Day 5 – Wednesday, May 8: Arbel (Hike Option), Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Ancient Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride
Today was a day of focusing upon the life and ministry of Jesus around (and on) the Sea of Galilee. It was a beautiful day of full sun, with high temps in the low 80s. We read from Matthew 13 (the Parable of the Sower) as we left the hotel following a wonderful breakfast at 7:15 this morning.
Mt. Arbel
We drove to the southern end of the lake and then turned north to there western side in order to get to the trailhead Mt. Arbel hike. Gaven, Pastor Mike and John were the ones who climbed the cliff trail to the top, while others bused through Tiberias to the visitor center and ascended to the top from there. The view from on top was amazing. We could even see the slight-snowcapped Mt. Hermon some 30 miles to the north! While we cannot be sure (since Arbel is not mentioned in the Gospels, although Josephus mentions Arbela in Antiquities 14.415), 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). Before we ended our gathering on top, Shlomo read the first portion of Matthew 5 (the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount) in Hebrew for us. Back at the visitor center, we were treated to Magnum bars (complements of Amiel, our travel company here in Israel). Thank you Amiel!
Yardenit/Jordan River
From here, we drove directly to the southern end of the lake to Yardenit. A total of 10 in the group renewed their faith in Christ as Pastor Mike officiated in this optional baptism service. 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 back 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 through Tiberias to the Plain of Genesseret and to 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 15 when Jesus sails into Magdala), Jesus must have taught here! We saw a few more ritual baths as well. Archaeologists suggest that a second 1st century synagogue was discovered a few years ago on the other side of the road.
“Wow, what a great day! The entire day we connected with the life and ministry of Jesus. The day was filled with spectacular views, teaching lessons, and inspirational moments. We literally walked in the footsteps of Jesus!”
Capernaum
Following lunch, we drove to Capernaum, located on the NW corner of the lake. This Jewish town served as Jesus’ “home base” for His Galilean ministry. In the late 4th/early 5th century synagogue, we read from Mark 1, 2; Luke 7, 8; and John 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 ended the day by driving to Nof Ginnosar on the western side of the lake. 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 about an hour of sailing. We also read Mark 4 and Matthew 14 (the two storm narratives). We were inspired to keep our eyes on Jesus! He is the One who brings peace to our lives!
We drove back to our hotel at En Gev following our boat ride. We enjoyed dinner together followed by a free evening. What a great day re-tracing Jesus’ footsteps! We check out of our hotel tomorrow morning and begin our travel south to the Dead Sea!
Day 6 – Thursday, May 9: Beth Shean, Shiloh, Jericho, Judean Desert, Ein Bokek, Dead Sea
