When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons. –Mk 16:9
In Jesus’ day the city of Magdala was located about five miles south of Capernaum on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. With a population of 40,000, it was the principal city on the lake until the founding of Tiberias in 19 AD.
“Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.” –Luke 17:2
As Jesus pronounced these words, He may have been looking at this very millstone pictured in the photograph.
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. –John 8:12
On the same day Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law, He went on to heal many others “that evening after sunset” (Mk 1:32). As night falls quickly in Israel, we can imagine the dark street dotted with dozens of oil lamps as “the whole town gathered at the door” (v 33).
When Jesus came into Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. –Mt 8:14
The Christian church began in houses. To this day there are house church movements, especially in countries where Christianity is banned from public expression.
He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. -John 6:59
A husband and wife who could not agree on where to go for their vacation finally settled on a compromise. The first year they would go mountain climbing in Austria—the husband’s choice—and the following year they would fulfill the wife’s desire to visit the Holy Land.
Leaving Nazareth, He went to live in Capernaum. –Mt 4:13
The ancient village of Capernaum (which means town of Nahum) was located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, some three miles west of where the upper Jordan River flows into the lake from the northern mountains.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. -Mt 14:19
If Jesus were stuck out in the wilderness with a multitude today, a little boy might bring Him, not five loaves and two fish, but maybe a bag of jalapino chips and a couple of Mars bars.
Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. –John 1:44
Note that the verse says “from” Bethsaida. When these men began to follow Jesus, they were living in Capernaum. But they had probably learned their trade in Bethsaida, another ancient fishing village on the Sea of Galilee.
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from 20 to 30 gallons. –Jn 2:6
Both today and in ancient times, the towns of Israel are made of stone. The streets are stone, the walls are stone, the houses are stone, and in the first century even the furniture, the baths, and many cooking pots, jugs, bowls, and dishes were all made of stone.
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. –Mt 14:25
If we’re looking for places where Jesus walked, let’s not overlook the Sea of Galilee—not only because He frequented its shores but because He walked on the water itself.