Holy Land Journey
We started our day at the Mount of Beatitudes. This is where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount. Situated on the Sea of Galilee, it had beautiful gardens and a pretty Catholic Church.
The group listening to Rafi, our tour guide
From there, we drove to Capernaum — the centre of Jesus’ Galilee Ministry. We saw the ruins of Peter’s home, including mosaics found with Jesus’ name in Aramaic and Greek. We saw the stones of the synagogue during the time of Jesus. We were feet away from the Sea of Galilee and could imagine Jesus staying at Peter’s home and preaching in the synagogue.
Ruins of Peter’s home
Although I didn’t want to leave this town, I was excited to go for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. When Tim Maassarany read from scripture about Jesus walking on the water, I was moved to tears. Daniel, the boat captain, talked about fishing and then he led us in song.
Sea of Galilee boat ride
After the 50-minute boat ride, we went to a museum where they showed us a fishing boat that was recovered from the Sea of Galilee in 1986 and dated back to Jesus’ time. The oldest boat to ever be found — 2000 years old!
2000 year old boat
As if the day wasn’t already perfect, we continued on to the south side of the Sea of Galilee where 10 members of our group were baptized in the Jordan River.
Baptism in the Jordan River
Highlights
Visiting the Catholic Church at the Mt. of Beatitudes — it was the only church to be built with windows to look outdoors.
Catholic Church windows
Looking at the hills that made for a perfect ampitheatre-type sound that could explain how Jesus could be heard by 5000 people.
Site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes
loving this tour – almost as if I am there!
Sheila Webster
Fellowscript Editor
Thanks Sheila. I’m having fun remembering these places as I post the photos!
Yes I agree with Sheila. Following in your footsteps as you followed where Jesus walked. Neat.
Blessings,
Janis
PS I like the 2000 year old boat the best.
The boat was fascinating! It took them a long time to figure out how to get the boat out of the lake without it crumbling. Once out, they had to wait another 10 years for it to be in good enough condition to display!