Relentlessly pursued

Today, we walked where Jesus walked. We visited four sites around the Sea of Galilee including Mount Arbel, Magdala, the Mount of Beatitudes, and Tabgha. In each of these locations, Jesus spent a significant amount of time doing His ministry. Literally, today, we walked where Jesus walked.

Our hike up Mount Arbel brought us to a beautiful peak that allowed us to gaze over the northeast region of Galilee. It was here that we discussed evidence to believe that Jesus retreated to this mountain to pray (Luke 6:12). To think this is where Jesus came to put Himself before God the Father in full dependence was incredible. In that moment, we studied the importance of prayer in sparking and growing our faith. From this site, we headed toward the wealthy city of Magdala. Magdala is known for its fishing business and for the character in the Bible, Mary Magdalene. We saw the ruins of the city and experienced one the few first-century synagogues, a place where Jesus would have gone to teach.

We then traveled to the northern part of the Sea of Galilee and stopped at the Mount of Beatitudes. Sitting on the top of the small mountain, the whole region of Galilee was in view. This was appropriate since Jesus was teaching a lesson about the availability of the Kingdom of Heaven to everyone. Along with the beatitudes, we reflected on the Sermon on the Mount that was taught by the Christ. Our last stop for the day was nearby at a place called Tabgha. This site, marked by a church, resembles the probable shore spoken of in John 21:9. The shore is the place where Jesus affirms Peter of His love and commands Peter to feed His sheep. Once again, we were able to walk where Jesus had walked.

Of these wonderful experiences, the lesson at Tabgha impacted me the most. When diving into the story of Peter, I quickly saw my similar, reluctant spirit. Like Peter, I have been asked by Jesus to follow Him multiple times, and like Peter, I have ignored Jesus multiple times. Even when we (Peter and I) have started following Jesus, we have stumbled more than a few times. I so often struggle to walk in faith and be obedient. I doubt, give in to my impulses, and try to do what I think is right all the time. Fortunately, Jesus does not leave Peter and me to sit in our unfaithfulness.

The conclusion of this lesson was about how Jesus relentlessly pursued Peter, and how Peter humbly responded to his rabbi. Beside the times Jesus called Peter to follow Him in His life, He continued to pursue Peter after the resurrection by bringing him full circle. Jesus first tells Peter to be a fisher of men. Then He tells Peter to feed His sheep. Jesus affirms Peter, gives Him a command, and gives Him authority. Jesus has also done this for me. He has relentlessly pursued me, He has showed Himself faithful throughout my life, and He has given me a command and authority. Today, I was reminded of when I decided to follow the Lord. And tomorrow, I will have to remember again why I can and should follow the Lord.