Day 06 - The First Day of School

There is a saying in the Talmud about the first day a child goes to school. It teaches that "from six we receive them and stuff them with Torah like an ox" (Bava Batra 21a).

In many ways, today felt like the first day of school.

We began our morning along the Sea of Galilee, reflecting on the necessity of God’s Word dwelling deeply in our hearts. We talked about meditation, about slowing down long enough for Scripture to instruct us not just in belief, but in living.

From there, we launched into the place where Jesus launched His ministry and established His home base for nearly three years, Capernaum (Matthew 4:13). This was a ministry outpost. A small fishing village that became a hub of healing, teaching, calling, and proclamation. Here, disciples were called. Here, Jesus taught with authority. Here, the sick were healed. And, here, the name of Jesus began to spread throughout the region.

With the site completely empty except for our group, we took our time as we explored. We spent the entire morning walking through this village, stepping into story after story after story. 

Next we ascended Mount Arbel, a place often associated with prayer and reflection. We sought to place ourselves into the rhythm of Jesus.

There is a time to learn, and a time to listen.

A time to do, and a time to be.

A time to speak, and a time for silence.

A time for ministry and work, and a time for solitude and silence.

If we lose this rhythm, we cease to live as fully human. We reflected on Jesus’ own patterns and practices, and what it looks like for us to follow them in our own lives.

From there we moved on to the Mount of Beatitudes, where words Jesus spoke nearly two thousand years ago still echo from the hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee.

From there, we got close to a two thousand year old fishing boat, much like the ones the disciples would have used on this very lake. Finally, we stepped onto a boat ourselves. The day ended with worship on the water, surrounded by one of the most breathtaking scenes of the entire journey, and as every good pilgrimage should, a joyful dance party.

Today was full.

Full of learning.

Full of presence.

Full of joy.

Grateful for the journey!

Jerrell