For me, Capernaum is one of the most interesting places in Israel.  Fortunately, the small fishing village has been excavated and we get a good sense of what the village was like in Jesus’ day.  It was a simple village, but did have a synagogue. The synagogue Jesus taught in was actually of black basalt (similar to the neighborhood in the foreground), and lies beneath the white synagogue you see here.  But you get the idea!

 

Matthew 8:20 confirms that Jesus had no home of His own, though Capernaum is known as Jesus’ hometown.  (Matthew 4:12, Mark 2:1)  Indeed, Jesus spent much time in Capernaum, most likely finding accommodations at the home of the Apostle Peter.  That home has been found and excavated.  This is Peter’s home!

 

Scripture tells us of many things that happened in and around the synagogue, Peter’s house, and the streets of Capernaum.  For example, Jesus taught in the synagogue in Capernaum, healed a man with an unclean spirit, healed a Roman centurion’s servant, and healed Peter’s mother-in-law.  However, there are two specific accounts I want to share.

Remember the account of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof because the crowds were too big to get the man to Jesus?  Well, that happened in Peter’s house, pictured above!  Take a moment right now to read Mark 2:1-13.  (No really!  Stop and read it!)  Did the Bible come alive!?!

The other account I want to focus on is that of the woman with the issue of bleeding.  Read Mark 5:24-35.  (Stop!  Don’t go further!  Read it, so that the Bible comes alive!) This event happened in Capernaum.  Notice verses 30-31.  Jesus “noticed” that someone touched Him.  However, keep in mind that HUNDREDS of people were pressing around Jesus!  In fact, He was likely walking down one of these narrow streets in Capernaum:

 

Jesus would have been touched by dozens of people, yet He perceived that power had gone out of Him!  This woman simply touched the hem (or the fringe) of His garment, likely the tzitzit of His tallit!

A tallit is a prayer shawl and represents a covering, and the fringe (tzitzit) are knotted cords, representing Jewish law.  Jesus would have worn this garment.  Many passages in Psalms (17:8, 36:7, 57:1, 61:4, 91:4) liken the tallit to wings.  Here is Pastor Mark demonstrating that idea (on a previous trip):

 

This woman knew that Jesus had the power to heal her, and she simply touched the hem of His garment.  Yet, despite the fact that dozens of people may have been touching Jesus at the same time, Jesus felt healing power flow out of Him!

No matter how insignificant we might feel, or how “forgotten” in our troubles, Jesus is intently aware of our need, and He invites us to hide in the shadow of His wings!  What incredible comfort to know that, just like that woman in need, we too have a place in the shadow of His wings!

I hope the Bible has come alive to you!