A day filled with things of Jesus

Alright lots of cool stuff has happened. We had a boat ride across Sea of Galilee which began with 3 songs of Gospel music which was fun. We stopped the boat in the middle and our teacher gave us a discourse on Jesus' walking on the water (which showed not only that he had power over the elements but also gave reference to the creation as he created order out of chaos). We sang Master the Tempest is Raging which didn't really fit the scene as it was perfectly sunny and calm (with little to no waves) - I suppose it did fit the geographical location (obviously haha). 


Next was the "Nof Ginosar Ancient Boat" - We watched a video there about it which was very interesting as a marine archaeology success story. They were concerned with this revealed boat that it would disintegrate if it was allowed to dry. Finally after digging it out they surrounded it with fiber glass type stuff allowing it to take one last trek into the Sea of Galilee. They then soaked this boat in a particular type of wax so that it would be okay. One note about it is that it's potentially old enough to be from the time of christ - it's made out of a plethora of different types of wood. Anyways it's a big deal.  


Mt. of Beatitudes was next which had at it's top a Octagonal church which was convenient as there are 8 beattitudes but really an octagonal church is a type historical architecture which means that it is a memorial  church to commemorate a sacred site. It's a wonderful church with stained glass holding in greek the beattitudes. We sang some hymns to set the scene and then Brother Huntsman gave a short lecture allowing us afterward a reflective session - which I used to read the entire sermon on the mount and the recitation to the Nephites in 3 Nephi. The gardens were beautiful and green. 


Tabgha - In this location lies The Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes where an iconic mosaic lies. I remember the windows to this church were full panel but shaded with a cool tan splotchy type of glass. I think it's pretty obvious what this church commemorates

St. Peter’s Primacy - This was on the beachfront and had been identified as a site related to the feeding of the apostles after the resurrection (where Peter jumps into the water and swims to the Lord) and after ward asks Peter "Do you love me? then feed my sheep". There's a "Table of the Lord" there which is supposed to be where they Lord laid out his meal for the apostles. 


Next was Capernaum the city ruins. As we entered we first went to the remains of the synagogue where various levels were visible but not accessible. Showing where Jesus may have taught during his life near the time of  his healing of Peters mother in law (also in Capernaum). They have a place in the city ruins (which your really can't enter) where they have designated an very early Christian meeting place. Like historically they are sure the time frame of this room coordinates with the time Peter was alive (actually he was a successful fisher/ business man). So venerated was this site that an octagonal church was built there - however this was destroyed. Now there is a suspended octagonal church above the city ruins and directly above the ruins of this room where it is highly suspected that the early chirstians met here and that possibly it could be Peter's Home.


Kursi is an archaeological site made of the black basalt stone which is definitely more prevalent in this area. This church was to commemorate the place where Legion went into a herd of swine and ran into the sea. This was the final site of the day and we were all ready to be finished after such a long day. We walked up the steep hill a bit and looked out to see the sea was likely very much closer to the cliff base we were at - no one guesses exactly where this event took place - but that it was near here it is clear. 


All that was yesterday 


So Today was just lecture doing a good part of Mark and beginning Matthew - I'm learning a lot and really like the familiarity I am gaining with the gospels so far. I have gained an deeper understanding and connection with their separate records - If I put my mind to it I'm sure I will nail this information into a part of my being so I'll never forget it. 


In the evening we went out by bus to a fish restaurant where we were served St. Peter's Galilean fish (the supposed very variety of fish which held the coin miraculously). I had Fish and Spaghetti there as well as the ice cream they provided - it was all good. We then went to the city Tiberius where we just walked around the shops and all - it was fairly late so it was about half closed down. And we saw ruins of 1 of 8 synagogues in the area. 


Yeah that's what happened