He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.
John 6:59
They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught.
Mark 1:21
Our time at Capernaum was unlike most of our other experiences, as we were the first group of the day. It was absolutely beautiful, and such a blessing to be able to experience this place by ourselves.
As you enter, there are remnants of decorative stones lining an area containing an old olive press.
Our day began in Capernaum. Inside the gates of Capernaum, you could see the remains of an old synagogue, with large pillars and several walls. It was incredible. You can see the black rock that made up the original foundation.
October 23, 2019
It was so peaceful being able to take in everything in the quiet. We were able to stand inside the synagogue where Jesus would have taught and read scripture.
It is in Capernaum where Jesus raised the synagogue leader’s daughter from the dead, as recorded in Luke 8, right after the woman who touched the edge of Jesus’ clothes was healed in the crowd.
As recorded in Mark 1, it was in Capernaum where Jesus healed a man who was possessed by an evil spirit while teaching in the synagogue.
It is in Capernaum where Jesus called his first disciples as recorded in Matthew 4.
And the synagogue in Capernaum was also a place where Jesus taught, recorded in both Mark 1 and John 6.
Standing on the remains of a synagogue that was built over the remains of a synagogue that Jesus taught in is such an unreal experience.
When standing in a holy place, you start to play an image in your head of the things you have read and heard about that happened here. You somehow feel connected to the place, the story, the people.
One verse even says that Jesus left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum. And thinking about that, and the feeling of connection to God, I can’t help but think about all the places I have been.
Places that I feel connected to, people I feel connected to, stories I feel connected to, all pointing to God. I’m sure you have places like this – places where you experienced the story of the Good Samaritan or the Prodigal Son. People you’ve encountered the parables of the salt and the light. Stories you’ve felt on a deep personal level.
Jesus taught in stories and parables. I wondered what he taught about in the synagogue in Capernaum. Did those people who heard him teach feel a connection?
As we draw closer and closer to Easter, I encourage you to look back on your journey and see what places, people and stories you’ve felt connected to God through. Are there places where you’ve experienced a Good Samaritan or another parable? Are there people who lived out their faith as the salt and light that have inspired you? Are the stories in Jesus’ teaching or in scripture that you’ve personally connected with?
God, thank You for the feeling of connection. As the world around us is causing us to stay home, slow down, and distance ourselves from a lot of our distractions, I pray that we can make connections to You. That we may draw nearer to You and be grateful for the places, people and stories we have experience You through. God I pray that our homes and our communities can become a place where people experience You. I pray that we my become people through which others experience You. I pray that through Your teachings and Your word, that others may experience you. Amen.
Abbey Jo
Adventures with Abbey Jo 
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