Walking the Jesus Trail

A friend from Israel once told me that the only real way to enter into the Galilee region is to walk in via the Jesus Trail! Not only did I take her up on her challenge but also I found her words absolutely true, I have now had the opportunity to hike the “Jesus Trail” twice and am getting ready for my third time in April 2016.

For the record … there is just one way out of Nazareth if one is walking to Capernaum.   No worries about getting lost … Nazareth is located in somewhat like a bowl and the grotto where Jesus’ home was most likely at is at the bottom of this bowl. Your first challenge in walking the Jesus Trail will be to start climbing! It is “only” about 600 steps but, when you get to the top, not only can you take a break but you will also have the first of many amazing views (you also will have some time to answer that question running through your mind … “what have I got my self into?” ).

After this prolonged pause for reflection and enough time for you to consume a lot of water, it’s on to Tsipory.

Tsipory is one of Israel’s many National Parks and is known for its incredible mosaics. This was most likely the place that Joseph did the majority of His stonemason work. You need to remember just how small Nazareth was when Jesus was there (probably no more that 10 families.) Tsipory, on the other hand, was just a few miles north and was a Roman city with a much larger population, which could more likely support a carpenter’s business. As you walk the JT, you will not only be away from the major roads and the hustle and bustle but you will also be taking in the sights and sounds of the Upper Galil area with its rolling hills, amazing wild flowers, and amber waves of grain (and yes, you will see the tares as well!) As you walk you will be reminded of the many illustrations that Jesus used in His parables and teachings!

Tsipory is a delight as well as another good resting place. The mosaics some say are the best in all of Israel and I love the rock tower, which gives an amazing view, as well as the synagogue. We will be visiting this site for at least an hour before we begin the last leg of today’s hike. When we leave Tsipory, our next stop will be Cana, which is the place where John records Yeshua’s first miracle – the changing of the water into wine! But believe me, when we get to Cana I think you are going to prefer the water! At this stop we will mark our spot as our bus picks us up and transports us to Kibbutz Lavi. (Our luggage will be waiting for us there.)

Once we arrive we will check in and head straight for the cool showers in our rooms! You are going to love Kibbutz Lavi’s very nice accommodations and it sits right at the foot of the Horns of Hattim. Once dinner is over most will enjoy an early bedtime.

RISE and SHINE everyone! After breakfast we will head back to the spot where we were picked up in Cana and begin our day’s hike. Today we will again be walking along the rolling hills of the Galil as we essentially walk from Cana back to Kibbutz Lavi. As we walk and talk, today we will stop along the way and recount many of the parables and teachings of Yeshua and use the Land as a backdrop providing the perfect visuals! Our path will be meandering but we will always be heading towards the Horns of Hattim. Once we get to the Golani Junction and see signs of life and yes, perhaps get a cappuccino from Cup of Joe’s, we will walk uphill to Kibbutz Lavi (sorry, it really is up hill!) Again, back to the room and make a beeline to get a cold refreshing shower. Depending how you have trained for this walk, you may need some Ben Gay, or its Israeli equivalent :-). In the morning we say goodbye to Kibbutz Lavi because tonight we will be staying at Beit Bracha, which is in Migdal and overlooks the Sea of Galilee. You are going to love this place! (Our luggage is transferred for us.)

Today’s hike, once we come down the Horns of Hattim, will be through what is known as the Valley of Doves. The scenery today is amazing as we pass by the cliffs of Mount Arbel where you will see the Zealot caves that were no doubt in use when Yeshua was walking this path. As I said before, there is only ONE WAY to Capernaum from Nazareth so, yes my friends, we are walking the same path that Yeshua walked! As we come to the end of the Valley of the Doves we see the blue waters of the Galilee and will be reminded of all the events in Yeshua’s life that took place in this very special place. When we exit the valley we will walk down a pathway, take a left and head up the hill to Migdal, passing Magdala along the way. Somewhere along this path a Jew named Levi had his tax stand before he left it all behind to follow his Rabbi! The good news is that the major part of this hike is now over and in the morning we have just about a half a day’s walk to Capernaum, the place that Jesus called home while He was in the Galilee. No worries my friends, once we get to Capernaum we will have the bus pick us up and return us to Beit Bracha.

There really are no words that can truly detail what this hike will have in store for you. I am sure each person will have their own unique experience but I will say that once you have walked the Jesus Trail, the next time you come back to Israel it will be hard just to ride a bus into the Galilee!

Before we leave the Galilee and head back home you will have some time to have a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee as well as visit the recently uncovered first century synagogue in Magdala.

This 7 day / 6 night tour is offered by Holy Ground Explorations – to sign up and get more information just check our website at www.holygroundexplorations.com or directly email Sharon Stolebarger at [email protected].

The classic Jesus Trail takes you from Nazareth to Capernaum, 62 km over four days. It is a well-developed multi-day trail with accommodations. Water and food readily available. The Trail is well marked with orange blazes. Highlights: Old World ambiance in Nazareth, fascinating Byzantine mosaics at Tsipory, forest scenery, ancient roads, 360 degree views from the Horns of Hattim, and an amazing view of the Sea of Galilee.