Trip - Part III

A beautiful clear sunny day on the Sea of Galilee. A boat ride takes us to the center of the lake/Sea. The engines are turned off and the Pastor gives a message. We sing two hymns. It is always a very moving experience to sit in the quiet, bobbing gently up and down and to think we are on the same sea that Jesus walked upon – and where he stilled the storm. The geography has not changed much in 2000 years. From the center of the sea we can see the ruins of Capernaum, the modern city of Tiberias and smaller villages around the perimeter of the sea. Mt. Arbel looms high and proud to the west, with the Valley of the Doves, and the city of Mary Magdalene, Migdol, clearly marked. (I will try to add a photo of Mt. Arbel.)



We get off the boat at the museum site of the ‘Jesus Boat.’ The ruins of this ancient wooden boat, dated back to the time of Jesus was uncovered in the 80’s during the time of a severe drought. Two brothers walking along the shrunken banks of the Sea of Galilee found it. Could it be the boat on which Jesus sailed? Only He knows, but it is an interesting thought. The museum is modern and beautiful. On my first trip in 1991 the boat was stored in a thermally controlled ‘shack’ ….now a beautiful edifice has been built with museum, gift shop and snack bar….and the amazingly preserved boat.

A short bus ride to the ancient ruins of Capernaum on the north west corner of the lake. Teaching to the group while we sat in the shade of trees. Black stones form the basic foundation of the ruins of a synagogue. The black stones date back to the time of Jesus – perhaps this is the actual synagogue where he preached. Perhaps these black stones were witness to his teaching and miracles.

There is also a museum built over the ruins of “Peters House.” Many believe that this was actually the home of Peter and his family – where Jesus healed the mother-in-law.

A drive along the north/eastern side of the lake. A view from the bus of a cemetery and ruins that might be where Jesus drove the demons out of the man, and then into the pigs.

Up a long, narrow, winding road on the eastern side of the lake, up to the Golan Heights. We stop at the “Peace Vista” overlook. A fantastic view of the entire Sea of Galilee, the cities of Tiberias and Capernaum (on the west side.)

We also stopped along the road to go inside some deserted bunkers that face east toward Jordan and Syria. Empty and weed infested – but unfortunately will probably be used again one day to defend Israel.

The last stop of the day is at the Jordan River Baptismal site. This beautiful site was funded by a church in the USA. Thousands of pilgrims are baptized in the Jordan River each year. We had approximately 12 from our own group that wanted to be (re) baptized in the Jordan River. The site is crowded with many groups. I hear Spanish and Russian spoken. People are joyful and excited as they don white robes and are dipped beneath the cold waters of the Jordan.

(Again, contact me if you would like information about tour groups. I hope to get a group of ladies together to tour, with an emphasis on the Women of Scripture.jpsant@netzero.net)