galilee part II

Continuation of our 4-day trip to the northern parts of Israel. 

Snowy caps of Mount Hermon. Some snow stays throughout the summer, but what melts of it feeds into the Jordan River.

An ancient olive press

This mud-brick building dates back to the time of the Patriarchs, roughly 4,000 years old. 

Below are a few pictures from Caesarea Philippi. It was a place of worship for many centuries before Christ and during Christ. People worshipped the god "Pan" who was the god of "desolate places." The cave in the back was devoted to Pan because it was a source of gushing water, in fact, the spring is called Paneas (the woman whom Jesus healed from 12 years of bleeding was from Paneas). Before Pan, other gods were worshipped here. In addition, Herod built a marble temple for Caesar Augustus here, again, more worship. This is also the place where Jesus asks His disciples "Who do people say I am?" And Peter professes that, "You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God." Matthew 16:16. Interesting that that statement was done in a place heavily devoted to pagan gods. Jesus was making a great statement by doing it there. 

We were wonderfully surprised with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in the early hours of the morning. 

Getting some lessons on fishing

 The great Jordan river.

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him." Matthew 3:13

This structure is believed (with great proof) to be Peter's home in Capernaum. Jesus would have stayed here also. Right now there is a modern church built/suspended over Peter's home, or i should say, over one of the first churches. This site becomes a literal fulfillment of Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says that He will build a church on this rock (Peter). 

Inside the modern church which hangs over Peter's home. In the center of the church there is a glass floor which allows one to see down into the home of Peter/first church.

One of the best moments of the trip. Professor read a passage from one of the Gospels concerning Capernaum and Jesus, then we sat in silence taking in the words and the view. 

Cliffs of Arbel. Those holes in the mountain are natural caves. It is possible to find things such as Roman coins in those caves today; however, we had no such luck:(