Israel Log 8 March 2011

Today is the day I dealt with my issues about real and pseudo biblical sites. Up until now we had been visiting archeological sites, but today we began to visit sites “where tradition says” something happened. During the trip, I asked Dr. Williams, “How much stock do we put in tradition when evaluating a site?” Dr. Williams did not even pretend that some of these traditional sites were the actual place where a biblical event took place. Instead he reminded us that part of being a Christian is faith, not faith that an event happened at a certain place, but that the event happened. Where we remember the event is not as important. Furthermore, when an actual site is found it often becomes a shrine that overshadows the event.

Paul being baptized by Shawn

Paul and Shawn baptizing Bruce and Elizabeth

Paul and Shawn baptizing Sarah

We began the day with baptisms in the Jordan River. I was able to participate in initial baptisms and baptisms for rededication. I too was baptized. For me it was an act of repentance, in the manner of John the Baptist, a reminder to walk in newness of life, but for me the means of grace was following in the footsteps of John the Baptist, baptizing people in the Jordan.

Dr. Williams

The Mount of the Beatitudes was the first “where tradition says” place we visited. Dr. Williams read the Sermon on the Mount, and afterward I went into the church to pray that I would live in such a way that Jesus commanded. This place was very moving for some, but for me the place was not as important as the words of Jesus.

The Orthodox Church at Peter of Primacy

Disciples: Jeremy, Kathryn, Ana, Paul, Leanne, Ryan, and Shawn

The next place we visited was the site known as Peter of Primacy, where Jesus is supposed to have met the disciples by the Sea of Galilee after the resurrection. Here, Dr. Williams read the “Peter do you love me?” passage of Scripture while Gregorian chant came from the nearby church. I thought to have a picture of the IWU and Wesley Seminary “disciples” on the shore of Galilee.

Tabgha courtyard

Loaves and Fishes Mosaic

Heavy rain diverted us to Tabgha, the traditional site of the feeding of the 5,000. A mosaic of two fishes and a basket of bread is the feature point of an incredible mosaic floored church.

Capernaum

House of Simon Peter

Kathryn in the synagogue

A visit to Capernaum returned us to an archeological site, and what an amazing site it is. This is one of the places that have many new discoveries since I took Biblical Archeology as an undergrad in 2001. Here is where tradition and archeological science have met in an impressive fashion. The house of Simon Peter has been unearthed. This long venerated site has been confirmed with archeological evidence, and it seems Peter’s family, his mother-in-law, Andrew’s family, and Jesus, at least for a time, all lived there. Also, the synagogue from the time of Jesus has been unearthed, and the time confirmed with a find of coins from the period. So many of Jesus disciples were from here, and Jesus did so much ministry here that for me this was a place that really impacted me with the humanity of Jesus.

The Jesus Boat

Conrad, Tim, Stephen, Ruth and Randy

Ed and Lois

Our last stop was again at the shores of Galilee, this time to see the “Jesus Boat,” a fishing boat from the first century that had been preserved in the mud under the lake. It is referred to as the Jesus boat not because anyone claims that Jesus rode in this particular boat, but because it is a fishing boat from his time, and it holds 13 people. From there we sailed across the Sea of Galilee back to Tiberius. The boat ride included the singing of the U.S. and Canadian national anthems, and Jewish circle dancing on the deck. After the dancing circle, some continued with country line dancing to Christian music.