Tiberias drone at sunset

Jesus spent a good bit of time on the water at the Sea of Galilee, even walking on the water. He called Simon Peter with a challenge to take his boat to the deepest part of the lake, despite the fact that all fishing on the lake had ceased for the day. Fishing on the lake is typically done before sunrise, when fish are close to the shore for their feeding. After the sun comes up, the fish head for the deep, cooler waters. Simon’s nets were designed for shallow-water fishing, adding to the impact of the miracle. Jesus also calmed a storm on the lake, when all the disciples were afraid their low-to-the-water fishing boat would be swamped. The lake sits in a “bowl,” surrounded by hills. When the wind picks up, the waters can turn turbulent very quickly. Capernaum was on the northern shoreline. Magdala was on the northwestern corner of the lake, just below the distinctive cliffs of Mt. Arbel. Bethsaida was near the northeastern corner of the lake, where the Jordan River enters. Tiberias is the only city on the lake today. In the time of Jesus’ ministry, it was just beginning to build into a large town.