The Sea of Galilee & The Mount of Beatitudes

On Wednesday, October 20 we awaken, well rested in our elegant hotel in Tiberius overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the west to the east. Simply gorgeous is all I can say.  We bus to Tabgha which is where Peter returned to his chosen profession as a fisherman after his disastrous denial of Jesus 3 times on the evening of his crucifixion. To say Peter was having a bad day would be a slight understatement in my opinion. 

Of course, Jesus was gone and, as skeptical as the disciples had been, they likely didn’t put a lot of stock in him seeing them again at the Galilee.  They were out in their boat, catching nothing but a bad attitude which likely had prevailed for several days.  Most fisherman on the Galilee fish at night since it was so hot during the day, so as they approached shore, they saw a man ashore building a fire. See: John 21: 1-15. 

So Jesus suggested they throw their nets on the right side of the boat and they would find some fish.  I think that after this bible story, maybe we all should pay a bit more attention to following Jesus’ directives in our lives.  Anyway they threw the nets and brought in 153 large fish even as their nets were busting.  We now know from our Jewish guide on our bus that the Jews had a way of communication which combined both the letters and numbers.  And, of course 153 translated to “I am God.”  Although the disciplines on the boat, with their lack of education, could not have appreciated that fact.  

After visiting Tabgha, we drive a short distance to what is known as the Mount of Beatitudes where two major events occurred.  We were told all of the events of the northern Galilee region occurred within 31 days, which is the basis of John’s statement that if all of Jesus’ miracles were shared, there simply would not be enough pages. 

Here Jesus spoke to 5000 from a boat pushed away from the shore.  With the natural amphitheatre and the breeze carrying one’s voice, it can be easily carried to the audience.  Pastor Lon Solomon is well known here since he is responsible for the high fence with the steel points on top due to his having climbed the earlier fence several years ago and went to the shore to speak to his group.  The main Sister at the Church of Beatitudes saw him and put a stop to anyone trying that again since the land where the 5000 sat is owned by another and it is now completely covered by banana trees.

Of course, the Church of the Beatitudes is so very beautiful and serene. The eight sided church is where Christ delivered the Sermon on the Mount. I so hope my able assistants can help me download the photographs I have taken of all the locations which will provide much more information that these words can.

Leaving the Mount we proceed a few miles to Capernaum which was the adopted city of Jesus and from where he began his earthly ministry.  The original foundation block of black stone still exists, as will be depicted in the photos, and the white stones were imported in the 3^rd century to rebuild the synagogue where visitors were allowed to speak their message.  And what a message Christ presented. Nearby the synagogue is Peter’s church which has been in existence for centuries.  When the area was excavated, both fish hooks and lamps were discovered.  The lamps were necessary since the church had to meet in secret so they met during the night.

We then departed on a tourist boat on the Sea of Galilee for a cruise of a lifetime.  We cross the lake to Tijeras for a lunch of Peter’s fish.   I chicken out since I prefer not being watched by the object of my meal.

It is time to depart to Mt. Carmel and Megiddo to begin today’s journey.