Each day on my trip in Israel seemed like it’s own baptism, and, man, was I wet behind the ears! In other words, every stop of the tour resonated deep within my soul, and I learned an enormous amount. However, don’t take my word for it (haha- get it? It’s a blog). Let me show you what I mean.
All Aboard for Capernaum
First, we headed for Capernaum, which was a fishing city on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. The location is cited in all of the gospels. Moreover, Jesus owned a home here (I wonder what real estate taxes were like then?).
Do you know how many things happened in Capernaum?
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people (Matthew 4:23 NIV).
Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. […]” He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum (John 6:53-59).
(There were SOOOO many verses which highlighted Capernaum, but I couldn’t include them all.)
Initially, when we arrived, the rain drizzled down. We gathered as a group on some stone benches under a tree in the garden. There, we listened as Tony gave the background on the area. Afterward, we walked through the Synagogue ruins where Jesus taught.
The air seemed a bit electric. I mean, this is where Jesus taught. What if I’m standing where He stood?
Was Peter Happy Jesus Healed his Mother-in-law?
In some ways, Capernaum seems like any other set of ancient ruins found all across the world. Within the walls, I didn’t feel closer to God per se (I’m not super holy or anything), but my perspective changed.
Whereas before I had read words on a page, now I stood IN the Bible stories I’d heard multiple times. There’s something special about that.
On this site, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up at once and began to wait on them (Luke 4:38-39).
Got Any Bread and Fish?
As we drove down the side of the hill, we passed the area where Jesus fed the 5000. As we rolled by, I imagined the people scattered about the grass. Among them, a small boy with a few fish and loaves.
What would he have been wearing? Would he be dressed like other Orthodox boys we saw in Israel?
The First Missionary
In the afternoon, we visited Magdala. People believe this area to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene (the first “missionary” to go and proclaim the resurrection of Christ).
The site empowered women and encouraged female leaders. Inside, pillars engraved with names of significant biblical women circled the room. One pillar was empty signifying all the great female leaders today and yet to come.
Walking on Water or Wet Behind the Ears?
To finish the day, we climbed aboard an ancient-style fishing boat upon the Sea of Galilee. Tony the Tourguide explained that because the mountains rose up on all sides of the sea, bad weather had the propensity to build up suddenly.
At length, I rested my chin on my arm on the railing, and my eyes scanned the glassy waters. Here my Savior walked on water. Was it right here?
It seemed surreal to be on this sea, so close to where Jesus lived and taught. Thus, I choked up.
My Savior was here.
I thought of dark storm clouds blowing in over the mountains as waves rocked this body of water.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm (Luke 8:24).
An incredible peace came over me.
The City of Dan
The next day, the group headed to the city of Dan in the northern part of the region. To explain, Dan (one of the twelve tribes of Israel) is frequently used in the description for the whole promised land.
And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:20).
Indeed, Dan was a beautiful place with ruins, and Tony gave a great history lesson from the Old Testament. Prior to that, we hiked amid beautiful rushing waters. (But, I didn’t get wet behind the ears though a few people got stomach upset from drinking the water)
The Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail
Subsequently, we headed to Caesarea Philippi.
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell[c] shall not prevail against it (Matt 16:13-18).
Specifically, this mountain housed pagan worship back in the time of the apostles. So, when Jesus stated the gates of hell would not prevail, He uttered those words in a den of idolatry and the worship of false gods.
In summary, Jesus declared He would build His church on top of sin…literally.
Wet Behind the Ears (Here it comes…)
Lastly, our group from Epic Baltimore had the opportunity for baptism in the Jordan River. Now, a priest baptized me as an infant in the Catholic Church. Additionally, I had an immersion baptism as an adult after I developed an abiding relationship with God.
However, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. When this happened, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. To share this experience with my church family was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Though the water chilled me and I was literally wet behind the ears afterward, I felt my faith renewed as I physically expressed my dedication to Christ and the cross.
How often do I go with the flow instead of standing on Jesus, my rock?
Finally, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to blog about my trip to Israel, and I want to personally thank my audience for their willingness to come on this journey with me. It was SO much at the time, and I haven’t really processed it until now. Love you!
Stay tuned next week as I ride my first camel (Yee-haw!), and we arrive in Jerusalem!
Love from the Holyland,
K.
Thanks for sharing Vin ?
It’s surreal to think I was baptized in the Jordan.