ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

The Sea of Galilee is unlike any other place on earth. Though it is a freshwater lake, it sits 600 feet below sea level, making it the lowest freshwater lake in the world. Luke, ever the careful historian, calls it a lake in his Gospel, reminding us of its true nature (Luke 5:1; 8:22, 33).

Fed by the Jordan River from the north, where three mountain streams converge, the waters flow through Galilee and then continue south toward the Dead Sea. Hills rise around the lake on nearly every side, with fertile valleys to the northwest and northeast. These valleys, Gennesar and Bethsaida, were home to fishing villages, farmland, and most importantly, the heart of Jesus’ ministry. Nearly 95 percent of His recorded works took place in this very region.

Here He taught on the hillsides, healed the sick, calmed storms, walked on the waves, and fed the multitudes. The Bethsaida Valley was home to Peter, Philip, and Andrew. Capernaum, often called “His own city,” became a hub of miracles and teaching. Yet these same towns, so familiar with His works, were warned for their hardness of heart.

The Sea of Galilee is also a place of sudden storms. The geography funnels fierce winds across the water, stirring waves up to 10 or 12 feet high. Fishermen feared these squalls, and the disciples themselves cried out in terror when one such storm arose. Yet it was here, in their fear, that they heard the voice of Jesus: “Peace, be still.”

This lake provided food, trade, and travel for its people, but for Jesus it became a living classroom. Every shoreline, every wave, every storm, and every valley was used to reveal the kingdom of God.

When we picture Galilee, we see more than a lake. We see the stage of the Master Teacher, where heaven touched earth and ordinary lives were transformed.

What are the “lakes” in your life, the ordinary places where Jesus may be teaching you today? Like the disciples, we often meet Him in our storms, our work, and our everyday routines.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.