Day 06 - Mon Jul 04

“Follow me and I’ll make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

Today we walked where Jesus did 80% of his ministry: the triangle between Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Chorazin.

On the way to Capernaum, we stopped in the “desolate place” or “solitary place” mentioned when Jesus feeds the 5,000 in Mark 6. We discussed the fascinating numbers behind how many fish, loaves, and baskets were in Mark 6 vs Mark 8. (You can read more about it at https://www.somersethillsbc.org/shbc-blog/whats-the-difference-between-the-feeding-of-the-4000-and-the-5000/, if you’re interested.)

Capernaum

The sign that welcomed us to this ancient city read: “Capernaum The Town of Jesus.” This is where Jesus lived during his 3 years of ministry.  

Our group gathered under the shade of a broad-leafed tree and discussed the historical role of a rabbi. Jesus fulfilled it by teaching his followers to become like him. But he also subverted it by being the one who pursued his followers rather than the other way around.

What a powerful idea that Jesus seeks out his followers, calls them by name, and empowers them to walk in his way. He did it back then, and he’s still doing it today.

Then we walked into the white-stone synagogue where Jesus cast out the demons in Mark 1. After marveling at that, we moved a short distance away to Peter’s house where Jesus likely lived! There is currently a church suspended over this sacred space, so we weren’t allowed to get near it.

Our time ended with prayer and reflection by the Sea of Galilee. What an honor to walk in the same place that Jesus did!

Chorazin

Next we took a short bus ride to Chorazin. Jesus cursed this city for their lack of faith in response to the miracles he performed there (Matthew 11:21). So, we know he was there. We walked among the ruins, by the ritual bath, and looked at the synagogue.

Then we discussed the ancient Jewish marriage customs.  A man would propose to a woman by offering her a cup of wine (the cup of covenant). This is what Jesus was referring to when he offered up the wine at the Last Supper! He was mirroring the way that society asked, “Will you marry me?”

 If she drank the wine, then they were betrothed. But, before they could wed, he went to prepare a place for her by literally building a room on to his family compound. Does this remind anyone of John 14:2-3 where Jesus says there are many rooms in his Father’s house, and he’s going to prepare one for us? Woah!

Bethsaida

After a very long, sweaty hike, we boarded the bus for one final stop of the day. We landed in Bethsaida, the home of Simon, Philip, and Andrew. Fishing supplies were discovered in many of these homes by the Sea of Galilee. We read about Jesus calling them to be fishers of men.

Within the last 10 years, archeologists discovered ruins from the time of David close to these homes. There were images and statues of the pagan god, Ba’al, found here. We ended the day in amazement that God would take a former idol-worshipping town and turn it into the place where 3 of Jesus’ disciples were raised.

We are so grateful for our inheritance of redemption!