Homework for the Holy Land--Day 2: Is it real...or is it Biblical?

Israeli history has been dated back to 3600 B.C.E.  It's hard to wrap your head around that when you're strolling through ruins.  Not unlike other countries, any building excavation has the potential of turning up artifacts that continue to shed light on the other component which, for me, is hard to wrap your head around when you're strolling through ruins.  This is the land where Christianity began.  

Jesus sailed back and forth across the Sea of Galilee as an itinerant preacher.  

This was sunrise this morning over the Sea of Galilee, as taken from my hotel room.  I mean, COME ON.  Hard to wrap my head around.

Today's touring took us to sites around the Sea of Galilee.  Yesterday I mentioned I liked the approach our guide indicated he was going to take to these historical sites.  He proved himself to be knowledgeable, scientific and factual which our entire busload of Episcopal pilgrims seems to appreciate and enjoy.  

Our first stop was at the Yigal Allon Center in Ginnosar to view the fishermen's boat.  This is not THE fishermen's boat that Jesus traversed the Sea of Galilee (he probably used more than one, anyway).  Is it similar to boats used during that time period?  Yes.  Interesting story about how it washed up on shore encased in mud when the waters of the Sea of Galilee (just a freshwater lake, not a sea) receded and what preservationists had to do to keep it intact as they excavated, them removed it.  The ended up encasing it in foam, then sailing it into the shore.  Pics below.

Section of foam casing                                12 types of wood used to build the boat
                                                        











                                                                  The boat                 



From Ginnosar, on to an 8-sided church celebrating the 8 Beatitudes, maintained by the Franciscans, built between 1936 and 1938.  The church is situated high above the Sea of Galilee and the views looking over the water are lovely.  Is this the actual site of where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount?  Um, probably not but you have to admit that particular Sermon ranks right up there with the best sermons of all times.
The Church of the Beatitudes
We stopped at Magdala, and there is historical reason to believe that it was the home of Mary Magdalene.  Lorne, our guide, posited that although the Bible doesn't provide particulars regarding where Jesus and his disciples stayed every night during the time he was preaching, it's a safe bet that they didn't necessarily sleep outdoors every night and that his work was financially supported by those who backed/believed in him.  Magdala was a wealthy village back in its day, as demonstrated by what was found during its excavation.  That Mary Magdalene, a follower of Jesus, was a wealthy woman from that town has some pretty solid backing in history.  I was particularly impressed by the mosaic tiles that have survived.  Historically, having mosaic tiles on your floor was a sign of wealth.



Next, Tagbha where two important Biblical events are commemorated: the miracle of the loaves and fishes, as well as the primacy of Peter.  Once again, no scientific evidence or artifacts that these events occurred in this exact spot but, as they say, you get the picture.  More than likely, the feeding of the multitudes happened much closer to the shore than the location of the church higher on a hill, overlooking the Sea of Galilee.  There has been a church in this location for over 1300 years.  The Benedictines now maintain the church and have a monastery there.  In fact, as I took a brochure, I was reminded by a brother that it cost 1 shekel, I dropped a quarter in the donation box.  I trust the Benedictines (and God) understand.

I like the mosaic commemorating the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  

Remember "Thou art Peter and upon this rock, I will build my church?"  The Greek words for Peter and rock are the same.  Coincidence?  I think not.

Then we went here.
According to our guide, there is a plethora of evidence to support that Jesus lived in Capharnaum with Peter in Peter's house.  This place took my breath away.  Still processing being there.  
You can't see very well because a space ship type building has been built over the site, but this is where evidence, history, science and theology support that Jesus lived.  Just...overwhelming

We finished the day with a ride around and then on the Sea of Galilee, during which time Lorne provided a brief history of Israel and its many, some ongoing troubles with its neighbors.  We were on the Israeli side of the Golan Heights, which has a rich history (not that the rest of the country doesn't). 

A nap before dinner may be in my immediate future.  A not so early wake up call tomorrow (yay!).

And I actually have a NYTimes recipe for you!  The kosher meal this morning offered shakshuka, an egg dish I have been wanting to try for a long time.  I heartily recommend it.

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