Today was our first full day here in Israel. We spent the night in Nazareth last night and we were treated with incredible hospitality by the Rosary Sisters. It was an unbelievable breakfast. I could get used to breakfasts like that one.
After breakfast we set out on our day. We started out by going to the a place called The Nazareth Village, or Old City Nazareth. It is a recreation of what Nazareth could have looked like in Jesus day. It was absolutely fascinating to catch a glimpse into the world of Jesus. It absolutely made the parables that Jesus told come alive. After looking at hundreds of olive trees, and a wine press, a sheep pen, a threshing floor, an empty tomb, and a synagogue, I have a greater appreciation for what Jesus was saying. These are the things that books, and seminary can not teach you!
I found the imagery of the olive as being very incredible. I enjoy olives. In fact I love olives. I have had olives at every meal so far while I have been here in Israel. The process of turning olives into olive oil is an incredible process. I would love to look more into the symbolism behind that. Our guide was telling us about how they go through a 3 step process of crushing and at the very end there is nothing left to give. She mentioned how Jesus was in the garden of gethsemane, (likely an olive grove) and how he went away and prayed three times and then was arrested, and gave everything that He had on the cross. I could go on for a long time about insights from the Old City.
We hit the road after eating lunch in the Old City and ended up at several sites where they believe some of Jesus’ miracles occurred. This put us along the sea of Galilee, which was absolutely beautiful. We found our way to the Mount of Olives, where Jesus gave His famous sermon on the mount. I was reflecting through the beatitudes while I was there and I was challenged yet again by the words of our Lord. Blessed are those… Blessed are those… Wow.
One of the other sites we went to was Capernaum. This was the ancient ruins that date back to the 4th century. This town was right along the sea of galilee and while we were there, the winds kicked up and the waves began to roll in on the sea… Remind you of anything? Man… It was in your face and real.
It has been an incredible journey, and we are only into the first day. I am excited for what lies ahead. I am also incredibly exhausted right now. So off to bed I go. Tomorrow is 10 miles on the Jesus trail. We will end our time in Cana.
What significant thing happened in Cana?
~Peter
