Dual Travelers : Israel Day 3

We are starting to acclimate somewhat to the 7 hour time difference now. So getting up is getting easier for us. Today Michael watched the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee.

After breakfast we were off to the Caesarea Philippi where Peter said "Thou are Christ". Situated 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee and at the base of Mt. Hermon, Caesarea Philippi is the location of one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan River. This abundant water supply has made the area very fertile and attractive for religious worship. Numerous temples were built at
this city in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Thursday, April 23, 2015

We woke up early to see the sunrise over the Sea of Galilee! A beautiful and peaceful sight it was! The Sea of Galilee is also known as the Sea of Kinneret because it is shaped like a harp.

We go to Banias, formerly Caesarea Philippi, where Peter said, “Thou art the Christ” (Mark 8:27-30). We visited the Hermon Stream Springs which emerge at the foot of Mount Hermon. These springs create the Dan, Hermon (Banias), and Senir (Hazbani) streams, which are the head waters of the Jordan River. We also saw and walked upon the ruins of the Temple of Pan which included a cave and niches. We all gathered in a shaded meeting area there and Pastor Drew shared some words and scripture with us. Then we sang some worship songs together and ended in prayer with the moving water beside us. We are making some wonderful memories together on this pilgrimage.

Next stop-Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1-10). We toured the church of the Beatitudes constructed in 1937 and funded by the Italian government. Inside the church all 8 beatitudes are in Latin on stained glass windows in the top of the church, beautiful! After touring the church, we were given some time to go be alone in the flower gardens or overlooking the Sea of Galilee to pray, reflect on, and try to absorb the fact that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was here! It was truly a moving experience and I wish we had stayed there longer.

Next we went to Tabgha to visit the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. There is a rock under the altar, it is believed that Jesus sat on this rock when blessing the loaves and fishes when He fed the 5000 (Matt. 14:14-21, Mark 6:34-44).

We visited the Church of St. Peter’s Primacy where the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus happened and He prepared the breakfast of fishes and bread for the disciples (John 21:1-17). It is also where Jesus asked Simon Peter three times “do you love me?” (John 21:15-17). We gathered outside the church and sat down, Pastor Drew read the John 21:15-17 passage and spoke to us briefly. He pointed out that Jesus went back to calling him Simon (Peter) son of John. It spoke to the fact that Peter was not where he needed to be, but was starting to get there. Pastor Drew prayed and we sang some worship songs together. After that we walked down to touch the waters of the Sea of Galilee.

Then off to Capernaum (Mark 1:21-28) to see the ruins of the ancient synagogue and St. Peter’s house which was later converted to a church. We saw huge stones with the Ark of the Covenant and Star of David carved in them. These carvings help prove the existence of the Ark of the Covenant. Capernaum is also known as the Town of Jesus, due to the fact he spent much of his time here during his ministry.

Off to lunch then for our St. Peter’s Fish! A whole tilapia fish including head, tail, and eyes! It was very good and everyone seemed to enjoy it (except those who choose to bypass the eyeballed creature for some chicken).

We drove a little ways and then boarded the “King David”, our vessel for a ride on the waters of the Sea of Galilee. We sang our National Anthem as our flag was raised up on the mast. The winds were blowing and the waters were a little bit choppy, it helped us to try and imagine what it was like for the disciples during the storm when Jesus was sleeping (Luke 8:22-25). There was some dancing and singing on our boat ride as well, it was lots of fun and a great time was had by all!

We ended our day with a very special event at Yardenit, baptism in the Jordan River at Kibbutz Kinneret. Pastor Drew bravely withstood the very, very cold water to baptize each of us personally. It was a very moving and emotional experience for those of us who chose to do this. A memorable and beautiful way to end our day and we also got to see Wayne with his wet suit on under his gown!

The above picture is a sand dial that as you rolled it around it left scriptures in the sand.

The picture above is a Poppy that grows about the time of Passover see the cross in the middle!

Mount of Beatitudes that was the location of the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5 - 7)

The loaves and fish mosaic representing Jesus feeding the multitudes!

Church of Peter's Primacy was our next stop!

Michael dipping his hand in the Sea of Galilee

Standing in front of the Sea of Galilee

Church of Peter's Primacy

The church contains a projection of limestone rock in front of the present altar which is venerated as a "Mensa Christi", Latin for table of Christ. According to tradition this is the spot where Jesus is said to have laid out a breakfast of bread and fish for the Apostles, and told Peter to "Feed my sheep" after the miraculous catch, the third time he appeared to them after his resurrection. (John 21:1- 24) - It is hard to see in my pic because I am so short.

Capharnaum is where Peter lived and Jesus stayed 3 years living with Peter.

Above is a sculpture of the Ark of the Covenant

Lunch St Peter's Fish!

Saint Peter was a fisherman before becoming an apostle of Jesus Christ. One day around 2,000 years ago, Peter was asked if his teacher, Jesus, paid the temple tax. Jesus told Peter to go fishing in the lake. There Peter caught a fish that had a silver coin in its mouth that would be enough to pay both his and Jesus' temple tax. (Matthew 17:24-27)

Today a dish of Saint Peter's fish is popular among tourists partly because it is said to be blessed. Slits are made on the sides of the fish, and it is fried. With a squeeze of a lemon on it, you eat the fried fish while it is hot.