Day 04 - Galilee:: Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, Magdala, Mount Arbel, Ancient Boat (Ginosar), Galilee Boat Ride, Susita

Day four of our Israel trip started with prayer and devotion on the beach in Galilee. Then, we traveled to the city of Capernaum learning how Jesus’ ministry there fulfills the prophesy of Isaiah. This is where Jesus recruited his disciples from a community of Jewish fisherman. While in Capernaum, we visited the synagogue where Jesus taught. Our tour guide is awesome and really knows the scriptures. Capernaum is a very busy location and many other tour groups were coming through the synagogue where were we reading scriptures. These other groups were just looking at the walls or pillars and taking some selfies. They didn’t seem to grasp the significance of where they were standing because nobody was reading or referencing the bible. We were standing exactly were Jesus stood and taught! Next to the synagogue was the apostle Peter’s house where Jesus lived while in Capernaum. Again, we were standing where Jesus walked over 2000 years ago. It was awesome!

Our next stop was to the Mount of the Beatitudes.This is where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Again, we sat and reflected in a place where Jesus likely had crowds gather to hear his teaching. 

Our next stop was to Magdala. Magdala was a major market for salted fish and it was also the home a Mary Magdalene. This site was recently discovered (approximately 12 years ago) so it is continues to reveal so many epic secrets.  

Our next stop was Mount Arbel. It is referenced in Luke 6:12 and many other texts that Jesus got away, went up, climbed the mountains or hills to pray and be close to His Father. Mount Arbel is a reminder for all of us to take time from our busy schedules to find quite time for prayer and reflection.

Our last stop of the day was to take a boat ride across the lake. Once again, we were on the same water and looking at the same coast as Jesus did 2000 years ago. Our boat ride included an awesome message from Pastor Glenn and our tour guide Ronen taught us "Hava Nagila" as we danced the last portion of our journey. We had another busy, powerful and joyfully fun day.

Matt Bach