Our Galilee Experience

 Today was enlightening, emotional and energizing.  We began our day at one of the most recent and exciting archeological sites in all Israel:  Magdala.  Hometown of Mary Magdalene or Miriam of  Migdal in Hebrew, a first century synagogue, one where Jesus definitely taught at, was unearthed.  An “A” site for sure.  Following some explanation, we went into the church that includes a painting of the woman with the issue of blood touching the hem of Jesus’ garment and finding healing.  It was moving.  Her faith was a key.

On to Capernaum, headquarters to the ministry, and the location where Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.  One of the fascinating things Nir showed us here was a later inscription that includes very familiar family names such as Zebedee, and James and John etched on a column.  This shows that the town historically was connected to families with those names.  This is another confirmation of the Biblical story.

The Mt. Of Beatitudes was our third stop.  With such a beautiful day as a backdrop, it was easy to envision Jesus sitting with His disciples and a few thousand people listening in as He taught the Sermon on the Mount.  We focused on God’s pattern of forcing people to face themselves, their actions and their motives, in hope of them repenting and finding forgiveness and wholeness or Shalom.  The view of the lake from up here is spectacular.  

St. Peter in Primacy, the place where Jesus took a walk and talk on the beach with Peter to redeem him following his denial of Jesus, was our final stop before lunch. The water level is very high compared to previous years.  

Lunch was St. Peter’s fish.  A few got chicken rather than having their lunch look at them.  This is a talapia, caught right here on the Sea of Galilee.  Following lunch, we were off to Yardenit, the baptismal site.

We had 19 celebrate the remembrance of their baptism by being baptized in the Jordan River.  It was a wonderful time of celebration together and very moving as a sort of rededication of their lives to Christ and His Kingdom.

A short stop at a kibbutz that specializes in dates, date products and various spices was followed by going back to our hotel kibbutz and hearing the story about finding the Jesus’ boat in 1986.  This was followed by a sunset cruise on the Sea of Galilee which included an excellent message from Pastor Justin.  Janelle then led us in singing the song Oceans, about Peter stepping out of the boat by faith.  It was emotional and energizing all at the same time.  

Here are some pictures as highlights.

Justin speaking on the boat, Sea of Galilee

First Group picture, Magdala

First century reader’s podium, Magdala

Mosaic flooring, Synagogue, Magdala

Ancient first century fishing boat found in 1986, Nof Ginosar

Group who got baptized in Jordan River

St. Peter fish, Sea of Galilee

Our home for three nights on the Sea of Galilee

Sign, Mt. Of Beatitudes

Boat Ride, Sea of Galilee

Garden, Mt. Of Beatitudes

Panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee from the Mt. Of Beatitudes

Walking down to St. Peter in Primacy church, Sea of Galilee

Ian and Traci on Jesus’ Boat, Sea of Galilee

12 different kinds of wood used in 1st. Century Boat

Group Picture, Nof Ginosar


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