Sea of Galilee

"Sea of Galilee" at dawn from the balcony of hotel Solomon, Tiberius

It used to be my food for thought why did Jesus choose the sea of Galilee (Capernaum) to start his ministry when he was brought up in Nazareth. I am now convinced after seeing Galilee with my own eyes there could have been no better place on earth than Galilee for launching a mission that changed the history of the mankind.

View of "Sea of Galilee"

Galilee is peaceful and tranquil; it attracted me the most because of its rustic nature existed until today. Even though there are several high mountains in the region including Mount Tabor and Mount Meron, the sea of Galilee is surrounded by gentile lower hills. We visited the place in April; the climate during the time was very pleasant with a mischievous breeze blowing on to your face almost continuously. The sea was relatively calm, looking deep blue in color and making small ripples over the water. Strolling through the sea shore and resting for a while on the rocks at the Primacy of St. Peter in a tranquil atmosphere transported me altogether to a new world of ecstasy. 

"Sea of Galilee" from Tiberius. View at dawn

True, Sea of Galilee is not a sea; it is a lake at 209 meters below sea level and it is the lowest fresh water lake on earth. Jordan river which begins with several streams of water flowing from Mount Hermon in Lebanon, fills the sea of Galilee and flows down to dead sea at the south end of Israel. 

Sea of Galilee" viewed from the balcony of hotel Solomon in Tiberius at the dawn

North shore of the "Sea of Galilee" is important for a Christian visitor where Capernaum, Mount Beatitude, Tabgha and Primacy of St. Peter are located. The so called sea is also quoted in Bible as the Lake of Gennesaret or Sea of Tiberias, Ginnosar, Sea of Chinneroth etc.

Capernaum - entrance to the synagogue and the house of Peter.

Capernaum

Also known as Bethsaida was in existence long before Jesus Christ chose the place to establish his ministry here. It is located on the shore of Sea of Galilee and a huge population lived here once upon a time, most of them were engaged in fishing from "Sea of Galilee". 

Peter statue near the "house of Peter" - Capernaum

According to Bible this is the place where Jesus healed the centurion's son (Mathew 8:5), the noble man's son (John 4:46), Simon Peter's mother in law (Mark 1:31) and the paralytic (Mathew 9:1), cast out unclean spirit (Mark 1:23)

Ruins of Jesus' Synagogue

Probably it is here Jesus raised Jairu's daughter to life (Mark 5:22). While here in the Synagogue Jesus delivered the discourses on the bread of life (John 6). When Jesus finally departed Nazareth, he spent most of his time here in Capernaum.

House of peter locates beneath the new church seen near the ruins of the old town ship

There could have been many other activities during a period of 3 years he lived here but I am quoting only few of the important incidents that I remember. Considering to reading of gospels Capernaum was a city of considerable importance. 

Red domed white color Greek orthodox church on the bank of "Sea of Galilee"

This vast area of land is now owned by two churches. Franciscans control the west with ruins of Jesus' Synagogue and the house of Peter. Greek Orthodox owns a large area with a church that has red domes. It is believed this was the large fisher men village as it remains closer to the sea, however the area still remains unexcavated.

Beatitude church is built at the down hill closer to the bank of "Sea of Galilee".
Shot from the church side

Mount Beatitude

Jesus started his ministry at this point by delivering the sermon on the mount as per gospels of Mathew 5 and Luke 6. Sermon on the mount has become the focal point for understanding principals of Christianity. 

"Church of Beatitude" - Garden

Church of Beatitude, spot from where
"sermon on the mount" was delivered

Byzantines built a church at the foot hills in close proximity to the sea and the present church is a make over of the older church. The view of the sea of Galilee from this vantage point is unique and breath taking.

Whole Capernaum is shaped like a bowl, the sea of Galilee being in the center and surrounding lower hills gradually ascending upwards. This could have been a favorite phenomenon for the fisher men living on the banks of the sea to climb up the open hill and attend the sermons given by Jesus.


My personal opinion upon seeing the area is the natural amphitheater effect existing in the area even today would have been enough for Jesus to audibly orate 
to the large number of people (4000 to 5000) with 

Roman amphitheater - similar to the Ariel 
view of "Sea of Galilee" the arena being
the  lake and the gallery seats being
the terressed hills of Capernaum.
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out any modern speaker system. It is true, if you moderately sound from the Beatitude church you can hear up to the bank of the sea which is over 200 meters below. 

This is what the people have heard from Jesus as the sermon on the mount (Mathew 5)

Sermon on the mount

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall  see God.
• Blessed are the peace makers, for they shall be called sons of God.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted  for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely on my account.
• Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is- great, for in this same way people persecuted prophets who were before you.

Church of Multitude at Tabgha

Church of Multitude at Tabgha

Symbol of two fish and 4 loaf of bread at the
church of multiplication in Tabgha

Tabgha is not far from Capernaum, it is the place where Jesus fed 5000 people with 2 fishes and 5 loves of bread. The church located here is known as the Church of Multiplication, a simple beautiful church. one of the main high lights of the church are its restored 5th century mosaics. 

The symbol of the church is a mosaic panel showing 2 fishes and 4 pieces of Arabic bread in a basket. The miracle of the multiplication is written in all the four gospels alike. 

Mensa Christi - the "table of Christ" in side
the church Primacy of St. Peter

Primacy of St. Peter

A rock projected inside the Altar of the church of the Primacy of St. Peter is venerated as Mensa Christi; Latin for "table of Christ". It is believed this is the rock on which Jesus prepared the break fast for his Apostles on the third day after he had resurrected.  

Another beautiful event we enjoyed was the ship cruise we took from this shore through the Sea of Galilee. The cruise gave us ample chances to glance through the spectacular landscapes in the surroundings of the sea.

Our ship ready out there waiting for us

The Sea shore mostly were the fisher men village. Fishing used to be the occupation of the people here. Sardines and Tilapia are the two main fish found here. Tilapia is said to be the Peter's fish. 

Visiting "Sea of Galilee" was a dream come true experience. We continued our tour from here to another location and on the way we ate our lunch in the neighborhood having Peter's fish as our main menu.

Peters fish (Tilapia)