Who is the Galilee?

On a tip to Israel this summer, we spent over a day in the Galilee. There were many interesting sites to be appreciated by Christian and non-Christian visitors alike. Consider these five locations as you make your plans.

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5) Peter’s Primacy

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17-19)

Upon this site, Peter has a revelation that Jesus is the Son of Man, the Messiah. Reflecting on this experience, I realize the importance of Jesus opening the Kingdom of Heaven to man so long as they recognize and accept the Son of Man. The power of this site is touching and palpable as well as an important stop for many believers following Jesus’ footsteps around the Galilee.

Alongside all of the religious implications, the shore line here at the Sea of Galilee is beautiful and refreshing to wade through in the midst of the midday sun.

4) Capernaum

Capernaum is no longer an inhabited town; however, it continues to serve as an archaeological landmark. Jesus is considered to have called Capernaum home after leaving Nazareth. The most interesting aspect of this stop is Peter’s house. Originally, the house is believed to be where Jesus lived. There is evidence that the house was renovated well into the first century AD so that it could serve as a gathering place for early Christians. As a Christian, the site draws connections to the small communities that we are called to be in, gathering together often.

3) Yardenit

This is claimed to be the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. At this site, believers from around the world can descend into the waters to be baptized in the same place as Jesus. For many, this is a dream come true - to experience an important step of faith in the same manner as their Savior. Any believer will be touched by the significance of this site and the connections they can make to their faith.

2) Sea of Galilee

There are so many reasons to stop by the Sea of Galilee.

The fresh catch is delicious, a boat trip at night is mesmerizing and Jesus walked on these waters. Around these waters is where a majority of Jesus’ miracles took place. Take a trip around the Sea of Galilee in one day and you will be hooked: the view, the people, the sites, the religious experiences.

1) Mt. of Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:1)

The Mount of the Beatitudes is the location of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. As you looked down the side of the mount, it is easy to picture the thousands of people sitting in groups, looking up as Jesus spoke to them down the slope in between the olive trees all the way to the shore line.

Any trip to Israel should warrant at least a day in the Galilee. All of these places are more than just beautiful sights with clear views of the Sea of Galilee (especially if they are the Sea of Galilee). Each site offers a connection to the works of Jesus, his life, and ministry.