The Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is a large fresh-water lake located in the northern portion of Israel. Along its shores Jesus recruited several of his disciples. The well-known story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water took place here. This is also where Jesus calmed the storm.
Josephus wrote that it was "wonderful in its characteristics and in its beauty. Thanks to the rich soil there is not a plant that does not flourish there, and the inhabitants grow everything: the air is so temperate that it suits the most diverse species."
The rabbis said of it, "Although God has created seven seas, yet He has chosen this one as His special delight."
The Sea of Galilee is mentioned in the Bible by 3 other names, the Sea of Kinnereth (or Chinnereth), from its harp-like shape, the Sea of Tiberias, and the Lake of Gennesareth. Much of the ministry of Jesus Christ and several of His miracles took place near the Sea of Galilee. Jesus chose at least four of the twelve apostles near these shores -- Peter, Andrew, James and John. Near its shores Jesus fed the five thousand men, women and children from the miraculous multiplication of five loaves of bread and two fish. Mary of Magdala, the first human to see and speak with the Savior after His resurrection, was from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.
Some of the sites around the Sea of Galilee include:
- Capernaum -- The small fishing village played a key role in the life of Jesus and was considered his hometown (Matthew 9:1). It was here that Jesus taught at the synagogue, preached to the multitudes, and performed numerous signs and wonders.
- The "Jesus Boat" -- a first century fishing boat found in the seabed of Sea of Galilee. It has been meticulously preserved and is now on display at Kibbutz Ginosar.
- Tabgha -- The Tabgha Valley lies on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee, just south of Capernaum. In the fertile valley, rich with springs, Jesus called his first Apostles (Mark 1:16-20). Today, the German Benedictine Church of Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes is located here, commemorating the miracle Jesus performed to feed the multitudes. Another key site is the Franciscan Church of the Primacy of St. Peter (John 21:15-17). According to tradition, Jesus dined with His disciples on the rock found in the center of the church -- the "Mensa Christi".
- The Mount of Beatitudes -- Across from the Tabgha valley is the Mount of Beatitudes, the traditional site of the sermon on the Mountain (Matthew 5:1-12). The eight-verse sermon is enshrined on the walls of the Octagonal Roman Catholic Church, located 200 meters above the Sea of Galilee.
- Kursi -- Located on the opposite shore from Tabgha, this is the location where Jesus cast the evil spirits from a man who was possessed by demons, commanding them to enter a herd of swine (Luke 8:26-39).
Learn more about holy sites in the Galilee Region
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