Day 4 – Saturday, September 6: Optional Sunrise Hike in the Upper Galilee (“Hill 713”), Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Boat Ride
Today began early for 16 of us (4:50 a.m.) and a bit later for the other half of the group. We spent the entire around (and on) the Sea of Galilee. The weather was once again predictably warm, with temps on the 90s. We left the hotel a little later this morning (at 8:15). We read from Matthew 4 as drove to Arbel.
“Hill 713” (Mitzpe Ha-Yammim)
The early morning departure at 4:50 was for the purpose of driving to “Hill 713” (Mitzpe Ha-Yammim in Hebrew, the “view of two seas”) for the sunrise hike (.8 miles). We arrived at the trailhead at about 5:30, and made it to the “view” by 6 a.m. Located on part of the Merom Range, this viewpoint provides the very best view of the entire Sea of Galilee, the Lower Galilee areas, and the entire width of Israel! On a clear day one can even see as far west as Tel Aviv area and the Med Sea! This morning the visibility was descent enough for us to see the outline of the lake, and most of the Lower Galilee. After the sun rose, we hiked back to the bus and drove back to the hotel. We arrived by 7:30 in time for a later breakfast.
Mt. Arbel
At 8:15, the entire group left the hotel and drove about 10 minutes, arriving at the trailhead that leads to the top of Mt. Arbel, a mountain on the west side of the Sea of Galilee. Eight (8) in the group choose to hike the challenging trail that ascended to the top, while the others drove around the back side and walked to the top from the visitor center. Even though it was a bit hazy, the view of the lake from the top was spectacular. As we all gathered on top, we read from Matthew 5 (the “Beatitudes”). While there is a traditional Catholic location for the Mt. of Beatitudes, perhaps the lower slopes of Arbel may have been the place where Jesus about. The kingdom proclamation of Jesus was His “go-to” message throughout His ministry! Additionally, while we can’t know for sure, it could have been the top of this cliff where Jesus met His disciples after His resurrection and shared the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28). After walking down to the visitor center, we were treated to ice cream (thanks Amiel Tour) before getting back on the bus.
Yardenit/Jordan River Baptism
Next, we drove to the southern end of the lake where the Lower Jordan begins. Here, 14 in the group reaffirmed their faith in baptism in the Jordan River at a place called Yardenit. Pastors Daniel and John officiated the baptism. Jesus Himself was baptized at Bethany Beyond the Jordan located further south across from Jericho (John 1). The experience was special for all of us!
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.
“We spent the entire day around (and even on) the Sea of Galilee today! We literally walked in the footsteps of Jesus as we continued to read the Scriptures in the context of the land! There were too many highlights to mention from today… the entire day was incredible.”
Magdala
From here we drove north of Tiberias to the Plain of Genesseret. After our tasty fish 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 (the end of Matthew 15), Jesus must have taught here.
Capernaum
Our last archaeological site of the day, Capernaum, is 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 recalled the stories 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 ended with Mark 9. Serving in Christ’s kingdom requires a heart of humility and servanthood.
Sea of Galilee Boat Ride
Our last stop of the day was back to Tiberias where we embarked on our 45 minute boat ride. Being out on the water was inspirational! The stories of Mark 4 and Matthew 14 were shared. Jesus cares for us, especially when we encounter the “storms” of life. Sailing back to the dock, we returned to the shoreline, boarded our bus, and drove back to our hotel nearby. It was a great day of focusing upon Jesus!
Day 5 – Sunday, September 7: Hippos, Qatzrin, Syrian Border, Caesarea Philippi, Dan, Misgav Am
