Day 5 – Thursday, March 23: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Ancient Boat, Boat Ride
The spent the day around the Sea of Galilee. We retraced the footsteps of Jesus from one site to another, bringing the Gospel stories to life. The weather was overcast most of the day and dry, however with a brief light shower in the morning for 15 minutes. Temps were in the 70s by the afternoon. We left the hotel at 7:30, reading some of Matthew 13 on the way to our first stop.
Arbel
We began the day by visiting Mt. Arbel, a mountain on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. About 35 in the group choose to hike the challenging trail that ascended to the top (with an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet), while the others drove around the back side and walked to the top from the visitor center. Even though it was a bit overcast, the view of the lake was spectacular. We could even see the snow-capped mountain of Mt. Hermon 35 miles to the north! We can’t know for sure, but it could have been on the lower slopes of this mountain where Jesus shared His kingdom principles (Matthew 5-7). Equally possible, the top of this mountain where Jesus met His disciples after His resurrection as he shared the Great Commission with them (Matthew 28). Many couples renewed their wedding vows here before we left the peak of Arbel.
Yardenit/Baptism
We drove to the southern end of the lake where the Lower Jordan begins. Here 26 in the group reaffirmed their faith in baptism in the Jordan River at a place called Yardenit. Jesus Himself was baptized at Bethany Beyond the Jordan further south across from Jericho (John 1). The experience was special for all of us!
Kinneret Cemetery
Near by at the southern end of the lake is the Kinneret Cemetery. Many Jews who were pioneers to the land in the late 19th and early 20th century are buried here. This includes Rachel Bluwstone, an Ukrainian who wrote many poems. Shlomo shared with us about kibbutz life. He also read, sang, and played some of her poems now put to tunes. She lived from 1890 ro 1931. Her picture appears on Israel’s 20 shekel bill today!
Magdala
We drove back through Tiberias to the northwest side of the lake where we enjoyed a wonderful fish lunch. Following lunch, we visited near by Magdala. Here, we saw an impressive but simple 1st century synagogue. There are only seven (or eight, depending on how you count them) synagogues that date to the time of Jesus in the country. Magdala is only mentioned once in the Gospels (Matthew 16). We also saw a few ritual baths (mikveh or mikvot, plural).
“Our focus the entire day was on the life and ministry of Jesus. We spent the day in, around, and even on the Sea of Galilee. From the Arbel climb and view in the morning, to the boat ride at dusk to end the day, it was a special day of learning, reflection, and inspiration.”
Capernaum
Driving to the northwest corner of the lake, we visited Capernaum. This Jewish town served as Jesus’ “home base” for His Galilean ministry. In the 5th century synagogue, we read from Mark 1, 2; Luke 7, 8; and John 4, 6. We also saw the Byzantine church, octagonal in shape, that dates to about the same time period. This ancient church surrounds a 1st century house structure suggested, by tradition and archaeology, to be Peter’s house. Down on the lakeshore, we read from Mark 9. Serving in Christ’s kingdom requires a heart of humility and servanthood.
Ancient Boat / Boat Ride
We completed our day by driving back to Nof Ginnosar where the ancient boat is displayed. This was a 1st century wooden vessel discovered in 1986 by two brothers of the kibbutz here. From here we walked out to the dock where we embarked on our own hour-long boat ride. Being out on the water at dusk/night was spectacular! We enjoyed a time of worship and praise. We also read Mark 4 and Matthew 14 about the two storm narratives. Jesus cares for us, especially when we encounter the “storms” of life.
Sailing back to the dock, we returned to our rooms to freshen up for dinner! It was a great day of focusing upon Jesus!
Day 6 – Friday, March 24: Jordan Northern Border Crossing, Gadara, Jerash, Medeba
