After 18-21 months of “come and see,” Jesus started to invest in the disciples in a new way. His call became “follow me.” He began to train them and move them along in their disciple-making journey with Him. He starts calling them forward and begins to challenge them to commit to this amazing journey He is on. They had a chance to buy in!! Most or all of this phase occurs in a couple of months and in the region we are currently staying – around Lake Kinneret (you know it as the “Sea of Galilee” despite the fact that it is not a sea – it’s freshwater – nor in Galilee – Galilee means “rolling hills”). He taught them and pushed them out of their comfort zones.

In light of this, we visited Peter and Andrew’s hometown, Bethsaida. They moved to Capernaum later and we visited there too. In fact, Jesus in Matthew 9:1 as coming to His hometown, Capernaum. So it was significant to Jesus’ later years and ministry with these guys. We also visited Korazim.

We started in the ruins of Bethsaida. Lon teaching us with the Lake in the background.This is the line that separates the reconstructed from the old here.

Notice the difference in rock colors here – Basalt versus limestone.

This was the entryway into the synagogue.

This is the detail on the roof of the synagogue. 

Jesus actually cursed Bethsaida and Korazim and neither of them have been inhabited for centuries. Very interesting. We then went to Korazim.

We met a small family of hyrax.
Look at how the houses were made. The door to this house was only a little taller than 5 feet tall.

We then went to Capernaum. We learned that many came to this region to be healed by the sulphuric springs. Those that had skin diseases sought healing in Galilee. Interesting how Jesus had so many to heal!

A lunch at St Peter’s Restaurant – eating fish that is from the same family as the fish that Jesus would have eaten! If only 2000 years later!

The Catholic property built this building. Note the Basalt and Limestone combination.Lake Kinneret – the Sea of Galilee. It’s smaller than you’d expect.Possibly Peter’s house.

The top is what’s left of a 5th Century synagogue, the foundation that it’s built on is 1st Century AD remains.We learned next to where Peter went fishing.

Great view of the lake from here.
A plaque on the way into the ancient ruins of Capernaum (Hebrew Capher-na’um or village of Nahum, a famous rabbi – not the prophet). We spent a lot of time being challenged today about strategy and lifestyle. It was great!

We ended walking the path of the Beatitudes. We came across a plant with pods that were important.The mustard seed pod!

Here’s two seeds in my hand!

Then we saw a gorgeous sunset, did some laundry, ate a meat-tastic dinner, played a game and are now ready for bed. Oh, and I found this Spider (it deserves a capital S).

Zoom in if you dare.