Understanding Jesus’ Mission in Galilee

Synagogue in Jesus Town of Capernaum, Israel

“In the future He will honor Galilee of the nations by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:1-2).

Jesus is the fulfillment of these verses, written seven hundred years before He walked the earth. He didn’t stay in Judah where the Jews lived. He went to the Gentiles on the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. The center of His ministry was Capernaum where He delivered a legion of demons from a man living in the tombs, healed a paralyzed man, raised the synagogue leader’s daughter from death and healed a woman who suffered twelve long years from an issue of bleeding. He called several fishermen from this vicinity to be His disciples. Peter lived next door to the synagogue in the picture above. Jesus was the light shining in the darkness. He used miracles to demonstrate His compassion for the people. Did His love make a difference in their lives? No!

What Did Jesus Say?

Jesus said, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you” ( Matthew 11:21-24).

God loved the world so much He sent His Son into the world so that the people would be saved from loneliness and despair, from anxiety, vengeance and malice. He came to give us a peace that transcends understanding, a peace that comes from repentance and humbling ourselves before God. He came to rescue us from the slavery to sin as Moses came to rescue Israel from slavery in Egypt. Jesus made this deliverance possible through His mighty act of forgiveness on the cross. He died to take away our sin. Have you accepted this amazing love of God? If not, today is a good day. Come to know God by reading His word and know peace regardless of your circumstances. Pray a simple prayer asking God to be with you and to help you live for Him.

Prayer

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your Son and for saving us from our sin. Help us to live our lives pleasing to you by getting to know you in your word; loving you and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Jesus Stands in the Gap

When Jesus came on the scene of Jewish history, His message clashed through the legalism of keeping 613 Jewish laws aside from the Ten Commandments. When He taught in the temple or synagogues, He often healed on the Sabbath, and the religious leaders objected. He taught from a Spirit of the law and not the letter of the law, something the priests and elders did not grasp. They honestly did not know what to do with Jesus, and because people were coming to Him, they hated Him and searched for ways to kill Him.

Lonely Vigil in the Garden

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His mission was huge, and He often spent lonely nights in prayer on the Mount of Olives or in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prayed to the Father about everything and everyone He encountered. He prayed about the most powerful message He would deliver, known as the Sermon on the Mount, which covers Matthew 5, 6 and 7. The message was about how to live for God and serve others, how to show love and shine light in a dark world, how to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. These were as strange then as they are today. Yet, these are God’s ways. Jesus sought the Father in all He said and did. We would benefit if we did too.

Miracles and Healing

Although Jesus’ message was that of Lord and Savior, He also healed people and performed miracles. He turned water to wine at the Wedding in Cana. He healed a man born blind at the Pool of Siloam. He healed a man crippled for 38 years at the pool near the Sheep Gate of the temple in Jerusalem. He healed a woman from 12 years of an issue of bleeding, which isolated her from family or friends, and she spent all the money she had on doctors for a cure. Jesus raised three people from the dead: the widow’s son at Nain, Lazarus in Bethany and Jairus’ daughter in Capernaum. He fed crowds of more than 4,000 and 5,000. He did all these miracles out of compassion but not for fame or fortune.

The Message

Jesus’ life was a message of hope and blessing, salvation and eternal life. He often said, “Do not be afraid,” and “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28). That verse has brought me so much comfort and encouragement when the tasks at hand overwhelm me. Jesus said we must be born again in John 3, but not even Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher, understood what He meant. Thanks be to God, the teacher finally got it, and John wrote about it: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Jesus interceded for the people He encountered, and He stands in the gap for you and me. He is always available and accessible. You can whisper His name in the dark of night or the light of day. He never sleeps or slumbers – more than our human minds can conceive, but He is God alone. He loves us more than we can imagine, and we can trust Him with all that concerns us.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord Most High, for your great love for us. Teach us how to live for you by standing in the gap for others, that they might experience Your amazing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Capernaum, a Place of Miracles and Woes

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Woe to You Bethsaida

These ruins are all that is left of Bethsaida, but at one time it was a flourishing city. Located north of the Sea of Galilee, it was a fisherman’s town. One archaeological dig found a big hole with a bunch of fish hooks. Imagine that! Andrew, Peter and Philip came from Bethsaida, and guess what! They were all fishermen. No mystery there. This is also a place where Jesus performed many miracles, but He also cursed this place. Why?

Here is the answer: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21).

The people here north of the Sea of Galilee saw more of Jesus. They saw miracles with their own eyes. They heard Jesus’ teachings with their own ears. What happened? I’ll tell you what I think.

