Category: Geography

Yes, there is a parking lot near a place remarkably like the place described in the Bible as “the place of the skull.” Busses and taxis come and go regularly as though unconcerned by the momentous events that brought eternal life to man. But it really doesn’t matter. Jerusalem isn’t holy any more, and parking lots cannot diminish from the holy events that took place nearby. Besides, Jesus isn’t buried in that tomb, even if it was the actual tomb occupied by our Lord. He is risen!

The beautiful city of Caesarea was a very important place during New Testament times. The city stood on a busy caravan trade route between Tyre and Egypt. Though the city had no natural harbor, it nevertheless was a center for maritime trade as well. Herod the Great, when he constructed the city, built a remarkable “artificial” harbor to protect boats from stormy seas. The elaborate structure was built with materials that call to mind the concrete of our day.

In New Testament times Capernaum was not alone but was just one of quite a number of thriving communities in this area. The ruins of Capernaum are located in the northwest of the shoreline of Galilee. It is not certain how large a population Capernaum had but it is thought to have been under 2,000. There were several larger towns nearby but Capernaum looms large to us because so much happened in Capernaum during the ministry of Christ.

Yes, great things took place at Caesarea Philippi some 2000 years ago. Though we are separated by time and miles, we need to realize that the place is not what holds meaning to us, but what occurred there at the rugged slopes of Hermon, and the source of Jordan so long ago. This is what truly matters. This is the reverse of what many think. You see, from Matthew, Mark, and Luke, we have shown that rather than the place giving significance to the event, the event gave significance to the place!

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the crowds in Jerusalem, you can stand at the Northern Palace Villa atop Massada, look out at the miles of desolate Wilderness, and visualize the loneliness and suffering of our Lord as His great war with the Devil was fought and won. “Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”

Prior to the ministry of our Lord and to “fulfill all righteousness,” He waded down into the muddy waters and was baptized of John (John 3:13-17). Many others were also “being baptized by him in the Jordan River confessing their sins. (Mt. 3:5,6). Though the heavens and the earth pass away with fervent heat, the deeds performed by the righteous and unrighteous alike along this historic body of water shall surely precede them into the judgment.

The Sea of Galilee is not holy anymore, but holy things happened on it and around it. It is still fascinating to visit for it has never moved, sitting in the same place where it was when Jesus walked on it and taught the multitudes around it. If you can visit Israel, be sure to include the Sea of Galilee. You will never read your Bible with more complete understanding than when you touch the waters of Galilee.

Any child of God would do well to take advantage of any opportunity he or she might have to visit the land of Jesus.