Where Did Jesus Travel During His Ministry

Story of Jesus, Three Year Ministry, Maps

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JESUS The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John have been reorganized by subject. in the chronological order It has been determined from “Gospel Harmonies” that Jesus’ journeys and actions were recorded. The itinerary and maps that follow provide an idea of Jesus’ movements throughout these three years, despite the fact that there are variations. TRAVELS AND ACTS OF JESUS IN THE FIRST YEAR – c AD27-28 Key: 1 – Approximate sequence of occurrences, which is utilized in the following list of events.

He is baptized by John the Baptist at the Jordan River, likely near Bethany-across-the-Jordan, according to tradition (Mt 3:13; Mk 1:9) He travels to the Judean Desert, often known as the desert, in order to confront the devil (Mt 4:1; Mk 1:12; Lk 4:1) In John’s Gospel, Jesus summons his first five followers along the Jordan River, in Bethany-across-the-Jordan, also known as Bethabara (Jn 1:28), and he does so near the town of Bethabara (Jn 1:35).

Philip, Andrew, and Simon Peter, all of whom are from Bethsaida in Galilee, are among those mentioned (Jn 1:44) As Jesus and his followers travel north to Galilee, he performs his first documented miracle at a wedding in Cana, where he turns water into wine – the first recorded miracle of Jesus (Jn 2:1) He then travels with his mother, brothers, and disciples to Capernaum, which is located on the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee.

He only remains there for a brief period of time (Jn 2:12) MINISTRY FROM THE BEGINNING IN JUDA, SAMARIA, AND GALILEE During the Passover, he journeys south to Jerusalem, where he will celebrate the first Passover described in the Gospels (Jn 2:13).

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, is also among those he encounters (Jn 3:1) Jesus departs for Judea’s countryside, where his followers baptize people in the name of Jesus (Jn 3:22) Following their departure from Judea (Jn 4:3), Jesus and his followers travel northward, passing through the area of Samaria (Jn 4:4).

A large number of Samaritans come to believe in him (Jn 4:39), following which he travels to Galilee (Jn 4:43) After reaching Galilee (Mt 4:12, Mk 1:14, Lk 4:14, Jn 4:45), Jesus returns to Cana and cures the official’s son, who had been sick in Capernaum for some time (Jn 4:46) Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth, where he speaks in the synagogue (see Matthew 4:11–13).

For the first time, he gets turned down (Lk 4:28) Year Two of Jesus’ Travels and Acts (c.

According to the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus summons his earliest followers – who may have been called to full-time service just recently – to his side (Mt 4:18; Mk 1:16; Lk 5:1).

(Mt 8:14; Mk 1:29; Lk 4:38) GALILEE’S FIRST GOING-TO-WHERE PREACHING TOUR (Mt 4:23; Mk 1:39) Jesus travels around Galilee, teaching and healing people, including a leper (Mt 4:23).

When Jesus returns to Capernaum (Mk 2:1), a paralyzed man is healed (Mt 9:2; Mk 2:3; Lk 5:18), and Matthew (or Levi) the tax-collector is invited to become a disciple by Jesus (Mt 9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27) After traveling from Galilee to Jerusalem for a Jewish feast, presumably the Second Passover, as recorded in the Gospels, Jesus returns to Galilee (Jn 5:1).

According to Luke’s report Jesus descends from a mountainside to deliver the Sermon on the Mount (Lk 6:20) When we return to Capernaum (Mt 8:5; Lk 7:1) The servant of the Roman centurion is healed by Jesus (Mt 8:5; Lk 7:2) GALILEE’S SECOND GOING-TO-PREACH TOUR Jesus continues to teach and cure across Galilee, and in Nain, he restores the life of a widow’s son who had been dead for three years (Lk 7:11) Following up on his second Galilee tour, Jesus is accompanied by the twelve apostles as well as several of his female companions (Lk 8:1) During his sailing journey over the Sea of Galilee (Mt 8:18; Mk 4:35; Lk 8:22), Christ calms a raging storm (Mt 8:24; Mk 4:37; Lk 8:23).

Landing in the territory of the Gerasenes (Mk 5:1; Lk 8:26) or Gadarenes (Mt 8:28) in Gentile Decapolis – the Ten Towns or Cities – in the narrative of the Gadarene Swine, Jesus cures the lunatic who had been possessed by demons (Mt 8:28; Mk 5:2; Lk 8:27) Jesus returns to Capernaum after sailing across the Sea of Galilee (Mk 5:21), which he refers to as “his own town” (Mt 9:1).

