Day 5
Galilee, Capernaum, the “Jesus Boat,” and Nazareth
Date: October 28th
The Sea of Galilee
We began day 5 sailing on the Sea of Galilee. It was on this body of water where Jesus calmed the storm as recorded in the Gospels.
Sailing on the Noah
American Israeli Solidarity
A Gospel Opportunity on the Sea of Galilee
While we were sailing on the Sea of Galilee, I had the opportunity to be a witness for Jesus to a young Jewish man. Shortly before this picture was taken, a lady in our group told me that she had spoken with a young man named Avraham, who was confused about why so many young Americans do not like Israel. When I heard this, I was reminded of Jesus’ words that His followers are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13). I wanted to be salt for Avraham so that he would understand that Jesus and His followers love him.
As we disembarked, I shook Avraham’s hand, thanked him, and told him that I—and many other young Christians—pray for him and for Israel regularly. Since Jewish people know that Christians believe in Jesus, I am convinced that simple actions like this are vitally important for bearing witness to Jesus the Messiah. I am thankful that the Lord put it on the heart of my friend to bring up this gospel opportunity.
View of the Sermon on the Mount from the Sea of Galilee
Capernaum
After our little voyage, we made our way to Capernaum to see the foundation of the synagogue where Jesus Himself taught God’s Word.
The Synagogue where Jesus taught God’s Word
In the picture above is a white–stone synagogue resting on a black basalt foundation. The upper structure, known as the White Synagogue, was built in the fourth century AD on top of the ruins of the original synagogue where Jesus Himself taught.
Ancient Ruins of Capernaum
The “Star of David” Carving at the White Synagogue
Among the architectural remains of the White Synagogue in Capernaum is a striking six-pointed star carved into one of the synagogue’s decorative stones. To many, this star is reminiscent of the “Star of David,” but the history of this symbol is much older and more complex than first meets the eye.
The carving comes from the fourth–fifth century AD synagogue, the beautiful white-limestone structure that sits on top of the black basalt foundation of the earlier synagogue where Jesus taught (Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31). This later synagogue was richly decorated, and geometric designs like the six-pointed star were commonly used in Jewish art during this period. The star eventually became known as the Magen David (“Shield of David”).
Today, it serves as a central symbol of Jewish identity. Whenever I see the Star of David, I am reminded of two messianic passages in the Bible than link a star with the Messiah.
Numbers 24:17 “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”
Matthew 2:1-2 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
The “Jesus Boat”
We also saw the “Jesus boat” which is a first-century fishing boat found in the mud of the Sea of Galilee by archaeologists. Could this be the very boat used by Jesus and His disciples? Perhaps, but it is an amazing testimony to the time of Jesus and the amazing history found in the Bible.
Nazareth
We ended the day visiting the hometown of Jesus
Ancient Retaining Walls at the Farm in Nazareth
These walls are the ancient remnants of the retaining walls for the main farm at Nazareth during the time of Jesus. Our guide suggested that Jesus could have visited this very farm.
Life at Nazareth Village
At the Nazareth site we visited, a Christian ministry has recreated first-century farm life. Their ‘villagers’ raise sheep, harvest olives, press them in a rebuilt olive-press, and weave garments from cotton — all on a working farm modeled after the time of Jesus.
At the time of Jesus, lambs like the one in this picture would have been raised for the purpose of bringing God sin sacrifices. Little did Nazareth know that a little Jewish boy named Yeshua (Jesus) was the lamb of God.
John 1 :29 “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Recreation of the Nazareth Synagogue
Replica of a First-Century Rock-Cut Tomb
Watchtower at Nazareth Village
Conclusion to Day 5
Day 5 was another full and unforgettable day. From the Sea of Galilee and the “Jesus Boat” to Capernaum and Nazareth, we were amazed again and again to see the Scriptures come to life right before our eyes.
One of the deepest blessings of the day was the opportunity the Lord gave me to show love and compassion to a young Jewish man named Avraham, who has been deeply troubled by the hostility he sees from many young Americans toward the Jewish people. Please pray with me that God would open his eyes to behold the beauty of Christ and believe in Him.
This encounter also reminded me of how dependent I am on others in ministry. I am grateful for my friend who pointed out the opportunity to witness to Avraham, and I am equally thankful for the many people who pray for me and partner with me as I bring the good news of Jesus to Jewish people in the DC and Baltimore region.
Would you prayerfully consider joining me as a monthly ministry partner? Your faithful support—whether $25, $50, or $100 a month—will help me launch full-time into this ministry of bringing the gospel to God’s people Israel and equipping local churches in Jewish evangelism. I am confident that God will use our shared efforts to bless the Jewish community and magnify the name of Jesus.
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