Following the Footsteps of Jesus

Following the Footsteps of Jesus by Brian Kiley

Today got off to a rough start. I walked into breakfast battling a head cold, and I immediately noticed that there was a much lighter crowd than normal. I soon learned that over 20 people in our group had gotten sick overnight. Many of those 20 were still not feeling well, and ultimately would not be able to join us for the day. Our tour guide said that in all of his years of leading tours he had never seen anything like this.

Because of all of the sickness our departure was delayed until 9:00am. When we left, the bus was not only lighter than normal, but it was also more subdued. Some on the bus were still recovering from a difficult evening, and the rest of us were sad that our friends were going to have to miss out on the day.

Our first stop was at Mount Arbel. We drove up the mountain and went on a short hike to an overlook where we had a view of Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee. From our perch we could see the entire region where Jesus conducted the vast majority of his ministry. Pastor Matt pointed us to the Scriptures that show us that Jesus often went up in the mountains to pray, and from our perch it was clear that Mount Arbel was the highest mountain in the area. It is thus very possible that Jesus had used that mountain as a favorite prayer spot. Unfortunately, due to our late start weren’t able to hike down the mountain, but we made our way back to the bus and proceeded to our next stop.

Upon descending the mountain we made our way to the Sea of Galilee where we boarded a boat. We rode out into the middle of the lake and had time to reflect on where we were. As worship music played, I read the passages in the gospels about Jesus calming the storm and Jesus walking on water. It was clear from looking at the faces of the rest of the group that it was powerful for them to be out on these waters. Pastor Matt walked us through Jesus’s calming of the storm, and reminded us that Jesus is present with us in the storms we face. Ronen then closed the time by teaching us some Jewish dancing, and we had a wonderful time of celebration. Like so much else on this trip, it was nothing short of surreal to float on the Sea of Galilee.

After that we visited an archeological site near the ancient city of Magdala. Magdala is known as being the home of Mary Magdelene, but it is also the site of a very important archeological dig. The dig is unearthing—among other things—one of only seven synagogues known to have existed before the destruction of the temple. It was interesting to watch the work that was being done as we walked through the area.

Following a delicious falafel lunch we were on our way to our next stop, the Mount of Beatitudes. On the one hand, the site itself wasn’t much to look at. There were buildings and farm equipment, and there was a strong wind that made things a little bit uncomfortable. On the other hand, it was amazing to consider that we were close to the spot where it is believed that Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, the greatest sermon ever preached. In the midst of the heavy wind, I had the great thrill of giving a short teaching, and following the teaching we all had time to sit and reflect upon Jesus’ sermon.

Our final stop of the day was Capernaum, the city where Jesus did nearly all of his public ministry. Ronen and Pastor Matt combined to give us some excellent teaching about the importance of the city of Capernaum and the way religious life would have worked in the city. We got to stand in the synagogue where Jesus would have preached, and we were able to see the ruins of Peter’s house. I was struck by the remarkable diversity of the tourists at the site. I noticed tours in at least five different languages that I could identity. It made it very clear that people come from all over the world to walk these ruins were Jesus once walked.

Following a fish dinner at a local restaurant we returned to our kibbutz to rest up for our trip to Jerusalem tomorrow. Most of our group appears to be on the mend, and we are praying that continues. We can’t wait to see Jerusalem tomorrow!

Learning to Trust by Karen Wedlake

It really is challenging to explain or put into words why this is such an amazing/life changing trip...but it has to do with being in the presence or space where many of the stories in the Bible took place. Yesterday included the place where 3,000 years ago Abraham went to redeem and retrieve Lot’s nephew. It’s also a place where physical evidence was discovered to support the existence of King David.

Today we were taught in the same synagogue where Jesus taught. Amazing!

Before I came to Israel, people told me that it was life changing for them. Just like everyone’s lives are unique, that “life changing experience” will be unique to the individual. I have found that to be the case for me.

My husband, Philip, and I prayed for wisdom, guidance, and provision to come on this trip. This has proved to be another reminder for us that God is ALWAYS faithful! Be prepared to see and hear His answers. His answers can be very unexpected.

I know that God has used this trip to help be see the importance, once again, of learning to trust. I encourage you to join me in believing that you can trust God in every aspect of your life.”