After we left Nazareth, we hopped back on our bus and rode through the ever-so-bumpy streets of Cana. Maybe you have heard of Cana, where Jesus turned the water into wine? We didn’t actually stop in Cana. Another destination was on our minds: Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee!!!! Eeeeeee!!!! So excited!!!
That bus ride was so bumpy that my Fitbit credited me with climbing about 200 flights of stairs. Yeah. I earned so many badges. Hahaha! I tried to make it stop. The Fitbit would not listen.
This experience was surreal. What we saw there filled me with awe and affirmation of faith. Not only do you get to see where Bible events took place in Capernaum. You actually see the ancient stone ruins of the buildings. Suddenly you realize that you are truly walking in the footsteps of Jesus. You are in the territory of faith and miracles. The synagogue and the houses are still there, and you can see them! Such a powerful sight to behold!
I love that we went from Nazareth to Capernaum because guess who else traveled directly from Nazareth to Capernaum, around 2,000 years ago?
“And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:
‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”
Matthew 4:13-16
Side note: we did not get to go over and visit the Greek Orthodox Church, but if you have a chance, go see it. The art in the domes is stunning. You can see pictures of that here. According to the Jewish Virtual Library, it is called the Church of the Seven Apostles because this is where Jesus appeared to seven of his disciples on the sea.
History can be a mysterious thing, but I believe God did this on purpose. Here was a place where we could get a glimpse into history, much more so than you could do in Jerusalem because Jerusalem is heavily populated and has been conquered so many times.
Capernaum is shockingly well preserved. In fact, even the little house they believe was Peter’s had “Peter’s house” written in the walls, which they found when they dug it up.
According to Israel Tours, one reason why Capernaum did not get attacked was that they did not take part in the Jewish revolts against Rome. No one knows why the town was rebuilt in another area, leaving these homes abandoned. However, they do know that there was an earthquake on Jan. 18, 749 A.D.
23And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. Matthew 11:23-24
Hmmmm…maybe that’s why Capernaum was abandoned…
5And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. Matthew 8:5-7
21And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:21-22
You see the white stones? Those are 4th century.
You see the black stones at the bottom? That’s the original Jesus-era synagogue!!!! The oldest ruins are all in black stone because that is the color of the local rocks.
In Jerusalem, everything has a giant Crusader-built monument on top of it. The only place I truly felt like I was seeing something from ancient times was at the Western Wall. But Capernaum does not disappoint. This place inspires. It is a breath of fresh air, which is just another reminder of how the Lord can take something forgotten and abandoned and turn it around to be a thing of utmost beauty and inspiration.
14When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. 15He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up and began to serve them.… Matthew 8:14-15
“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20At once they left their nets and followed him.
21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, 22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
23Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. 25Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis,g Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.”
Matthew 4:18-25
This ancient part of Capernaum is taken care of by the Franciscan monks who have a monastery here. They are also the ones who discovered the rich archaeological finds in Capernaum, when they purchased the land in the late 1800s.
Peter’s house wasn’t discovered until 1968!!!
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Mark 2:1-5
15“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
16Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
17Jesus 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. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,b and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hadesc will not overcome it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will bed bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will bee loosed in heaven.” 20Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:15-20
This has run long, so I will save my store of beautiful Sea of Galilee photos for the next Israel post. So many important things happened here!!
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I visited ' Capharnaum Town of Jesus' this year 2019. I felt exactly the way you mentioned. To be able to walk in the same Synagogue, touch the same stones. What a true Blessings ! Words don't give justice to the awe!!
Loved it! I like how you tie the Bible into your photos! I'm so glad you got to go and can share.
Thank you!! It was astounding, just being there.
This is so incredible! I didn't know there were so many ruins in the city. I like how you included biblical text. It puts everything in perspective. I can see how all these becomes emotional. #WordlessWednesday
An interesting Post, I enjoyed reading. Wonderful for Image-In-Ing on Tuesday.
Thanks!
Great post - I'm trying to not be envious. You are had an amazing trip!
Thanks! I understand. I can't wait to go back some day,
Amazing post April. When I was in Bible School 32 years ago a professor said you would get more out of a 2 week trip to the Holy land than a year of Bible School.. I have never been to Israel but I would agree with him. So much could be said to experience the land where Jesus lived and ministered in. And as you describe an "awe and affirmation" of faith.
Love your commentary and the Scriptures that tie it all together. I can sense your joy and passion for the Lord flowing through your words and pictures. It is so well done, I felt I was there.
Am so happy that you and Alan could go there to experience and appreciate it in the way you have. It would be such an incredible experience.
Blessings! :)
HAHA! I keep wondering if FitBit records vehicles! I've heard their technology generally doesn't and mine hasn't yet, but I guess the bumpier ride tripped the system? Seriously? Do I have to take dramamine to go?
I LOVE Carly dresses! And no, I don't sell anything either. Just photography, I guess? Not even assertively.
Anywho, yes, I know that feeling of falling in love with a place and not knowing how to express it..
You did, though!
Yes. The Fitbit thing was crazy. And Lula Roe has so much cool stuff!