We have good news to share with everyone

Another day of adventure in the land of Israel as we watch and listen for what God has for us. For a number of our “gang”, it is a time of resting on the shore of the Sea of Galilee at our kibbutz. Physically, they are struggling, but are blessed to be around the body of water Jesus had done so many things with His disciples. The rest of us are off to sites that will hopefully grow and appreciate our faith.

Even as we travel on the highway, we pass the probable exact spot where Jesus healed the Gerasene demonic. After Jesus casts out the demons, they implore Him to send them into pigs. Jesus does this and the herd rushes down the steep bank into the sea. They all then quickly drown. Visualize how this happened (Mark 5:1-13).

We then arrived at our “official” first site. It is the Katzrin Village that was discovered in the fifth century but dates back to the first century. We had an opportunity to “press and produce” olive oil the old-fashioned way. Olive oil was essential for everyday life and when people were anointed, it communicated how essential they were in the lives of other people. We also were able to enter into a “first century home” with a “thatched” flat roof. The event in Mark 2:1-12 was read of the four friends who broke through the roof to get their friend to Jesus. It was here that Jesus healed their paralytic friend and verified He had the authority to forgive sins. How much effort do we give to get our friends to Jesus?

From the amazing experience of being at the Katzrin Village and even dressing the part, we then traveled up to Mount Bental. We saw the borders of conflict between Israel and Syria from an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level. It is humbling and challenging to think of so many that have lived in almost constant danger simply because they are Jewish. As far as it being a biblical site, it is the probable location of the transfiguration of Jesus recorded in Matthew 17:1-8.

Then we drove to Caesarea Philippi for lunch and to visualize one of the most significant teaching moments in the lives of the disciples. It is here in the background of pagan worship, Jesus asked His young followers “who do people say that the son of man is? He then asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the reality in which Jesus will build his Church and “the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” We learned there is nothing more important than truly knowing who Jesus is! Also, we have nothing to really fear from this world or even the evil one, for Jesus and His church will never be defeated. We have good news to share with everyone!

There is much more we could share, but again this was a full day filled with so many experiences and great people to share it with!

Excited to be here!

--Mike and Alice Johnson