When you read the gospels, you discover the majority of Jesus' ministry centered around the Sea of Galilee. While important events occurred in Jerusalem, the Lord spent most of the three years of His ministry along the shore of this freshwater lake. Here He gave more than half of His parables and here He performed most of His miracles. Capernaum, on the northwestern shore, became Jesus' ministry center. Three of His disciples hailed from Bethsaida, a few miles from Capernaum. One of the women who followed Jesus was Mary of Magdala, a town on the lake's western shore. Jesus fed the five thousand on the east side of the Sea of Galilee, and soon afterward He delivered His Bread of Life Discourse in Capernaum, which was on the west coast of the sea.
Why did Jesus spend so much time in this rural area?
Which disciples came from this area?
Read John 7:52. What was the reputation of Galilee?
Jesus' first miracle happened in what city?
What tax collector was from this city? Hint, Mark 2:13-17
Read Matthew 14:22-33. How did Peter respond to Jesus?
What were the other disciples doing when Peter got out of the boat?
What is the spiritual lesson of Peter walking on water and then sinking?
Nazareth was located in lower Galilee. Read Isaiah 9:1 and Matthew 4:13-15. What is significant about Nazareth?
There are many recorded events and miracles around Galilee. Which do you find most interesting? Why?
Read Mark 4:35-40. What do you learn about Jesus? Why is this important?
Blessings on your week! Pastor Ron