Mount of Beatitudes by the Sea of Galilee

This blog is a continuation of the recent entry on the Tour of Israel in late May to early June 2014 (Read here). 

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The hill sides overlooking the Sea of Galilee are places where Jesus had spent significance of his time on earth preaching and healing sicknesses of the people. His sermons on the mountain are believed to be delivered on these hill sides.

In Jesus time, his listeners while seated on the hill side enjoying the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding had to simultaneously contend with listening to Jesus' preaching in an open breezy environment. This is mind boggling!

The feeding of 4,000 at Bethsaida happened at a location rather similar to the Mount of Beatitudes. Bethsaida is at the north of the Sea of Galilee not far from Capernaum. This miracle of the feeding of the 4,000 people happened after they came to listen to Jesus' preaching and some came to be healed.

Overlooking the Sea of Galilee from the

Mount of Beatitudes.

The Church of Beatitudes, a Roman Catholic Church is erected on the Mount of Beatitudes. It sits on ruins of a 4th century Byzantine-era church.

The beatitudes inscribed on stone blocks line
the route to the Church.

The Church of Beatitudes.

Well kept garden next to the Church overlooking
the Sea of Galilee.

A mural of Jesus delivering his sermons on a rock outcrop is hung prominently at the church entrance.