The Sea of Galilee… AKA Lake Kinneret
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias or the Kinneret, is a freshwater lake located in northern Israel. It is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth, at approximately 213 meters below sea level. The sea is approximately 13 miles long and 7.5 miles wide at its broadest point near Magdala, the sea resembles the shape of a harp. Situated below the headwaters of the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee is fed with fresh water from snow-topped Mount Hermon and Mount Lebanon. The Jordan River continues out the south end of the Sea of Galilee, flowing downhill until it ends at the Dead Sea. The Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, and the Dead Sea are all located in the Rift Valley, a geological fissure that forms the longest and deepest crack in the earth’s crust.
In New Testament times, the Sea of Galilee was an important commercial area surrounded by Capernaum, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Magdala, and Tiberias. Most of the roads in ancient Galilee passed near the sea, and many travelers crossed the Jordan Rift there. Its semi-tropical climate combined with the sulfur springs in Tiberias made the Sea of Galilee a popular health resort destination for sick people. Being the only significant freshwater lake in the region, the Sea of Galilee supported a flourishing fishing industry. Capernaum, a dominant setting in the ministry of Jesus, was the center of that fishing industry (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:10, 11).
By the first century, the Sea of Galilee had been renamed the “Lake of Gennesaret” or “Sea of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1). In John’s Gospel, the apostle calls it the “Sea of Tiberias” (John 6:1; 21:1). Many momentous events in the life of Jesus took place around the Sea of Galilee, including the calling of several disciples. Peter, Andrew, James, and John had all been working as fishermen earning a living on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:13–22). Jesus also called Matthew the tax collector from the town of Capernaum on the northwest coast of the Sea of Galilee (Mark 2:13–17).
Visit the many sites around the Galilee
Mount of Beatitudes - A hill in northern Israel, in the Korazim Plateau. It is the traditional site of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Mount of Beatitudes.
Tabgha - The site is best known for Christ’s miraculous multiplication of loaves and fish to feed a multitude. But it is also remembered for Jesus’ third appearance to his disciples after his Resurrection when he tested and commissioned St Peter as leader of his Church. Two churches commemorate these events, and pilgrims find the place a serene location for meditation, prayer, and study.
Capernaum - Jesus made Capernaum his home during the years of his ministry: “Leaving Nazareth He went and lived in Capernaum” (Matt 4:13) Archaeological excavations have revealed two ancient synagogues built one over the other. Also, a house turned into a church by the Byzantines is believed to have been the home of Saint Peter.
Jesus Boat - The Sea of Galilee yielded an unexpected catch in 1986 — the hull of a fishing boat old enough to have been on the water in the time of Jesus and his disciples.
Magdala - Also known as Migdal, is located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is the home of Mary Magdalene and also a 1st-century synagogue.
Mount Arbel - Located on the west side of the Sea of Galilee and is the tallest mountain in the area offering incredible views. It is also the traditional location where Jesus gave the Great Commission mandate to go into the world and preach the gospel.
Kursi - A picturesque site on the Eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, at the foothill of the Golan Heights. The site marks and commemorates the Miracle of the Swine in the Gospels (Mark 5:13-14).