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

Israel is a place of contrasts. On this fourth day of visiting the Holy Land we experienced the abundance of this place and of God. 

We are staying on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and it is beautiful! Jesus served 50-70% of His ministry around this body of water that is 8 miles wide and 13 miles long. 

There is life in this place and we started our journey today on Mount Arbel where we could see much of the Sea of Galilee, and many of the towns. Directly down the mountain was Magdala where Mary Magdalene lived and around the shoreline was Capernaum which became His home base as he began public ministry. 

On Mount Arbel we had a lesson on Jesus often taking time to get alone with God. These moments were filled with connecting, listening, and talking to the Father. It was out of these moments that Jesus was refreshed and He was given His assignments. 

It was so refreshing to be with our traveling team, look out on the land and water that Jesus traveled, and event take some time to connect and reflect on God’s love and direction for our lives.

Then it. Was a whirlwind of activity as we want to Tabgha where Jesus fed the five thousand and He met the Apostles after the resurrection and fed them breakfast on the shore. 

We moved on to Capernaum where He performed many miracles. We saw where Peter’s house is believed to have been and the synagogue sight where Jesus would have taught. In this space, on these streets, in these former buildings Jesus, the Messiah served and changed the World one connection at a time. 

We then moved on to Chorazin which is another town He ministered, did miracles, and taught in the synagogue. We saw a great example of what the homes would have looked looked like. Let’s just say, they weren’t spacious. 

Oh, I also took a stumble, tumble and fall in Chorazin. That was memorable! 😁 All is good though. 

We moved on to the Mount of Beatitudes we’re Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount. Many theologians see this teaching as the Summary of the New Covenant. The setting here is beautiful, and popular with tourists, as it looks over the Sea of Galilee. There is a church and other monuments but is quite a memorable stop. 

We next went to Ginosar which is also a beautiful place. On the drive there we experienced the view of palm figs, mangos and other agricultural products. It was green as lush and reminded us of God’s care and provision. 

At Genisar there is a beach, museum, and boat dock. In the 80’s someone found a hurried fishing boat that was common in the time of Jesus. That relic was in the museum and it was surreal to reflect on Jesus ministry on the water with many of His disciples being fishermen who later became fishers of men. 

From there we took a boat out on the Sea of Galilee. It was one of the most powerful moments of the day for me as I looked around from the middle of the lake and thought, “This is where Jesus walked on water, calmed the storm, and provided abundant fish. He was here.” 

Im not sure why that was the place that my heart was filled, but it was. 

Friends, I pray that your heart is filled! That this Sunday you are reminded that God sent His son for you, for us, for everyone and He wants us to surrender and believe. He wants us to be His family, together, and tell others so too can know Him and be a part of this amazing family! 

Be blessed this Sabbath day and know you are loved. Shalom