The fourth day for the group was around the Sea of Galilee. Today it is known by the locals as "the Kinneret." Kinneret means "harp." If you view the lake on a map, it does have the shape of an ancient harp. And folklore equates the sounds of the lake with that of the most beautiful music, thus the name.
Still another source confers preferential status on the Kinneret. After the seven seas, God takes special delight in the Sea of Galilee.
Most groups find any day special around the lake. This day began with a visit to see the first century boat at Ginnosar, followed by a boat ride on the sea. Next, we read the Beatitudes on the mount by the same name.
At Chorazim, we visited the ancient synagogue and explored in depth many of Jesus' teaching. An ancient insula (house) provided the setting for study of the parables of the lost coin and the friend coming at midnight, the promise of Jesus that God's house has many rooms, and the account of the healing of the lame man brought by friends (Mark 2).
Other stops were at Bethsaida, Capernaum, and the springs of the apostles in the Wadi Hamam. As always, this day around the lake was packed with lessons from the land.
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