I think everything around them blended in to who they were–lots of pagan beliefs, idolatry, and living self-indulgent lives. Sounds familiar, right? Unless we read God’s word we won’t know the Truth from other religions or about idolatry? You might say, “I don’t worship idols.” thinking you don’t worship a figurine or statue. But how do you spend your time? Your money? Do these things indicate your love for God or something else? In my early years as a Christian, the Bible and church were just a couple good things in the potpourri of my life. Since then, God has become my life, not just part of my life.

When I get to Heaven’s gates, I want to hear “Well done, Sue!” and not, “Woe to you, Sue” because I left the Garden of the Lord untended.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for blessing me. Make me a blessing today to bless others. Teach me to serve and not be so self-serving. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Two Things Amazed Jesus

Synagogue in Capernaum

Have you wondered what might amaze Jesus? One time when Jesus was in Capernaum a Roman Centurion asked Him to heal his servant who was sick and paralyzed. Jesus was ready to go to his house but the centurion said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done as you believed it would,” and his servant was healed at that moment (Matthew 8:5-13).

Peter lived next door to the synagogue in Capernaum. Jesus healed his mother in law of a high fever. He raised the daughter of Jairus, the synagogue leader, from death to life. Jesus also healed a woman of perpetual bleeding and a paralyzed man in Capernaum. He performed more miracles here and in the surrounding area–Chorazin and Bethsaida–than anyplace else.

The Pharisees came to Jesus and asked Him for a sign. This amazed Jesus because it was the place of so many of His miracles–what more could they want? He replied, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it” (Mark 8:11-12). Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of His miracles had been performed because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on that day of judgment than for you” (Matthew 11:20-24).

Would you like to amaze Jesus? I pray that it would be with a faith like the centurion rather than the lack of faith of the Pharisees.

Prayer: Thank you Father God, for Jesus, His teaching and miracles. Incline our hearts to you so we might hunger and thirst for the springs of the living God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Miracles and Curses

Ruins of a Synagogue in Chorazin, Israel

Chorazin was a city north of the Sea of Galilee where the disciples Peter, Andrew and Philip grew up. This is the area near Capernaum and Bethsaida where Jesus carried out His ministry. He taught in the synagogues and healed the sick. However, Jesus said, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21). It’s a terrible curse when the Lord puts “Woe to you” in front of what He says.

Are you in ministry? Do people always respond to you with appreciation? Probably not. It is disappointing when it seems that all our work is fruitless. I think that is how Jesus felt. Unlike me, though, He did not think He failed. He put the people’s lack of faith where it belonged–on them.

Moses Seat

The synagogue in Chorazin has one of the only Moses Seats in all the ruins of the Holy Lands. In Old Testament times judges, like Moses, sat in these seats to settle disputes among the people. In the New Testament times the Rabbi read the Scriptures from this seat.

I think the city Chorazin began as a place where people worshiped and revered God, but what happened? The hearts of the people grew cold and not even Jesus’ miracles brought about repentance or change. The world we live in is a lot like Chorazin. It began with God’s creation and people loved God, but little by little, their hearts grew numb to His blessings. They chose their ways over His ways. What do you think He thinks of our world? I am afraid He might start His message to earth with, “Woe to you!”

The Bible talks about a Great White Throne Judgement where unbelievers will be held accountable for their choices and how they lived. Believers will also face the Judgement Seat of Christ, not to be judged between good or evil, but He will give rewards for what we accomplished for His glory. What we do on earth will be forgotten, except what we do for the Lord.

Prayer: Holy God, thank you for your word and statutes; for your love and mercy. Help us to respond in love to you and to people. Help us to work revival in this dark world we live in. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

They Took Offense at Him

Nazareth, Israel

Jesus healed a centurion’s servant, a woman with an issue of bleeding and gave the life of a daughter back to the synagogue leader and his wife in Capernaum. He left there to go to Nazareth, and on the Sabbath He began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard Him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s the wisdom that has been given him, that He even does miracles! Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him (Mark 6:2-3).

Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor” (Mark 6:4-6). Has this happened to you in your ministry? If so, be encouraged. God knows and He is with you even when your family doesn’t understand your passion or the things you do.

Isn’t the cry of every Christian’s heart to speak the truth to our families? Why are they so offended? I wish I had the answer. The situation leads me to pray for my family and for connections. God is faithful to answer my prayers. He gives me glimpses into the work He is doing in my family.

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for your word, your presence, your love and care for us. Thank you for encouragement and inspiration. We pray that you continue to pursue, protect and provide for our loved ones. As you didn’t give up on us, we know you won’t give up on them. Thank you for your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Servants’ Blessings

The Cana Greek Orthodox Wedding Church in Cana of Galilee, Kfar Kana, Israel

This Greek Orthodox Church is built in the place where Jesus attended the wedding in Cana, west of the Sea of Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus, noticed that the host had run out of wine and mentioned it to Jesus. She looked at the servants and said, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Six stone water jars, each held from twenty to thirty gallons, stood nearby. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” which they did. Then he said, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best til now” (John 2:1-10).

