Embedded Files
Monday, June 26
Today, I traveled to the north of Israel. I was able to see Megiddo. In archaeological terms, it is a complex site with over 20 occupations layered right on top of each other. Historically, it controlled a major trade route linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. For my Egyptian fans out there, it’s the farthest north region conquered by Tuthmosis III. Most Christians know it as Armageddon, the location of the final battle between good and evil as recounted in the book of Revelation. The end of the world will begin here. The cast of characters include an earthquake that splits the sky, a blackened sun, a dragon with seven horns, angels with disaster-filled trumpets, the seven seals, the four horsemen (death, famine, war, conquest), and the sign of the beast. So, you may not want to be around at that time.
Next was the modern church of the Basilica of the Annunciation. It commemorates the angel appearing to Mary and announcing she would give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).
It’s built over the remains of the original Nazareth.
Here's the inside, along with the celebration of a mass I was able to witness.
We visited the Church of the Multiplication, which recounts when Jesus miraculously fed thousands (Matthew 14:13-21). It was rediscovered in the late 1800s. A new church was built upon the foundations of the older structures from the 4th and 5th centuries.
Finally, we were able to get our first glimpse of the Sea of Galilee. It's a freshwater lake that measures about 13 miles long and 8 miles wide. It's where Jesus spent most of his life. He preached at nearby places like Cana, Magdala, and Capernaum. During a recent drought, 16 harbors were found from that period. That means he was plenty busy spreading his good news just in this area.
Hopefully, I will be able to visit the Sea of Galilee Boat in the future. It was discovered in 1986 and it dated to the exact time of Jesus. Fully loaded, it could fit the 12 disciples and it is probably how they travelled. It was a boat like this that surrounded several miracles including calming the sea (Matthew 8:23-27) and walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33).
Capernaum is one of the most important sites in this area. After Jesus was rejected in Nazareth (Luke 4:14-30), he used this village as his home base.
Jesus performed many miracles here and this is where he recruited some of his disciples. There’s a tradition, backed by strong archaeology, that Peter’s home is on the site. Here’s the church along with the structure beneath.
Our last stop was Yardenit, another possible baptism site. As you saw from my previous post, there are several places like this throughout Israel. Do you believe Jesus was baptized near his home? Then this may be the spot for you. Or, do you believe Jesus was baptized closer to John the Baptist near the Dead Sea? Then, check out the site with the greatest evidence surrounding it: Al-Maghtas. Either way, it’s a blessing and it’s still the Jordan River.
Report abuse