Day 7 – Friday, January 10: Arbel, Yardenit (Jordan River Optional Baptism), Kinneret Cemetery, Magdala, Ancient Boat, Boat Ride
We work up to a beautiful sunrise this morning on the Sea of Galilee. It was another perfect weather day, with full sun and highs around 70. It was windy through the night and into this morning, kicking up waves and surf on the water. We spent the entire day around the Sea of Galilee, visiting sites connected to Jesus and His ministry. Following breakfast, we departed at 7:35 for our first site, reading Matthew 4 on the way!
Mt. Arbel
We arrived at the trailhead of Mt. Arbel in 10 minutes. Sixteen in the group hiked to the top (on the uphill trail that included handholds at the top), while others bussed around to the other side and ascended to the top from there. The view was stunning! While we cannot be sure, perhaps this was where the Jesus’ Transfiguration took place (Mt. 17), or perhaps on the lower slopes of the cliff where he taught the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7) or where He met His disciples following His resurrection (Mt. 28). We also heard Shlomo read Matthew 5 in Hebrew. We intentionally spent some solitary time here reading Matthew 13-14 on our own before we walked back down to the busses. We were treated to ice cream before we loaded the bus (thanks Amiel!)
Jordan River/Yardenit
Following our visit at Arbel, we drove to the southern end of the lake to Yardenit. About 17 in the group reaffirmed their faith as they were immersed in the waters of the Jordan River. One (Abagail) was baptized for the first time! The water was a bit cold, but the experience warmed our hearts. Praise be to God for setting us apart for His kingdom purposes!
Kinneret Cemetery
From the southern end of the lake we now drove north along the western 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. She was an Ukrainian Jew who wrote poems, some of which were put to songs. She died in 1931.
Magdala
From here we drove to the Plain of Genesseret. Here 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 (at the end of Matthew 15), Jesus must have taught here. We walked over the chapel and saw wonderful mosaic murals of scenes from the life of Christ, including the Luke 8 story of the woman healed by Jesus. We sounded like angels as we sang a few worship songs in the rotunda. The acoustics were amazing! Leaving the site we saw a few ritual baths as well.
“We walked in the footsteps of Jesus today. The region of the Lower Galilee and the Sea of Galilee was where He primarily ministered. Our time on top of Arbel was incredible as we focussed on where Jesus served and what He did!”
Ancient Boat / Boat Ride
We ended the day towards sunset 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! The experience was ideal, with calm and quiet waters, and a beautiful sunset over Arbel.
We drove back to our hotel rooms for dinner and another free evening of leisure. It was another great day with a wonderful group!
Day 8 – Saturday, January 11: Gamla, Bental, Caesarea Philippi, Dan
