Day 6 – Wednesday, May 10: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Ancient Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride
We spent the entire day around and even on the Sea of Galilee. We literally retraced the footsteps of Jesus. It was an very inspirational day! Today was the warmest day so far, with sunny skies and highs in the upper 80s. We left the hotel at 7:35, reading Matthew 13 as we drove to our first stop.
Mt. Arbel
The drive from the hotel to the trailhead of Mt. Arbel took only five minutes. Eighteen in the group hiked to the top (1.6 miles and little over 1,000 foot in elevation gain), while others bussed around to the other side and ascended to the top from there. The view was stunning even though it was hazy. While we cannot be sure (since Arbel is not mentioned in the Gospels), maybe this was where the Jesus’ Transfiguration took place (Mt. 17), or where he taught (perhaps on the lower northern slopes) the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7). It is also very possible that on top of Arbel was where Jesus met His disciples following His resurrection and shared the Great Commission (Mt. 28).
Yardenit
Following our time at Arbel, we drove to the southern end of the lake to Yardenit. Sixteen in the group reaffirmed their faith as they were immersed in the waters of the Jordan River. The water was refreshing but not overly cold (as it is in the winter months). It was a special time for everyone, setting ourselves apart for service in God’s kingdom.
Kinneret Cemetery
From the southern end of the lake we now drove north along the southwestern shoreline of the lake. We included an extra stop at the Kinneret Cemetery. This is where an early Jewish pioneer woman named “Rachel” is buried. Shlomo shared about her life. She was an Ukrainian Jew who wrote poems, some of which were put to songs. She died in 1931.
Magdala
From here we drove north of Tiberias to the Plain of Genesseret. Following a very tasty fish and salad lunch we visited the ancient city of Magdala. This was a large Jewish city in the days of Jesus. We saw a modest 1st century synagogue here. Although the city is only mentioned once (Matthew 16), Jesus must have taught here. We saw a few more ritual baths as well.
Chorazin
We drove back to the northwest corner of of the lake to Chorazin. It is located on a ridge high above the lakeshore of the Sea of Galilee. The ruins date to the 3rd century AD. We saw a very well-preserved wine press as well as the synagogue. During the Covid season, archaeologists excavated below the present 3rd century level to expose the 1st century level. Perhaps a synagogue dating to the time of Jesus was uncovered? We also saw the Moses Seat here. We read from Matthew 25 concerning Jesus’ harsh words to the Pharisees.
“We spent the entire day around and even on the Sea of Galilee. It was inspirational to retrace the life of ministry of Jesus. From hiking up Arbel, to visiting Magdala, Chorazin, and Bethsaida, and then ending the day with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee was amazing!”
Tel el- Araj (Bethsaida?)
We added an extra visit to the program and made a quick stop off the beaten path to Tel el-Araj. This is a new archaeological site (that takes another dirt road to get there) thought to be biblical Bethsaida! While the ruins exposed were covered up, there have been 1st century mosaics found here, as well as what is believed to be the Church of the Apostles that date to the 6th century AD. For sure though, this was the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1). We also read from Mark 8 (the blind man healed by Jesus) and Luke 9 (the Feeding of the 5,000).
Ancient Boat / Boat Ride
We ended the day back to Nof Ginnosar. In the museum here we saw an ancient 1st century wooden boat that was discovered in 1986. We then walked out to the dock for our own boat ride. We enjoyed a time of worship and the reading of Mark 4 and Matthew 14, the two storm narratives. We keep our eyes on Jesus! He is the One who brings peace to our lives!
We walked back to our hotel rooms to freshen up for dinner. A free evening of leisure followed. Some even went swimming in the lake!
Day 7 – Thursday, May 11: Beth Shean, Shiloh, Jericho, Judean Desert, Ein Bokek, Dead Sea