Key:1 – An approximation of the sequence of occurrences, which is utilized in the following list.
(Lk 9:10).
They arrive near the Plain of Gennesaret, where Jesus heals a large number of people (Mt 14:34; Mk 6:53).
(Jn 6:26) IN SYRIAN-PHOENICIA, ITUREA AND TRACHONITIS, THE DECAPOLIS, JESUS PREACHES AND HEALS.
He travels from Syrian-Phoenicia to Galilee through Sidon (Mt 15:29), but he passes through the Decapolis on the way (Mk 7:31).

The Pharisees and Sadducees go to the temple and pray for a sign from on high (Mt 16:1; Mk 8:11) A blind man is cured as the journey continues to Bethsaida (Mk 8:22) Jesus now goes from Galilee north to Caesarea Philippi in Iturea and Trachonitis, where Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ.

After a long absence, Jesus returns to heal the youngster who had epilepsy (Mt 17:14; Mk 9:14; Lk 9:37).
The epileptic youngster would have been healed in the Galilee region at that point.
Then, in order to avoid the perils of Judea, he chooses to remain in Galilee (Jn 7:1) DECEMBER MINISTRY IN JUDEA Jesus departs from Capernaum and Galilee for the final time during his earthly ministry (Mt 19:1; Mk 10:1) and travels to Jerusalem (Lk 9:51; Jn 7:10).
Because of threats to his life, Jesus withdraws to Ephraim, which is north of Jerusalem (Jn 11:54).
He praises the small children (Mt 19:13, Mk 10:13, Lk 18:15) and talks to the rich young man (Mt 19:13, Mk 10:13, Lk 18:15).
In Jericho, while on his way to Jerusalem, Christ cures one (or two) blind men (Mt 20:29; Mk 10:46; Lk 18:35) and converts Zacchaeus the tax collector (Mt 20:29; Mk 10:46; Lk 18:35).
When Jesus arrives in Bethany (Jn 12:1), the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, he is anointed by Mary, either immediately (Jn 12:2) or later (Mt 26:6; Mk 14:3) after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Mt 26:6).
GALILEE AREASince a large portion of Jesus’ three-year career took place in the Galilee region, the following map provides a more thorough representation: Map depicting the Galilee region, where Jesus preached and healed during much of His three-year ministry (c.

AD27-30), showing the location of the area. to the Table of Contents Continue to Parts 8-12 – THE BEGINNING OF HIS MINISTRYor return to The Harmony of Jesus The maps created by Gordon Smith can be used without obtaining further authorization. Please provide a quotation.

Where Did Jesus Travel While on Earth?

Where did Jesus travel during His earthly ministry? Did He ever travel outside of Judea?

Jesus of Nazareth

It is well known that Jesus grew up in Nazareth, Galilee, and that He walked wherever he went, yet no one, including Jesus Himself, is aware of the actual number of kilometers He walked during His earthly career. It is also impossible for us to know where Jesus travelled at any one moment, although others believe that He traveled to other parts of the world throughout this time period as well. The problem with that hypothesis is that there is absolutely no evidence to support it, and there are no scriptural references to back up any of its claims.

The Bible is the only source that can be relied upon for information concerning where Jesus traveled while on earth, and it is this source that we will consult in order to attempt to determine where Jesus visited while on earth during His earthly mission.

Jesus’ Lifetime Travels

In the three years of his earthly ministry, it is believed that Jesus walked at least 3,000 kilometers or more, just solely on the narratives recorded in the Gospels. If you extrapolate from the time of His birth to the time of His death, the total number of kilometers Christ walked throughout his lifetime is likely to have exceeded 21,000 miles. That is a significant number of miles. We can’t even fathom how far He must have traveled or how tough it must have been for Him at this point in time.

Because he had no place to call home, he was most likely forced to sleep outside on a regular basis.

Jesus from Galilee

As we already know, Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2) and raised in Nazareth (Matt 21:11; 26:71; Mark 1:9; 1:24; 10:47), and He traveled throughout the region of Galilee, which encompassed the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee, it is reasonable to assume that He traveled throughout the region of Galilee. Jesus walked on foot to Jerusalem on a regular basis to attend feasts and holy days, as well as to visit the temple. That equates to around 65 miles. That would take at least three days on foot, and he would have traveled through multiple cities and villages along the journey.

