We begin this part of our journey at Jesus’s boyhood town of
Nazareth
in Northern Israel. While here, we can explore the winding market streets and visit
The Church of the Annunciation
, the largest church in the Middle East. The church was established over the Catholic tradition site of the annunciation, where
angel Gabriel
appeared to the
Virgin Mary
and announced she would conceive and bear the Son of God, Jesus.
Our next stop is
Zippori
, located just northwest of Nazareth. Here are ancient ruins and Byzantine mosaics in this city that was very important to Rome during Jesus’ time. Zippori is believed to be the
birthplace of Mary
, mother of Jesus.
Mash’had
is our next stop. This town is where the
prophet Jonah
is supposed to have been born. It is a primarily Arab town with most residents being Muslim.
On to
Cana,
the site of Jesus’ first miracle of turning
water into wine
for the wedding feast. If you want, stop at the church at Cana and renew your wedding vows! While visiting Cana Jesus also heald the son of a royal official.
Nathanael
(aka Bartholemew) was from Cana.
Along the Jesus Trail we come to the
Arbel Cliffs
which give a bird’s-eye-view of the region of Jesus’ ministry. As we climb down the trail, we can explore the ancient caves from the
Maccabean Revolt
and visit an ancient synagogue.
We continue east on the trail to the town of
Magdala
, located on the
Sea of Galilee
. Magdala is the hometown of
Mary Magdalene
. It was known for its dried fish. Archaeological excavations found that the town began during the Hellenistic period (between the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE) and ended during the late Roman period (3rd century CE). The most important discovery is an ancient synagogue, the
"Migdal Synagogue".
It is the oldest synagogue found in the region of Galilee, and one of the only synagogues from that period found in all of Israel.
Just a little further north on Galilee is the
Jesus Boat Museum
. It contains a 1st century wooden fishing boat that would have been used around the time of Jesus.
Tabgha
is a bit further on the Northwest shore of Galille is the traditional site of Jesus’
Feeding of the 5000
. The Church of St. Peter’s Primacy marks the spot in beautiful mosaics. Many of the disciples were believed to have from this area of the Sea of Galilee. It is also the site of the
fourth resurrection appearance of Jesus
Next week, we continue along the Jesus Trail
Hope your time is meaningful as you follow along the footsteps of Christ.
