Come and Eat

People come to the Holy Land for one of three reasons.

Tourist come seeking souvenirs.
Scholars come seeking knowledge.
Pilgrims come seeking God.

Today I seek God. I seek His heart. I seek to deepen my affection for Him.

We began today with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee. The Sea is not as big as you would think. Standing in Tiberius, you can get a panoramic view of the entire Sea. Looking to your left (to the north) you see the shoreline where Jesus spent most of his time. Here you find Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, the place Peter was restored, where Jesus feeds the 5000, and so much more. To the north-east lies the beginning of the Golan Heights, starting at Mount Hermon (her-moan). Straight ahead lies land that belonged to Syria 2000 years ago and the place where swine came down the mountain side. You can also see to the south, although I’m not sure what lies there.

My story for today takes place along the north shore - the heart of Jesus’ ministry. In Capernaum. Jesus made this town along the Sea his home. From here He called His first disciples, Peter and John. He taught in the Synagogue and He healed Peter’s mother. The Gospels are full of the stories that took place throughout Capernaum. Today the town lays under ruins. A 3rd century city was built on top of it, but through many archeological digs, the Capernaum of Jesus’ day is being discovered.

When I think of the beach that Jesus walked along as He called His disciples - I think of soft sand. I think of warm sand getting between His toes as He walked along. Every time I have pictured these beloved stories in my mind, there is always sand. However, this is not the beach of Galilee. The shoreline is scattered with large rocks and the terrain is treacherous. I’m not sure how they walked along it in sandals (see picture on facebook).

It was also along this shoreline that Jesus appeared to seven of His disciples after His resurrection. They had gone home to Capernaum. Jesus had appeared to them but they still did not understand. Peter didn't get it. Peter only knew that he was a failure. He said to the others, “I am going fishing.” This isn't a leisurely fishing excursion he is planning, this is Peter going back to work. This is Peter saying, “I’m done.” Peter is going back to his old life.
After fishing all night and catching nothing, the disciples hear a voice calling out to them. “Have you not caught any fish? Cast your nets on the other side.” When they cast them in again, they were unable to haul it in because there were full of so many fish. It was then that John recognized Jesus and said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Peter immediately jumped into the water and the others followed in the boat. Jesus asked them to bring in some fish and then jesus said three very profound words: “Come and eat.”

This entire encounter is for Peter. Peter knew that He let Jesus down. He knew He deserved an “You said you wouldn’t betray me, huh?” He thought He was no longer any use to Jesus. But Jesus came to reconcile Himself to all people. Jesus sharing breakfast with Peter had huge meaning. Throughout the Bible, people share a meal as a sign of peace, a symbol of forgiveness. In Genesis, Jacob and Laban eat a meal together to part ways in peace (Genesis 31:43-54). In Exodus before he is given the 10 Commandments on stone, Moses and the people eat and drink before God (Exodus 24:9-11). In Leviticus the law states the Rabbis must eat a portion of every sacrifice. Even in the story of the Prodigal Son, the first thing that father does is call for a feast with the fatted calf.

This was Jewish culture. This was Jewish understanding. When you ate with someone who had wronged you, it signified forgiveness. Eating a meal was about reconciliation. Jesus having a meal with Peter showed him that he was forgiven.

Jesus eats a meal with us, too. Each time we take part in Holy Communion, we are taking part in this ancient tradition. Communion is about our reconciliation. Through the eating of the bread and drinking of the cup, our relationship with the Messiah is restored.

Today I saw this familiar story play out in a whole new way. This land has a way of taking the black and white words of Scripture and making them 3D and in color. The stories will never be the same.

We did a lot of other great things. Today wore me out and yet here I am typing at 10:30 p.m. Some other places that we visited that I will have stories for are:
- Caesarea Philipi
- Mount Hermon
- Dan ( and a 4000 year old entrance to Dan that Abraham once passed through)
- Mount of Beatitudes

Tomorrow I continue my pilgrimage in Jordan (where there probably is no Wi-Fi). I’m still seeking and still praying. I hope you are, too.