Jesus’ Enters the Wilderness

We know from Scripture that Jesus traveled to sections of Jordan shortly after his baptism by John the Baptist, but that He did not do so until after He entered the Wilderness. What was this “wilderness” that I was talking about? The ancient Jews referred to it as the “parched country” or the “waste land,” and they gave it the name YeShimon, which means “Place of Desolation,” which means “Place of Desolation” in Hebrew. In addition to being a constrained nightmare of craggy hills and small gorges, it was also the site of one of the greatest confrontations in human history, when Jesus resisted Satan’s three-fold temptation.

The wilderness, which is essentially the Judaean Desert, extends from just east of Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea and southward to the Negev Desert. It is located from just east of Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea and southward to the Negev Desert.

Other Places Jesus Traveled

We also know that He preached at the southern Lebanese cities of Tyre and Sidon, according to tradition. Jesus likewise traveled “by the Sea of Galilee” (Mark 1:16), and subsequently “entered into Capernaum” (Mark 1:17), before returning to Jerusalem (Mark 1:21). Indeed, He was transfigured on Mount Hermon, which is located in southern Lebanon, and His first miracle was done in the city of Cana, also in southern Lebanon, when he transformed water into wine. It was in the Galilee region that He spent most of his life; he also spent some time in the Jerusalem region, where He went up to the feast and also entered into His passion, which included an unjust trial, His condemnation (despite the fact that He was innocent), the scourging by the Roman guards, the crucifixion at Calvary, which was just outside the city walls, and his burial nearby.

Conclusion

According to the Apostle John, his gospel concluded with the following words: “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not recorded in this book; but these are recorded in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:31). (John 20:30-31). Because of this, we are all left with just one of two options: we either trust in Christ and obtain everlasting life (John 3:36a), or we can reject Him and be subjected to the wrath of God for all eternity (John 3:36b).

Article by Jack Wellman

Jack Wellman is the pastor of the Mulvane Brethren Church in Mulvane, Kansas. He has been in the ministry for over 30 years. What Christians Want To Know is a Christian website whose aim is to equip, encourage, and excite Christians while also answering questions regarding the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know. You may follow Jack on Google Plus, and you can also read his book Teaching Children the Gospel, which is available on Amazon.

10 Places Where Jesus Walked in Israel from Scripture

When you travel to Israel as a Christian, it might be pretty odd to think that you are really treading on the same ground as Jesus walked when he died and rose again. While on earth, Jesus picked this small plot of land to call home for the duration of His stay. Jesus took on complete human characteristics and lived a rather normal life (for the most part) among the Jews in order to bring about our redemption. The Gospels offer us a very decent sense of what He did with His time throughout the course of His life.

Today, we’d like to assist you in planning your next vacation to Israel.

Let’s look at two geographical areas where Jesus lived: the Galilee and the vicinity of the city of Jerusalem. It’s true that there are several locations in Israel where Jesus traveled, but we decided to highlight this particular group for a variety of reasons.

Here are the10 places we know for a fact where Jesus walked:

In Jesus’ day, Nazareth was a sleepy little community. As Luke the evangelist puts it, this was His “boyhood home,” so to speak (Luke 4:16). His father, Joseph, taught Jesus carpentry and masonry when he was growing up in Nazareth, Israel. While still a child, He returns to Nazareth, where he admits that he is the fulfillment of the words of prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to deliver Good News to the poor.” As a result, he has sent me to declare that prisoners will be freed and those who are blinded and afflicted will be set free, and that the season of the Lord’s favor is at hand.” (See Luke 4:18-19.) The city of Nazareth is now a large metropolitan area with a mostly Muslim population.

Visitors to a few remarkable Christian churches can retrace Biblical stories through the artwork that has been developed over ages in these buildings.

2. Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi is situated at the foot of the highest mountains in the nation. It is surrounded by spectacular natural beauty that you will not find in any other area of Israel, making it a unique destination. This is the point at which the disciples had the insight that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Furthermore, Simon was given the name Peter once he realized that his Teacher was “the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). “On this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it,” Jesus said, referring to the foundation of the temple.

Despite their isolated position, the ancient remains of Caesarea Philippi and the surrounding area of Tel Dan are spectacular and well worth visiting.

