Israel: Day Three

Day three began with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. What a historic event! Seriously, I can’t believe that I was able to ride across the same body of water that once held vessels filled with the disciples and Jesus. This is where He walked on the water and calmed the storm. This is where He instructed His disciples to cast their nets on the other side of the boat and the nets came up full of fish. Surreal…just surreal.

Our boat

The area of the sea where they believe Jesus may have walked on the water

After the boat ride, we continued our journey to the mountain of beatitudes. This is where Jesus gave the famous sermon on the mount.

Overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the mountain of beatitudes

Traveling farther into the forest area, we stopped at a location where pagan temples where built into the mouth of a cave and the surrounding rock. Many believe this is where Jesus took the disciples when He asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” It makes a lot more sense why He would ask that question when you realize that they were probably standing in front of all of the temples honoring the different pagan gods. He was asking them who He represented, who He was in comparison.

Our next stop was the Banius waterfall. It was gorgeous. The river is fed from springs at the base of Mount Hermon and eventually becomes the Jordan River. So, this is essentially the start of the Jordan.

After visiting the waterfall, we journeyed to Capernum, the home town of Jesus. Many of the ruins are from the time when Jesus walked here and performed miracles. They also have uncovered ruins of what they believe was the first Christian church. Pretty cool stuff!

Walls of the ancient homes in Capernum

Synagogue

The two last stops of the day were (1) the place where Jesus fed the 5,000 with just 5 loaves and 2 fish and (2) the Jordan River. We visited the banks of the Sea of Galilee and had an opportunity to wade around for a bit. A church is built here on the site where they believe the miracle took place. Our Jordan river visit was very symbolic for the entire group. We had a large group of people who were to be baptized or re-baptized in the Jordan river. It was a really neat experience that I’m sure will never be forgotten.

This is what it’s all about.