Galilee

 Our last day in Galilee was spent retracing Jesus’ steps around the Sea. We began by driving north from Tiberias to G. to see the “Jesus boat”, a 2000 year old fishing boat that was used in Biblical times. We were fascinated to see that it was made of at least 10 types of wood and the hull of the boat was mostly in tact!

 

From here we sped to see the Mount of Beatitudes before it closed for afternoon mass. The park was immaculate, with brightly colored blooming flowers surrounding the church and spectacular views of the Sea. “And seeing the multitudes, he went up the mountain…” (Matthew 5:1-11) I read the Sermon on the Mount aloud, imagining Jesus speaking to His disciples in such a place. What a wonder… He was here!

 

Tabgha is the small city at the bottom of the mountain, near Capernaum that is most likely the solitary, lonely place described in the Bible where Jesus miraculously multiplied the loaves and fishes.

Capernaum was next… The video is probably not the best representation of how impressive it was to see Jesus’ hometown during his ministry, but the heat really did put a damper on the sightseeing. Made us appreciate how tough people in Biblical times were! Just knowing we were walking where our Savior walked gave me much to ponder, especially now as I open my Bible and imagine the walking, the views, the heat, the dirt, everything that is not stated directly in Scripture. It’s such a gift to be given the additional insight.

It was midday when we finished here and kids were done so we headed back to Tiberias and then to Ashkelon.