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Israel Study Tour with Grace Hills Church
November 18-29, 2019
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Galilee
We were up bright and early to start our day with an outstanding Israeli breakfast and then on the bus at 7:45 to start another long day this time touring the area around the sea of Galilee. Our first stop was Mount Arbel where we learned about the battle between Roman soldiers and the Jewish community who were living in the hillside caves. We were blessed to have a beautiful view of the sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. We were treated to a mini sermon by Pastor Mike and then given time to find our own special place to pray and spend time with God.
Next it was on to the Mt of Beatitudes where it is believed that Jesus gave his sermon on the Mount that is found in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7. We discussed the sermon, spent time walking around the area, and visited the on-site Roman Catholic Church which opened in 1937.
Mount of Beatitudes
The so-called “Sermon on the Mount” is recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6. The alleged discrepancy between Matthew’s version being on a hill and Luke’s being on a level place is easily reconciled with observation of many level places on the Galilean hillsides. Scripture gives no indication of the exact location of this event, but the Byzantines built a church to commemorate it at the bottom of the hill. Some of Napoleon’s men placed it on the nearby Arbel mountain.
After a short drive we arrived at Chorazin where we visited the ruins of a 4th century city including a Synagogue and the insula, which is a “courtyard” in the middle of some small homes. The community came together in this insula area where they shared life together. This was compared to our Grace Hills “Oikos”.
Chorazin
The synagogue at Chorazin is a typical “Galilean” style synagogue. These synagogues are characterized by 1) a basilical shape with three hallways separated by two rows of pillars; 2) three doorways and the central one is the largest; 3) benches around the interior walls; 4) a stylobate to support the weight of the arches.
We then drove further down the north shore of the sea of Galilee to visit Tabgha, the believed site of where Jesus performed many miracles including the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. We also had time to walk along the shores of Galilee and visit the Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter. There were many other Christian groups from all over the world enjoying the site as well.
Tabgha
Two miles west of Capernaum is what Josephus referred to as the “well of Capernaum.” Undoubtedly a popular fishing spot of the locals because of its famous “seven springs,” Heptapegon (today the name has been corrupted to Tabgha) is the traditional location for several episodes in Jesus’ ministry.
Then it was on to Capernaum (the town of Jesus). This was a very large and active city. It is believed that Jesus stayed in Peter’s mother-in-law’s house where many of the original walls of the house still exist. There was a very large Synagogue where Jesus attended. Pastor Mike spoke about people’s pride and their unrepentance. He compared it to being worse than Sodom in that these people were aware of Jesus’ message but were rejecting it.
Capernaum
Jesus made Capernaum his home during the years of his ministry: “Leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum” (Matt 4:13).
Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen living in the village. Matthew the tax collector also dwelt here.
Capernaum is one of the three cities cursed by Jesus for its lack of faith.
We finished our day with a wonderful boat ride on the sea of Galilee, which was calm and beautiful. The sun was setting behind Mount Arbel (our first site visited today) and the valley where Jesus traveled. After the ride, we saw a 2,000 year old boat that was discovered buried in the mud along the banks of the Sea of Galilee. The boat is now on display in the adjacent museum. A good way to end our day realizing that we can all be fishers of men.
Then it was back to the hotel for an outstanding dinner.
--Dean and Karen Ulrich
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