As you can tell, our tour was jam-packed with unusual experiences, as well as stops at major sites important to us as believers in Christ. This particular set of sites is certainly filled with meaning.
First up was Tabgha. Though this is one of my all-time favorite places to sit and contemplate, we had precious little time here, so had to provide commentary before and after the stop. Tabgha was a fishing village, and the likely location where Jesus called His first disciples, including Peter.
Who doesn’t identify with Peter!?! He often stuck his foot in his mouth, made brash statements without much forethought, and even denied Jesus after pledging to go with Him to death. He was very well-meaning, but needed the grace of God to sustain him. I can identify…how about you?
After Peter’s denials of Jesus, the Bible reveals a very meaningful account involving Peter on the shores of Tabgha. Please stop right now and carefully read John 21.
Ahhhh….God’s grace!
Capernaum is known as Jesus’ hometown, as it served as the hub of His ministry. It was here that Jesus performed many miracles, including Peter’s mother-in-law, the lame man let down through the roof, Jarius’ daughter, and the woman who touched the hem of His garment. (See a list of Jesus’ miracles and their Scripture references here.)
Pastor John shared about the miracle of healing the woman who touched Jesus’ garment, then offered prayer for those in our group in need of healing.
Always a hit on Israel tours, we enjoyed a lunch of St Peter’s fish and a sail on the Sea of Galilee. It is always inspiring to be on the sea where Jesus calmed the storm, as it reminds us that He is always faithful to either calm the storm itself, or calm His child in the midst of the storm! Pastor John encouraged us from Scripture.
Finally, several in our group desired to be baptized while in Israel, and we had the perfect place to do so. Our resort hotel featured a private beach and we made use of it! What rejoicing as we witnessed the testimonies of those who were baptized! Here is a sampling:
It doesn’t get much better than that!
Join us tomorrow as we rewind to the northern-most parts of Israel! Shalom!
Looking for the Blessed Hope 