Day 12 – Tuesday, November 18: Arbel Hike/Walk, Boat Ride, Capernaum, Jordan River/Yardenit, Kinneret Cemetery, Magdala, Tiberias
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 another wonderfully cloudless-sunny day, with temps around 75. We also enjoyed another wonderful sunrise! 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 five 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 also on the topic of Jesus calling us (i.e.“Come follow me … “Lech Acharai,” a very rabbinic way of calling “Talmidim” / disciples). We left the top and walked back down to the visitor center where we were treated to ice cream! ????
Yardenit/Jordan River
Next, we drove 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, Nine in the group in the group reaffirmed their faith. The water level was very low and “refreshing cool” 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.
Ancient Boat
We drove back through Tiberias 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. It was no doubt a fishing boat like this that was used by the fishermen Jesus called (i.e. Peter, Andrew, James, and John – Matthew 4).
Capernaum
Following see the ancient boat, we visited the ancient site of 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.
“The area of the Sea of Galilee was our focal point today as we retraced the footsteps of Jesus from place to place. It was an amazing day of great views (from Arbel), inspirational moments (baptism, Capernaum), and eye-opening experiences (Magdala)! Thanks be to God!”
Boat Ride
Next was our boat ride! Because of the predicted higher winds this afternoon (they never happened), our boat ride began at Capernaum. 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!
Magdala
We ended the day by driving back south along the shoreline of the lake. This took us to the ancient site 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. We also enjoyed seeing the mosaic murals in the chapel. A beautiful mural of the Luke 8 story (woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment) was stunning! We also sang a few songs in the rotunda of the chapel. We sounded like angels!
We drove back to our hotel in Tiberias, arriving at 5:30. We enjoyed an amazing dinner together at 6:30 (with ice cream for desert for the third straight night!) followed by another free evening. What a great day re-tracing Jesus’ footsteps! We leave the Galilee tomorrow morning as we head towards Jerusalem.
Day 13 – Wednesday, November 19: Precipice of Nazareth, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Jerusalem, Optional Western Wall Walk
