Sea of Galilee to Omrit Temple

Jesus took his disciples from Capernaum to Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13). This video shows the general path they probably took, following the Jordan River through the Hula Valley. The Omrit Temple, discovered and excavated in recent years, stood atop the hill overlooking the Hula Valley. Only three miles from Caesarea Philippi, this temple was dedicated to honor the Roman emperor as human divinity. Almost certainly, it was the first time the young disciples of Jesus had seen the building. The entire area was pagan, and emperor worship was forbidden in the "Bible belt" area of Capernaum and the Galilee. The first question Jesus asked his disciples as they reached Caesarea Philippi was, "Who do men say I am?" In light of what they'd just seen, it was the most obvious question he could have asked.