Wednesday, March 9: Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth

The day began with a glorious view of the sun shining over the Mediterranean Sea, followed by a visit to Herod’s aqueduct by Caesarea Maritima. Many of us rushed to put our feet in the Mediterranean, then came back to view an aqueduct that carried spring water eleven miles into the city. We viewed Herod’s amphitheater, the remains of his home, and the hippodrome where racing took place, and we learned the politics and pioneering talent he used to get Rome to let him build a major port. This port opened transportation on the Mediterranean. The Light from this experience came from understanding how God used Herod, his talents, and his need for recognition to prepare the way for Paul to use this transportation to open the outermost parts of the earth to God’s light.

Standing by Herod's Aqueduct in Caesarea

On to Megiddo to learn the history and value of a high place for trying to control the rich valleys and their resources below. Reflections included a historical chronicling of man’s use of power and warfare to try to create peace and prosperity. We were reminded of the history of man’s cruelty when we looked at the remains of the altar where babies were likely sacrificed to Baal. A quick walk through the rock-hewn tunnel to the underground spring reinforced our understanding of the value of water for life in the Holy Land. We were reminded of our own vulnerability to view life in the same manner when we take our eyes off the Light that guides us.

Last stop for the day was in Nazareth. This is the largest Arab populated city in Israel. Our first stop was The Precipice mountain overlooking Nazareth, likely standing where Jesus did. Our Rabbi provided an effective monologue of Joseph recounting the oral history of Old Testament events which occurred within eyesight of this point.

Our rabbi leading us at the Precipice by Nazareth

A quick stop at our guide’s family spice shop helped us appreciate the value of family in this city. A final activity for the day was a visit to the Sisters of Nazareth Convent where, thirty years after purchasing the property in the 1820s, they discovered a vast labyrinth of tunnels, springs, and graves underneath their location dating back to the time of Jesus.

Visiting our guide's family spice shop in Nazareth

Resting at the Sisters of Nazareth Convent

Our guide helped us finish the evening at one of Nazareth’s finest family restaurants – Nazareth Mary’s Well, a highly recommended stop for fine food and a friendly family. After the meal, we were led in discussion by a British author and fifteen year Nazareth resident about citizenship in Israel, its changes and potential future impact.

Drawing the day to a close creates a few learnings – first, understanding what Jesus experienced in His hometown makes Scripture more meaningful; second, the conflict between Jesus’ Light and culture is not much different today than when Jesus walked around Nazareth; and third, we have many years of evidence that God provides us that He is in control of His Creation.