He will overcome

We were told that some days on this trip would require some flexibility. Today was one of those days due to some rainy weather (unfortunate for us but AMAZING for Israel). However, with our amazing guides and fantastic group, we were able to make the most of it and continue to see the best that Israel has to offer.

Our day consisted of a couple stops that were in/surrounding Galilee. The first stop was at Katzrin which took us back in time so we could experience a glimpse of what life looked like for an Israelite that lived during Jesus’ time. After getting dressed in the proper clothes of that period we got to see fun things like how olive oil was made to walking into a fully built home that would have been found during that time. Ronan and Rich had us pile into a house so we could experience what it would have been like in Mark 2 when Jesus healed a paralytic that was lowered into his house. I will read the Bible completely different having a true picture in my head of what homes and towns were really like during the time of Jesus. We also got to make our own pita bread and enjoy a morning snack combining it with things like jam, cheese, and olive oil.

Our next stop at Mount Bental was brief as it was raining hard and there was extremely low visibility so we couldn’t see into Syria and the Road to Damascus as Ronan desired. We then headed to Caesarea Philippi where we saw where people would go to worship the Greek god Pan. This visit brought to life why Jesus would have chosen near this location to tell Peter in Matthew 16, “And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it.” Jesus dragged the disciples somewhere they never would have gone, in front of the debauchery of the pagans, to communicate that He will overcome.

Our last stop at Tel Dan was spoiled by the rain, but we still got to hear about the location. We are excited for the adventures that await us tomorrow.