We left Bet She’an, following the western side of the Sea of Galilee. As we drove through Tiberias and came to a hotel with a run-down look, I thought, “I hope that’s not ours.” But just then the driver turned and pulled up in front. Fortunately inside proved differently! We had a large room, clean and nicely furnished with a great view of the sea. Our prior days in Jerusalem saw us up and on our way early with a great deal of activity before returning to the hotel by 6 or 6:30 each evening. Many of us were feeling somewhat weary, so on Monday, after another fantastic breakfast, we began a little later than normal. Today we worked our way around the Sea of Galilee stopping at several places along the way.
The Mount of Beatitudes is so lovely! The landscaping. The church. And view of the Sea of Galilee. So much occurred in Jesus’ ministry here on this hill: the Sermon on the Mount; healings; and miracles.
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| Crops are growing on the side of the mount leading to the Sea of Galilee. |
Italian Franciscan nuns splendidly manage the site, which includes a monastery. The church here differs from most built at holy places—it is small and simple.
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| Building in back is the monastery. |
Nearby and down next to the sea, a chapel commemorates the miracle of the few loaves and fishes that fed a multitude of people and where Christ prepared broiled fish for his disciples after his resurrection. A small beach area allows visitors to wade in the sea, but its rocky, pebbly bottom makes it challenging for those with tender bare feet! I held on to Mary June as she tried it out, but I chose the easy way by navigating across the larger rocks on the side to one where I could sit down and dip my feet in the water. Fish were easily seen in the clear water of the sea.
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| Mary June preparing to enter the water. |
A drive of minutes brings us to Capernaum, an important place for those who believe in Christ. Jesus dwelt in Capernaum and made it the center of his ministry. He preached in the synagogue numerous times (Mark 1:19, John 6:59). The remains of a beautiful, richly ornate synagogue was first believed to be the place where Jesus taught, but further excavations revealed a more simplistic, first-century synagogue underneath. The building may not be the one, but the place is right!
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| Foundations of first-century synagogue under the fourth-century one. |
On our tours, we try to get at least one photo of our group. When we had gathered in the synagogue, it worked out as a splendid place for the photo. Our guide Yossi is in the middle on the first row.
Jesus performed many miracles at Capernaum and surrounding area, including healing Peter’s mother-in-law (Mathew 8:14-15; Mark 1:26-28; Luke 4:38-39); the man who was let down through the roof because it was so crowded they couldn’t get near to Jesus (Mark 2:1-9); and many others (Luke 4:40-41). The foundations of what is believed to be Simon Peter’s house now lie below the remains of a second-century octagon church. Above that sits a church built in 1992 that seems more like a UFO than a church.
The morning was not yet done. Bethsaida was our next stop before lunch, but something surprising occurred there that requires a more detailed explanation! Check back late tomorrow to find out about this.
