Day 12 – Wednesday, February 26: Arbel, Jordan River/Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Boat Ride/Ancient Boat
Today we spend our time visiting sites in, around, and even on the Sea of Galilee. It was a special day retracing the footsteps of Jesus. Weather wise, it was a little hazy throughout the day, but bright sunny sky rebounded the temps from a cool morning to about 60 in the afternoon. We read the “kingdom parables” from Matthew 13 as we left the hotel at 7:30.
Mt. Arbel
We first drove north to the trailhead for the path that ascends to the top of Mt. Arbel. There were seven in the group who climbed 1,100 feet to the top of this stand-alone mountain. The rest of the group bussed around the other side and walked up the path. Both groups converged at the top where the view of the Sea of Galilee and surrounding area was stunning! 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). We spent some reflection time on our own reading Matthew 5-7 before walking down to the visitor center where we were treated to ice cream! 🙂
Yardenit/Jordan River
Next, wedrove directly to the southern end of the lake to Yardenit. This is the baptismal site here in the north. In the waters of the Jordan, 10 in the group in the group reaffirmed their faith, while for two this was their primary baptism! The water was “refreshing cold” but we all survived. 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 (around noon) 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 through the Jewish city of 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 (the end of Matthew 15 after Jesus fed the 4,000), Jesus must have taught here at Magdala and in this modest synagogue! 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.
“We walked in the footsteps of Jesus today! We enjoyed a wonderful view from Arbel, we saw a 1st century synagogue at Magdala (where Jesus no doubt taught), and we re-lived His ministry at Capernaum. We ended the day with a calm boat ride on the Sea of Galilee.”
Capernaum
Our last archaeological site was was 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 finished up with reading 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 a 45-50 minute boat ride. The time of worship songs, reading, and reflection was special. We read from Mark 4 and Matthew 14 about how Jesus calmed the waters of the lake. 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 in Tiberias, arriving at 5:30. We enjoyed an amazing dinner together at 6:30 followed by another free evening. What a great day re-tracing Jesus’ footsteps!
Day 13 – Thursday, February 27: Precipice of Nazareth, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Jerusalem
