Day 5 – Thursday, March 24: Arbel, Yardenit, Kinneret Cemetery, Magdala, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride
We spent the entire day around the Sea of Galilee. Our focus was the life and ministry of Jesus. The weather throughout the day was rainy, however with an few occasional breaks of sun. The temps were in the 50s. We read from Matthew 6 as we left the hotel at 7:35.
Arbel
Our first stop was Mt. Arbel. While it is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, it very well could have been the location for the Sermon on the Mount and the “high mountain” where Jesus met His disciples after His resurrection in Jerusalem. The rain did not allow us to hike up the trail. However, we walked from the western side to the top. The clouds and fog set in, reducing visibility to the Plain of Genesseret and Magdala below.
Yardenit/Jordan River Baptism
From Arbel we drove to the southern end of the lake to where the Lower Jordan River begins. Here, eight people reaffirmed their faith in Christ by being baptized in the waters of the river in a place called Yardenit. The water was a bit chilly, but our hearts were warmed by the experience!
Kinneret Cemetery
Located on the SW corner of the lake is the Kinneret Cemetery. Many early Jewish pioneers to the land are buried here. This includes an Ukraine Jew named Rachel. She wrote many poems that are read by Israelis today. Shlomo shared (through both word and song). She died in 1931.
Magdala
We traveled back north through Tiberias to the 1st century site of Magdala. Although only mentioned once in the Gospels (Matthew 16), this Jewish city in Jesus’ day was large in size. Here was saw a modest 1st century synagogue large enough to only hold about 40-50 people.
Capernaum
Following a wonderful St. Peter’s Fish lunch, we continued to the NW corner of the lake and to the site of Capernaum. This coastline city served as Jesus’ ‘home base’ for His Galilean ministry. Inside the 5th century AD synagogue (with the 1st century one below at a lower level), we read from Mark 1, 2, 9; Luke 7, and John 4, 6. We passed by the octagonal Byzantine church (inside is a 1st century house structure deemed by some as possibly being Peter’s house) to the Sea of Galilee where we read from Matthew 4. Jesus called the four fishermen along this shoreline.
“Despite the rain today, we had a great day. We saw so many sites and areas where Jesus was. Once again, the teaching was insightful and inspiring. I really loved the boat ride on the Sea of Galilee to end the day!”
Mt. of Beatitudes
Up on there hill overlooking Capernaum is the traditional Mt. of Beatitudes. Because of the rain and closed gate, we could not sit on the rocks where we usually go. So we went to the chapel where we heard the first part of Matthew 5 read in both Hebrew and English. The chapel was built in 1938.
Boat Ride/Ancient Boat
Our last experience of the day was a boat ride on the lake. We enjoyed a time of worship and reflection as we could see in all directions the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. We read from Mark 4 and Matthew 14. Jesus calmed the storm twice. On the shoreline is the museum where they display the 1st century wooden boat found in 1986. It was amazing to picture Jesus in a boat like this!
We walked back to our hotel from here and enjoyed dinner and a free evening together. Because Israel changes their clocks early next morning, we lose an hour of sleep (again) tonight. Overall, given the off and on rain all day, we managed well and enjoyed even a few rainbows to end the day!
Day 6 – Friday, March 25: Beth Shean, Shiloh, Parat Desert, Jericho, Dead Sea
