Feature Story_ Following the Footsteps of the Lord (2)
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February 24, 2019 |
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"…He withdrew into Galilee; and leaving Nazareth, He came and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet:" Matt. 4:12-14
Jesus grew up in Nazareth, in the region of Galilee. After He began His ministry, He moved to Capernaum, a town near the Sea of Galilee and ministered primarily in synagogues.
The Capernaum Synagogue is the place where Jesus taught, spread the gospel of the kingdom of heaven, and healed the sick among the people.
Galilee Region
Isaiah 9:1-2 says, "But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them."
From the time of Assyria's conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Jews lost their control over the region of Galilee for hundreds of years. However, Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy by ministering there; calling the disciples and showing many signs and wonders, thereby making Galilee of the Gentiles glorious.
Especially, the Sea of Galilee is the water source for the whole nation of Israel. The underground water that originates from Mount Hermon in Syria flows down southward to form the Sea of Galilee, and then it flows into the Jordan River.
The Sea of Galilee is so big that it is called 'sea'. It looks like a small Israeli harp and for this reason it was called Chinnereth in the Old Testament (Num. 34:11; Josh. 13:27), and Gennesaret in the New Testament (Luke 5:1). Also, Herod Antipas built the city called Tiberias in Galilee region. This sea has many names such as Galilee, Gennesaret, and Tiberias in the New Testament (John 6:1, 21:1).
Capernaum and Bethsaida
In Capernaum Jesus healed the fever of Peter's mother-in-law, revived the dead daughter of a synagogue official, healed a bleeding woman, opened the eyes of blind men, and healed a shriveled hand.
Bethsaida is located north of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus manifested the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fish and healing a blind man.
Matthew 11 writes about Jesus's rebuke on the people in towns where He manifested miracles the most, because they did not repent. Now, Capernaum and Bethsaida are in complete ruins. It feels like the lamentation of Jesus could be heard in many corners of these towns.
On the Boat on Galilee
One of the most memorable moments of 2004 pilgrimage was the time spent on the boat on the Sea of Galilee.
The Sea of Galilee was unusually calm, and the sky was perfectly clear. From the boat they could see all the edges of the sea clearly.
The pilgrims sang praises and prayed to God, which was followed by meditation, too on the boat. The words of Jesus written in the Bible came into their hearts and gave them peace and comfort.
First Sunday Service on the Pilgrimage
Going around Galilee, Jesus taught in the synagogues and preached the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. He healed the sick and all infirmities, and a multitude followed Him. He couldn't sleep or eat well. He had no time to rest.
One of the pilgrims saw a film-like vision of the time of Jesus, when they were praying before the Sunday service. Peter, who was the foremost of the 12 disciples, always wanted to protect his master Jesus, and he stayed at the front when they were walking. One day, Peter took off his cloak, wiped the rock with it, and let Jesus sit on it so He could rest for a little while. Then John cleaned Jesus's tired feet and sandals with his clothes.
The pilgrims vividly felt the love of Jesus and His disciples during the Sunday service at Galilee. Then they set off to the Mount of Transfiguration at the valley of Jezreel.
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