ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

The region of Galilee is one of the most beautiful and significant areas in the land of Israel. Stretching across the northern portion of the country, its hills, fertile valleys, and cool mountain air set it apart from the surrounding arid landscapes. The name “Galilee” means “circle” or “district,” and it truly served as a crossroads of peoples, trade, and ideas.

Galilee divides naturally into two areas: Upper and Lower Galilee. The high ridges and forested peaks of Upper Galilee rise above 3,000 feet and extend into what is now southern Lebanon. In contrast, Lower Galilee is made up of lower hills and broad valleys, with open farmland and easy travel routes that connected villages and towns. These routes linked the Mediterranean coast to the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley beyond.

The beauty and fertility of this region made it a thriving place for agriculture and settlement throughout ancient times. Its valleys produced rich crops, and its springs provided life-giving water even during the dry season. The peaceful hills and abundant fields of Galilee formed a setting that reflected both God’s provision and His presence among His people.

Galilee also became the heart of Jesus’ life and ministry. He grew up in Nazareth, a small village nestled among the hills of Lower Galilee. Here, He worked alongside His earthly father Joseph, learning the rhythms of village life. From this quiet place, Jesus began His public ministry, traveling through the towns and synagogues of Galilee, teaching the good news of the kingdom of God.

It was in Galilee that Jesus called His first disciples, fishermen who worked the waters of the nearby Sea of Galilee. He performed many of His miracles here: turning water into wine at Cana, calming storms, healing the sick, and feeding multitudes on the grassy slopes near the lakeshore. For those who lived in Galilee, everyday places became holy ground as the presence of God walked among them in the person of Jesus.

The landscape of Galilee still speaks to the heart of faith today. Its hills remind us that God often works through humble beginnings, and its quiet valleys echo with the message of the One who taught by the sea and prayed in the mountains.

When we think of Galilee, we are reminded that the work of God often begins in simple places and among ordinary people. Just as Jesus brought light to Galilee, He brings light to our own lives, transforming the familiar into the sacred.

Where is your Galilee, the ordinary place where God may be calling you to serve, grow, or begin something new? Like the first disciples, may we be ready and willing to follow when He says, “Come, follow Me.”

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.