FOOD FOR EVERYONE
The verse is from the loaves and fishes Bible story, which took place on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, an area we have visited.
Between Capernaum and the sea are the little settlements where Simon Peter and Andrew and James and John lived before converting to fishers of men.
Less than an hour’s walk along the shore to the south is the fishing village of Tabgha, with a beautiful view of the sea and a small harbor. We were there in January, but the sun was bright and many flowering shrubs dotted the land. A shepherd was escorting his sheep over the highway, but those sounds faded as they all moved into the hills. The beauty and tranquility were overpowering.
The hillside running from Tabgha down to the sea is where historians believe the crowds gathered to hear Jesus teach, preach, and heal. The disciples were suggesting the crowd be dispersed for the night. Jesus had another plan. He created a place at the table for each and every one. The followers were filled with faith, and with loaves and fishes. I listened for the echoes of Jesus’ voice.
The Church of the Multiplication has been erected on the hilltop to celebrate the miracle. It overlooks the coast where Jesus called his first disciples and is not far from the site of the Sermon on the Mount. Imagine all this history packed into just a few square miles.
South of Tabgha, we pulled into Kibbutz Ginosar for lunch overlooking the sea. I selected a small loaf of French bread and fish from the serving line.
Thank you, Lord, for providing so many places at your table.
