Day 10 - Tel Araj, Kinnereth Trail Hike, Capernaum

At the northern banks of Galilee, Jesus called some of His first disciples with the words, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men”. 

As we stood on these very same banks today, we remembered the place where these men once stood — feeling insignificant in their boats, following the family trade. Within just an instant, they were called higher by the very Creator of the universe. In just an instant, they went from following their family trade to following the Messiah that they had been waiting for. 

Just because this story happened before, we can stand firm in the truth that Jesus is the same today; we can stand firm in the truth of knowing that He calls us from following the ways of this world to turn our feet and our hearts toward Him. We are called to follow His way and to leave the rest behind. 

As we left the northern bank on the Sea of Galilee, we followed Ben up to the Mount of Beatitudes, near where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7). As we walked with Ben up this hillside, we practiced what it looks like to follow/imitate our good shepherd. We learned firsthand that the further you get from our Master, the more we follow the world around us. 

From here, we walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and made our way to Capernaum, where remains of a synagogue and living communities (“insulas”) still stood. As we walked, we noticed that each sign spelled the city as “Capharnaum”. 

“Caphar” meaning to comfort, “naum” meaning to lament/grieve/mourn. 

It was no mistake that Jesus — our Healer, Redeemer, Comforter moved to Capernaum. 

We followed the path of Jesus’ ministry as we made our way to Bethsaida, where Jesus called at least five of His disciples. In reverent obedience, these men would carry this call to the ends of the earth and some, even to persecution and death. They followed Jesus with everything they had. What would it look like for us to be that committed? 

Peter gives us another example of fiercely following in the footsteps of Jesus. Though he didn’t always do it perfectly, we see in Matthew 14 that the desire of his heart is to do exactly as his Rabbi does. Even if that seems impossible. Like walking on water. We received this message in new light, aboard a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee; the very waters that Jesus walked on. Though the boat rocks and the seas roar, we must keep out eyes fixed on Him. We must do what He does. Even when it seems impossible.