Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Tabgha, Mt. Arbel, Magdala, Tiberias, Bethsaida, Kursi

8. The Sea of Galilee was located on a main crossroad of the known world during Christ’s ministry on earth. This international highway was called the “Via Maris” (Way of the Sea), and linked travel between the three continents of, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
9. The Via Maris passed right along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and there are old ruins and markers showing its existence.
10. The north shore of the Sea of Galilee was even more traveled than the roads and routes leading through Jerusalem.
11. By spending most of His ministry time in the northern Galilee area, Christ’s miracles would travel by word of mouth to the ends of the earth.

Historical Background
1. Abraham entered the Promised Land through the gateway of the Sea of Galilee when he first journeyed from Ur of the Chaldeans.
2. In Matthew 4 we find that Jesus established his home ministry base in the town of Capernaum which is located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.
3. At least 6 of the 12 disciples were from right around the Sea of Galilee. These were Peter, Andrew, James, John, Matthew, and Philip. 4. According to Acts 1:11​, the rest of the disciples were from the Galilee area as well.

Places of Interest
1. Tiberias
2. Mount Arbel – Likely place the Great Commission was given.
3. Magdala – Hometown of Mary Magdalene from whom Christ cast out 7 demons.
4. Gennesaret, Ginasar: Yigal Allon Center – Jesus Boat Museum
5. Calling of the disciples.
6. Tel Chinnereth (Kinneret) – Identified as the Biblical city listed by Joshua as one of the fortified cities in the Naftali tribe region (Josh 19). 7. Restoration of Peter at Tabgha – Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter.
8. The traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000 at Tabgha – Church of the Multiplication.
9. Mount of Beatitudes – Place from where Christ preached the Sermon on the Mount.
10. Chorazin – One of the 3 towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief.
11. Sower’s Cove – Likely place Christ preached the Parables of the Kingdom sermon.
12. Capernaum – Homebase of Jesus, Franciscan Site
13. Capernaum – Homebase of Jesus, Greek Orthodox Site
14. Capernaum National Park and Peer – Great place to get out into the Sea of Galilee a bit.
15. St. Peter’s Fish Restaurant Mifratz-Amnun – Nice restaurant and beach location.
16. Bethsaida traditional location.
17. Bethsaida newly discovered location.
18. Gamla – Place many Jews jumped to their deaths fleeing the Romans in 66 AD.
19. Great Sea of Galilee lookout place.
20. Kursi – Demon possessed man healed.
21. Feeding of the 5,000 – The most accurate location according to Scripture.
22. Horvat Susita – Old Roman City atop of a hill on the east side of the Sea of Galilee.
23. Yardenit – Nice baptismal site and souvenir store.
24. Hamat Tiberias National Park – Old Ruins of ancient Tiberias.

The Sea of Galilee in the Bible
1. Jesus calmed the sea here two times.
2. Christ fed 5,000 and 4,000 on its eastern shores.
3. Christ walked on water in the northern part of the sea.
4. Christ preached the Sermon on the Mount here which is His most famous and longest sermon.
5. Jesus cast demons out of a herd of 2,000 pigs here.
6. Christ did the majority of his miracles here in this region.
7. The miraculous “Catch of Fish” was performed here by Jesus.
8. Jesus performed every class of miracle to show He was Lord of every aspect of creation. Here are the kinds of miracles Christ performed: He healed all kinds of sickness. He had power over the demons and the demonic world. He had power over the weather and calmed the sea. He had power over nature and cursed a fig tree, and it died. He had power over animals – He cast demons into a herd of swine, performed miraculous catches of fish, rode into Jerusalem on an untamed donkey. He had power over food – He fed 5,000 and 4,000 people. He had power over death – He raised a number of people from the dead and rose from the dead Himself. Jesus had power to forgive sins Mark 2:10​.