Exploring the Beauty of the Sea of Galilee, March 29

3/29/20252 min read

seashore during golden hour
seashore during golden hour

Introduction to Our Galilee Journey

Welcome back to our Israel trip blog! Today we’re diving into the stunning landscapes and rich history around the Sea of Galilee. Known for its breathtaking views and spiritual significance, it's a destination that captures both the heart and the imagination.

Activities Around the Sea of Galilee

We begin the morning at the Mount of Beatitudes, on to Capernaum, and then the Ancient Boat Museum, where we'll see a preserved 2,000-year-old fishing boat from Jesus' time. We will then set sail on the Sea of Galilee with a peaceful wooden boat ride, reflecting on the stories of Jesus calming the storm and walking on water.

Afterward, we'll enjoy a traditional St. Peter's Fish lunch at a lakeside restaurant before visiting key sites along the shore:

  • Chorazim - One of the cities Jesus rebuked for its unbelief (Matthew 11:21), known for its well-preserved basalt synagogue.

  • Tabgha - The traditional site of the miracle of the loaves and fish.

  • Magdala - An ancient synagogue where Jesus likely taught and the hometown of Mary Magdalene.

Sea of Galilee

Our Fishing Boat Experience

We set sail on the Sea aboard a wooden fishing boat, reflecting on the stories of Jesus calming the storm and walking on the water. The crew raised the US flag to be flying near the Jewish flag and we all sang the National Anthem. Pastor Tom shared a talk with us from Matthew 14:22-33, focusing on how Jesus takes our burdens if we will just give them to Him. This was quite a time of reflection and worship. What was wonderful was that the owner of the boat is a Jewish believer, and he is the only boat company allowed to take believers on the Sea of Galilee. His boats are named Faith, Hope and Love. Ours was the "Love" boat. He is also an accomplished singer and ended the time singing to us, "Hoshia-na" (Hosanna. God save us please.) It was a great song and a wonderful ending to our experience on the Sea.

(Left to right, top to bottom) a view of the Mount of Beatitudes from the Sea of Galilee, Tom Hughes shared from Matthew 14:22-30 from the shores of Galilee, sunset over Galilee from our Hotel, 2000-yr-old boat and a pottery bowl and square nails, "The Love Boat" that ferried us around the lake, fish dinner after the lake, lights from our hotel room across the lake, Jerry taking the wheel, US and Israel flags flying on The Love Boat

Mount of Beatitudes

Tabgha: a site of healing, a Jewish site where they would come to receive a blessing. It rained lightly here but it was quickly done. Pastor Bob spoke from Matt 7:15-27. We viewed the Church of the Beatitudes at this site. What beautiful Bougainvillea and jasmine grow here! And here is where Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount took place. It is so interesting how each site we visit has traditions, scripture and history interwoven.

Pictures below: stones with the beatitudes, our gathering, the Church of the Beatitudes