Galilee, Part I

The first time I saw the Sea of Galilee it was smaller than I expected; the second time I saw it, it was larger than I remembered.

On Sunday – Monday of this week we spent two days in the region where Jesus spent the heart of his ministry.  We got a room in Tiberias on the western shore, the largest town on the lake.  From there we rented a car and drove wherever we wanted, eventually circumnavigating the entire sea.  Last week when we were here we had an enjoyable boat-ride, which Linda aptly described on her blog http://ourpilgrimagetoisrael.blogspot.com/.  For this visit we went to see many of the places which became headquarters for Jesus and the twelve.

 

Driving north out of Tiberias the first town we came to was Magdala, home of Mary, and then Gennesaret.  This is one of the places where Jesus and the disciples landed in their crossings (Mark 6:53-56).  Driving on around the northwest part of the lake, the Mount of the Beatitudes soon became visible high on the left.  

The mountain where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7) slopes down to the sea and gives a commanding view.  To the left we could see Capernaum, which was the home of Peter and the home base for Jesus’ Galilean ministry.   

On top of the mountain, of course, is another beautiful church.  One thing that is striking about this church is the beauty of the landscaping and the gardens all around.   

Looking out from the church we could see the kind of natural amphitheater where the crowds would sit and listen to Jesus.  My heart was breaking to think of how far we have strayed from these simple, direct teachings regarding simplicity, humility, peacemaking, forgiveness, generosity, serving God rather than hoarding money, refraining from judging others, treating others as we would like to be treated, speaking the truth, practicing prayer and learning to trust.  If all who call themselves Christians could just TRY to live by the real teachings of Jesus from this mountain, it would be a better world.  Not only that, but there would be a credible, countercultural Christian witness that would actually attract people to Christ and his Church.

I came away with a tear in my eye and a renewed commitment to try to follow these teachings of Jesus as best I can, and with the help of God, to teach them.

From here, on to Capernaum...