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Day 3 In Israel: Capernaum and the Jordan River

Today may have been the most exciting day yet. We visited Bet-Shean, Harod Spring (or Gideon's Spring), took a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee, visited Capernaum, and went to the Jordan River.

The remains of the Roman city, Scythopolis, with the tell in background.
After another great breakfast here at Nof Ginosar, we drove across the Jordan River to the town of Bet-Shean. A magnificent place, with a large tell consisting of 20 tels (or different cities built one on top of another). This city was originally a part of the Decapolis. It is found in the Biblical story of King Saul and Jonathan, because after they were killed in battle, their bodies were hung from the walls of this city. The excavations offered a great glimpse into the former glory of the Roman city, Scythopolis, one of the most exposed portions of this tel. 

Want to guess what bodily function this was used for?

The actual spring used by Gideon and his soldiers in Judges 7.
After a long morning at Bet-Shean, we stopped by Harod's Spring, which is the place where Gideon brought his soldiers to drink in Judges 7. In an effort to dwindle the number of soldiers to give God more glory in the ensuing victory over the Midianites, Gideon culled out men based on how the drank from the spring. It was really cool, and fun to imagine 10,000 soldiers drinking water, much like I tried to do. 


Me attempting to drink from the spring the "correct way."
Riding on the boat on the Sea of Galilee. 
After, we drove down to Tiberias where we had lunch beside the Sea of Galilee at a popular restaurant, Decks. We were treated to an awesome meal of St. Peter's Fish (similar totilapia). And we mean the whole fish! After lunch, we boarded a boat for a ride across the Sea of Galilee back to Ginosar. While on this boat ride, we were able to reflect on Jesus' actions with the disciples on these waters by singing as a group the traditional hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul."
St. Peter's Fish for lunch. 


Upon reaching shore, we boarded our bus and headed to the ancient city of Capernaum. This is the city where Jesus lived during his ministry, and also is where Peter was from. At this located we were treated to a devotion by my roommate for the trip, Pastor Thomas Farrow of FBC Clinton. While here, we were treated to a special treat, the traditional site of Peter's house, of which some remains are present. If this is in fact Peter's house, this is most likely where Jesus lived, and it would be where Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law. To walk in the very place where Jesus would have lived and worked was truly special.
The believed to be remains of Peter's house in Capernaum.

The Jordan River.
After our time at Capernaum, we headed to the site known as Jardenit, which is the popular baptismal site on the Jordan River. Here we were able to participate in a very high and holy event, undergoing baptism in the Jordan River, just as Jesus did. As those who wanted to entered the water, we were able to share any words that we wanted before being charged to remember our baptisms. A truly powerful event, made even more important considering today is Pentecost Sunday. When all who desired had been dipped, we sang a verse of Amazing Grace together before closing in prayer.
Dr. Cartledge charging me to remember by baptism.


Today consisted of a lot of reflection and even worship. Tonight is our last night at Nof Ginosar. Tomorrow we make our way to Jerusalem, where we will be staying for the remainder of the trip. 

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