Galilee

Hello everyone! We’re wrapping up a very wonderful and emotional day spent in Galilee and the surrounding areas. We got started early this morning because we were scheduled to catch a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee. It was chilly this morning, but we huddled together and were so excited to see such an important Biblical place. We enjoyed views of a snow-covered Mount Hermon, the Golan Heights, Galilee, and Tiberias. To quote a friend, “The Sea of Galilee is the enthralling power of this region for Christian visitors, where you don’t have to close your eyes to picture Jesus here—you have to open them.” We stopped in the center of the Sea, where Pastor Ralph set the stage for the rest of our days here. He introduced us to the world as it was at the time of Jesus. He pointed out where the Jewish world lived on one side of the Sea, and where the Hellenistic world lived, in a place called the Decapolis. So much of what we know of the gospels and how Jesus ministered to the people around him came into sharp focus for us.

Ralph helped us understand that Jesus’s heart was not just for the Jew, but also the Gentile. Salvation would come to all through him. After the teaching, we started to the other side of the Sea, playing worship music, singing and fellowshipping together. Just imagining Jesus out there on the water was enough to make us sit in awestruck silence. It was very powerful and memorable. 

Right when we disembarked, we went to see an ancient boat that was discovered under the water, dated back to the time of Christ. We learned all the intricate ways that archaeologists have worked to preserve such an ancient treasure. Having just crossed the Sea, we were amazed at how much work it would have been back then without a motor to depend on. Seeing the Bible in practical ways has been a fascinating experience. It colors the way we see Scripture—deepens it.

From there, we hiked up to the hillside aptly called the Mount of the Beatitudes. From this high place where Jesus taught, we had a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. Seeing it from this perspective helped us understand what it was like for Jesus to teach there. We were reminded of the way he referred to the flowers of the field in Matthew 6:28-29, “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

Reading these verses (Matthew chapters 5-7) on the very spot where Jesus spoke them, surrounded by our pastors and church family, gazing at nearby poppies in full bloom was something that cannot be fully explained. It was unforgettable.

Not too far away from this site was a place called Tabgha. We learned that it is called the Place of the Seven Springs. Because of the plentiful fish in this spot on the Sea of Galilee, it was a desired place for fishermen to find a good catch. We walked down to the shoreline where Jesus once called his disciples. Pastor Joe gathered us and reminded us of just who Jesus gathered unto himself as disciples. He didn’t just gather the polished students of the law, he chose a tax collector, a zealot, and normal fishermen. Jesus values and calls men and women of all walks of life to follow him. In Pastor Joe’s words, “Everyone is important.” Jesus calls all unto himself, offering them his salvation. Jesus chose to turn the system of the world on its head, calling all to walk so closely with their Savior that we would be covered by the dust from his feet. We recited a phrase we’ve come to know at Lifebridge Church very well. Stay dusty.

Next we drove to the place where Jesus moved after leaving Nazareth, Capernaum. It was here that we saw the preserved foundation of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law’s house. According to Mark 1:29-30, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law right there in Capernaum after teaching all day in the synagogue. We were amazed to see the foundation of that very synagogue was still intact, underneath another synagogue that was built in the 4th century. Pastor Chris taught us that Jesus lived and did most of his ministry in Capernaum. This place is where he carried out his mission, teaching and healing people. Pastor Chris also read out of Mark 2:1-12 which mentions a time that Jesus was teaching in a house full of people. It was so full that friends of a sick man dug a hole in a roof in order to lower their sick friend into the house to see Jesus. Pastor Chris reminded us that Jesus was amazed by these men and their faith. They knew that if they could just get their friend to Jesus, he would be healed. May we all have such great faith.

Our final stop of the day was very special. We hiked up to the top of Mount Arbel for a time of quiet and reflection. From this spot, we could see all of upper and lower Galilee. The views were striking, unlike what we’ve ever seen before. It was a perfect ending to an emotional day. We are so very thankful to be in Israel with each other, and such incredible leadership.

As we wrap up for the evening, please know that these blogs only cover a small fraction of what we’re learning and experiencing here. In the years to come if you’re able, please consider a future trip to Israel with Lifebridge Church. Our skilled leaders take us on an intentional, prayerful journey through the Holy Land that cannot be fully grasped unless it is experienced first-hand.

We wish you all a blessed evening, we’re so thankful for your prayers.