In search of the footprints of the Savior. Holy Land Travelogue – 10

by Jose Kurian Puliyeril

In Galilee Sea 

The Galilee Sea, which is also known as the Tiberius Sea has a length of 22 Kilo Meters and a width of 12 Kilo Meters. While taking its measurement into consideration we could call it a big lake but in the language of the Holy Scriptures it is a Sea. This must be the biggest sweet water source in the entire universe. So pure and holy is the water of Galilee. When the snow of mount Harmon melts the same water reaches this sea. The water of Galilee is good enough for consumption without any sort of purification. The Government of Israel collects the water for the drinking purposes of the residents from here. The water is used for other purposes like agriculture also. The people who reside on the shores of the sea are fishermen by trade and fishing is the main source of income of those people. We understand from chapter 21 of the Gospel according to St. John that the name of this sea is Tiberius. We could read a prophecy about this sea in the book of Isaiah (9:1) We could find the same explanation in St. Matthew 4:15. Many of the public missions of our Lord was performed on the shores of this sea. (Kindly refer St. Matthew 2:22, 15:29, 26:32, 27:55, 28;7, St. Mark 19, St. Luke 4:14, 23:5, 24:6 and Acts of the Apostles 10:37, 13;31) 

Our Lord had selected most of the Apostles from the shores of Galilee Sea. (St. Matthew 4:17, 4:25, St. John 1:42) We know the incident of the Sea getting rough and violent and when our Lord and His blessed Apostles were traveling in a ship. (St. Luke 8: 22-25) On the shores of this Sea only our Lord appeared to His Apostles after His resurrection. The sea is blessed with a great treasure of fishes. Its place is 212 meter below the sea level. 

Jesus Boat

A few years back two fishermen were fishing in the sea and surprisingly something heavy struck in their net. Immediately they sought the help of others including the Government personnel. With the help of modern equipments, it was brought out and when it was brought to the shore, they found that it was a big boat. The Government's official researchers as well as technically qualified professionals ascertained after the research of many days and months together that the boat was as old as Lord Jesus. The news to the effect was officially announced with proper recognition. They all named the boat "Jesus Boat", with the belief and expectation that the boat might have been used by our Lord for His travel across the sea several times. From those days the name "Jesus Boat" is very famous and appealing to one and all. Now the Boat has been kept inside air tight glass box in the Museum with the intention that the boat should not get spoiled under any reason. 

Our Boat Journey in the Sea

We got a golden opportunity to travel in a boat owned by the Israel Government's Tourism Development Department, (as claimed by the staff of the boat) through the length and width of Galilee. During our voyage we were singing hymns and reciting prayers, and reviewing the experiences of our Holy Land pilgrimage till that moment in our own language. The voyage was a great experience of a real pilgrimage. We started our voyage from a very convenient and modern Boat Jetty. There are many Marble steps to the Jetty but they all are very convenient and well maintained. The surroundings are well kept with very neat and clean gardens. As soon as we entered the boat, 3-4 members of the staff welcomed us and took us to the seats arranged for all. As soon as we all occupied the seats, one among the staff hoisted the Indian National Flag along with the Israel Government's national flag on the flag post. Suddenly we all got up with national spirit and sang our National Anthem with great thrill and enthusiasm. When we noticed the fly of our tri color National Flag in air which was filled with the voice and air breathed by the Savior of the world, we all were filled with great happiness. Our happiness turned to be reverence to our Mother country. We all felt pride and happiness in being Indians.