The Sea of Galilee

A voyage on the Sea of Galilee will be one of the activities during our 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018. This body of water, also known as Lake Kinneret, Sea of Ginosar, or Lake Tiberias is a large freshwater body which was gone out upon frequently by Jesus and his disciples. Lake Kinneret was an oasis along a route used by ancient travelers through the land. An excursion on the Sea of Galilee is a highlight for many travelers to Israel.

The Sea of Galilee from Ginosar

The Sea of Galilee is a very wide spot in the Jordan River basin.  The river enters on the north side of the Sea near Bethsaida and exits on the south side of the sea near Kinneret. Within the pool of Tiberias, the collected water is 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. The level of the water sits at 700 feet below sea level, with a water depth which reaches 140 feet. The basin is made largely of basalt rock which can be picked up from the bottom as smooth stones.

The Sea of Galilee from Maagan Holiday Village

Lake Kinneret sits along the main trade route from Mesopotamia to Egypt. Caravans would have traveled along the Euphrates river, across the desert near Damascus, down the Hula Valley, and through Galilee to the Horns of Hattin and the Jezreel Valley. Settlement in the area has existed since prehistoric times with the archeological site of Ohalo at the southern end of the lake being called “one of the best preserved hunter-gatherer archaeological sites of the Last Glacial Maximum.”

The Sea of Galilee from the East

During New Testament times, the Sea of Galilee was known for its fishing industry. Josephus records that as many as 230 fishing vessels sailed on the lake daily. We know the names of several fishermen from the New Testament including Peter, James, John, Andrew, and Zebedee. They caught a variety of fish including Musht, Biny, and Sardine.4

The Jesus Boat at Ginosar

On our trip we will visit the museum at Kibbutz Ginosar, where we will see “the Jesus Boat,” a fishing vessel which dates to the time of Jesus. This boat, made from twelve types of wood, is in good condition for its age. We will watch a video detailing its recovery and see the site where this boat was found.

The Jesus Boat at Ginosar

During our voyage on the Sea of Galilee, we will become acquainted with the surrounding villages as seen from the sea. We will enjoy watching windsurfing and other sailing endeavors from our boat. We will hear about the storms often stirred up because of the unique geography of the region and we will be told the story of how Jesus calmed the sea.

Looking north from a boat on the Sea of Galilee

The journey on the Sea of Galilee will help us visualize where a major portion of the Gospels took place. Throughout this journey we will not only walk where Jesus walked, but we will also ride a boat atop the lake where he often sailed. To find out more about the trip, click this link. To sign up for the trip click here. I hope you will travel with us during our 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018.

Capernaum

In May 2018 I will be taking a group on a 14 day trip to the Holy Land. During this trip we will visit the Galilee region and Capernaum, a city where Jesus lived for several years. This city on the shores of the Sea of Galilee is an interesting place to visit. The site is maintained by the Franciscans, who have added walkways and benches and maintained the landscape so the story of Jesus’ residence can be told without too many modern intrusions.

Gate at the Franciscan Monastery of Capernaum

During our visit to Capernaum, we will enter the archaeological site through gates situated by a Catholic church. Once on the property we will be seated on shaded benches where our tour leaders will explain what can be seen at the site and share associated Bible stories so we can take away a memorable experience.

Shade trees which protect seating area of Capernaum

From the benches we will be directed into a fourth century synagogue constructed from imported limestone. Limestone was chosen for the exterior of the Synagogue to give a white (pure) appearance in a village constructed mostly out of the black basalt rock, which was easily available in the region. The fourth century building is well-maintained and enables the visitor to walk within and understand construction and practices in ancient places of worship. Tall pillars and an intact anterior provide photo opportunities and an ambiance to the visit.

Anterior of the Capernaum Synagogue

On the south side of the Synagogue, a portion of the earlier basalt synagogue has been uncovered where visitors are able to see a portion of the building in which Jesus and the disciples worshipped.

Remains of a first century synagogue at Capernaum

Outside the Synagogue, we will walk through a large area of foundational ruins. Many of the foundations are several feet in height and display steps and other features which will help us visualize the city Jesus called home (Matthew 9:1)

Ruins of Capernaum from the Synagogue

Over one area of ruins we will be able to enter a twentieth century church which sits above a residence believed to be the home of Peter’s mother-in-law. The modern church has a glass floor which allows visitors to see foundations of a first century home and a fifth century church. Diagrams give explanation of the existing foundations.

Looking across ruins of Capernaum to the new octagonal church

Beyond the ruins we will be able to walk down to the Sea of Galilee. We will visualize the beaches from which Peter, Andrew, James, and John departed on their fishing excursions. These shores are also the place recorded in Matthew 4 where Jesus meets Peter and says, “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Looking from Capernaum across the Sea of Galilee

On our trip within Galilee we will see Capernaum from several different vantage points. We will see the village from our boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, from the top of Mount Arbel, and if we strain our eyes from Kibbutz Ma’agan, where we will spend three nights. Once we walk through the village of Capernaum in Galilee, each sighting will give us a new perspective as we discover the shores along which Jesus often walked.

A view of Capernaum from the top of Mt. Arbel

If you would like to join us on our 14 day trip to the Holy Land click this link. To sign up for the trip click here. I hope you will travel with us during our 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018.