. of Beatitudes or the “high mountain” where Jesus met His disciples following the resurrection (Matthew 28)?
Magdala
Following a wonderful fish lunch, we visited Magdala, a city that is mentioned once in the Gospels (Matthew 16) and the home town of Mary Magdalene. Here we saw a 1st century synagogue (one of only 7 or 8 in the entire country). Perhaps 40-60 people could have gathered in this modest synagogue. Recently, a possible second 1st century synagogue may have been unearthed on the other side of the modern road.
“We literally walked in the footsteps of Jesus today. What a great way to start the day with an early morning boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. It was so peaceful and calm on the water. Reading the storm stories from the Gospels was so meaningful!”
Yardenit/Jordan River Baptism
Yardenit is located at the southern end of the lake. This is where 22 in the group entered the “very cool” waters of the Jordan River to re-affirm their faith in Christ and to re-commit their service in ministry. It was an inspiring time together.
Kinneret Cemetery
On the drive back to Nof Ginnosar, we made a brief stop in the Kinneret Cemetery. This is where many of the early Jewish pioneers are buried. This includes a certain “Rachel” (Rachel Bluwstein). She was a Ukrainian/Russian immigrant at the turn of the 20th century. She wrote many poems which have been put to song now. Shlomo sang and played on his recorded a few of them. Today, her picture appears on the 20 shekel bill. She died in 1931.
Upon arriving back at our hotel, we enjoyed dinner together and a free evening. What an impactful and inspiring day!
DAY 5 – THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24: HIPPOS, BETH SHEAN, JERICHO, DEAD SEA FLOAT, ALMOG
