"Capernaum"

Matthew 4:12-17

Capernaum (Kafe Nauhm or town of Nahum) is in the tribal area of Naphtali but borders very closely the area of Issachar. Matthew 4 says “Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali-to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: ‘Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles-…’”

Capernaum is unique for many reasons, not the least of which is that here is simply where Jesus spent so much time. From a tourist standpoint the most important places to see are the Church of Peter‘s Primacy, the synagogue and a house described as being Peter’s mother-in-law’s house.

The Church of Peter‘s Primacy is where some believe Jesus cooked fish for breakfast and “reinstated” Peter. The Catholic Church owns some land on the Galilean shore where they think this event took place. It is a gorgeous place with green lawns, tall shade trees of many kinds, flowers and a small chapel constructed from a volcanic stone. I found myself wanting to do justice to the memory of Jesus’ time, as I took in the sights and sounds. I followed the group to the lake shore. Everyone was quiet or speaking in low voices. Brennan was kneeling, Tammy was taking pictures, Mike was holding a few stones, David McQueen was looking up at the hillside, Scott and Tim were speaking quietly, Susan was praying, and everyone seemed to be in deep personal reflection.

I guess that is when it hit me, and I was overwhelmed with a sense that Peter needed to know he was ok with Jesus more than Jesus needed to ask Peter if he loved Him. Reinstating and recommissioning is what Jesus’ death and resurrection were all about! New Covenant, newness, new life, new ANYTHING is what it’s about.
From my journal written that moment: “overwhelmed…w a sense of God’s Mercy! I am forgiven, like Peter, and reinstated and recomissioned! Thank you Yeshua!”