This was the first of Jesus’ miracles. Although I have read this Scripture many times over the years, I saw something new today. The servants were the first to know what happened. They were the first to be blessed. All they did was what Jesus told them to do–fill the jars with water. It didn’t take extensive education or skill, just a willingness to obey. It is no different for you or me. When we make ourselves available and ready to serve, we experience blessings. Sometimes we experience miracles. You may not think miracles happen today, but they do. I have a friend who took his guitar to nursing homes to play and sing old songs with the residents. Once when he was in the memory unit, a lady who hadn’t spoken for eight years began to smile and sing along. Miracles abound. We just need to open our eyes and hearts to receive them.

The greater miracle is for people to respond to God’s amazing love–addicts, adulterers, murderers, vandals, robbers–for salvation. Sick people are healed physically and spiritually. Jesus came to serve, and as we follow His lead, we will see the miracles and the blessings. Will you be His hands and feet today? Even in these days of isolation, we can respond to God’s call. Sometimes the least we can do (pray) is the best thing we can do.

Prayer: Thank you, Holy Lord, for your word that speaks new truths to us every day. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who teaches us. Help us to recognize opportunities, even in this pandemic to encourage others and pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Village by the Sea

Magdala, a fishing village once located between the cliffs of Mount Arbel and the Sea of Galilee, is the hometown of Mary Magdalene, a woman Jesus delivered from seven demons, one of the women at His crucifixion, and the first person to see the resurrected Christ.

The piers, warehouses and markets are submerged in the lake due to changes in sea level over hundreds of years. The town prospered on the area’s agriculture and fishing industry. In January 1986 following years of drought, the sea level of the Sea of Galilee was extremely low. Two brothers in the local kibbutz discovered the outline of a boat in the mud. When it was excavated, archaeologist determined it to be a first century fishing boat. Preserved in a special chemical solution, this “Jesus boat” is on display at the Kibbutz Ginnosar Museum on the site of ancient Magdala. The boat pictured in this chapel is a reproduction.

Jesus spent three days with a crowd of more than four thousand and fed them. Afterward He got into a boat like you see here and went to the area of Magadan. In this place the Pharisees and Sadducees asked Him for a sign from heaven. Jesus said they would get no sign except the sign of Jonah. He referred to His future death and resurrection (Matthew 16:1-4). Leaders of Magdala also asked for a sign. This was where Jesus’ miracles were well known. What more could they want?

The forerunner of Christ, John the Baptist, was thrown into prison and began to question if Jesus was the Christ. He sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him if He was the Messiah. Jesus said, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me” (Matthew 11:4-6). These verses are fulfillment of Isaiah 35:5-6. Blinded by what the religious leaders expected the Messiah to be, they missed their Savior. What about you? Do you believe Jesus is who He says He is?

Prayer: Holy Father, thank you for Bible history that proves you are who You say You are. Thank your for archaeologist’s discoveries that also prove the reality of who You are. Open our eyes that we may see wonderful things in Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Capernaum, Jesus’ Hometown

Resting on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee is the fishing town of Capernaum. The name, Capernaum, means Village of Comfort, which seems the perfect place for Jesus to settle. He taught in a synagogue where Jairus was the synagogue leader, and He raised his daughter from death. He healed a woman with a twelve-year medical problem. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law here, and she got up and served Him. He healed a paralyzed man and forgave him of his sins after his friends took him to the roof, uncovered some mud tiles and reeds to let him down in front of Jesus. He delivered a man possessed by demons and healed a Roman centurion’s servant here in Capernaum. Jesus called Philip, Andrew, Peter, James and John to be His disciples in this town.

Jesus claimed Capernaum as His home; not Bethlehem where He was born; not Nazareth where He grew up and not Jerusalem, the religious center of Israel. Although He performed most of His miracles in this place, they didn’t bring about repentance and changed lives. This is where Jesus said, “And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades, for if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you” (Matthew 11:20-24).

Although we may wonder why the people did not respond to Jesus’ miracles, His teaching or His amazing love, we can. They did not have the Bible as we have it today. They learned from teachers, like Jesus, who read the Scripture and taught what it meant. We have the great advantage of having the complete Bible to read and study on our own or in church, Sunday school classes or Bible studies.

Prayer: Teach us Father God to be receptive to the truth about who you are and how it can bring meaning to our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.