3. Cana of Galilee

In the country’s highest mountains, Caesarea Philippi is located. Natural beauty that you won’t find in any other region of Israel surrounds it on all sides. The disciples had the insight that Jesus is the Messiah at this point. Following his realization that his Teacher is “the Son of the living God,” Simon was given the name Peter (Matthew 16:16). “On this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it,” Jesus said, referring to the foundation of the church.

Despite their isolated position, the ancient remains of Caesarea Philippi and the surrounding area of Tel Dan are spectacular and well worth a trip.

4. Capernaum

Capernaum has witnessed more miracles and heard more lectures from Jesus than any other location in the world (except from Jerusalem). Peter, one of Jesus’ closest companions, grew up in this little fishing village near the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. We know Jesus resided and taught there (Matthew 4:13), as well as performing miracles there (Matthew 8:14). He also delivered individuals (Mark 1:21) and cured those who were willing, both physically and spiritually (Mark 2:11). In Jesus’ mind, the town of Capernaum must have held a particular place in his affections.

As of today, there is still a lot to see and do at the site. It will be easier to envision living in Jesus’ day if you can see the ruins of a hamlet that existed before our time and the remains of a synagogue that existed in the first century.

5. Sea of Galilee

Although an entire lake may not be a precise location, it is unquestionably a location where Jesus strolled! To be really honest, it was undoubtedly one of his most renowned walks. For the simple reason that walking on water is no minor feat. See the account in the Gospel of Matthew 14:22-34 for further information. It appears that Jesus loved spending time on the lake’s beaches as well as in its waters, according to the evidence. When He needed to get away from the throngs of people who followed Him and find some peace and quiet, He would frequently relax on a boat.

The citizens of Israel continue to benefit from this magnificent body of fresh water, which provides them with fish and drinking water.

On the lake, you may go swimming, sailing, and even kayaking if you like.

Jesus was in Jerusalem and Judea:

After being born in Bethlehem, we don’t know if Jesus spent much time in the city throughout His life, if any time at all. Although it was a little village, it was significant in His family’s history since it was the birthplace of King David. Mary and Joseph, Jesus’ earthly parents, were had to return to Bethlehem in order to register for a census ordered by Augustus, the Roman Emperor, which took place at Bethlehem. They were able to do so just in time for Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-6). Jesus spent the first several weeks, if not months, of His life at this “House of Bread” (the Hebrew name for the city), which is located less than ten miles from the capital city of Jerusalem.

The Manger Square, which is directly in front of the Church of the Nativity, continues to be the city’s focal point and most identifiable landmark.

7. The Jerusalem Temple

It was just eight days after Jesus’ birth that He made His first appearance in the Temple. Because his earthly parents want to commit him to God in line with the law, this is what happened (Luke 2:23). When Jesus was a child, his family must have made frequent trips to the Temple in Jerusalem. As a result, when he was 12 years old, he was already debating intellectuals in this sacred location. Years later, Christ addressed merchants in the Temple’s courts, accusing them of converting His Father’s House into a den of thieves through their actions (Matthew 21:12-13).

Although the Temple is no longer standing, the Temple Mount may still be visited.

8. Jordan River (by Jericho)

The Jordan River connects the Galilee with Judea and goes directly through the city of Jericho on its way. It was most likely in this desert city that John the Baptist issued his plea for people to repent and come back to the one true God. And it was here that Jesus first encountered him. After being asked to pave the way, John recognized the One who had been waiting for him all along in that instant (John 1:34). Although John was reluctant, Jesus insisted on being baptized, and many people were present to witness the most beautiful expression of Father’s love: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am very delighted” (Matthew 3:17).

Modern day visitors will appreciate how visitor-friendly the baptismal site is, and it is only around an hour’s drive from Jerusalem. With Jericho on one bank and Jordan on the other, the river has already been divided between the two countries.

9. Bethany

Elizabeth’s village of Bethany, which is located on the eastern side of Mount of Olives, was the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, all of whom were close friends of Jesus’. When Lazarus died, his siblings went through a terrifying ordeal, but not long after, he was miraculously resurrected from the grave by Jesus (John 11:1-45). There were no words to describe the moment when everyone witnessed Jesus’ supernatural power as the Son of God, and at the same time, Jesus demonstrated His humanity by weeping with those who were grieving.

10. Bethesda

During one of Jesus’ journeys to Jerusalem, He passed by the Bethesda Pools, which are now located near the Sheep’s Gate (which is now known as the Lions’ Gate). It served as a supply of water for both the people of Jerusalem and the Temple complex. However, there was something more about this body of water that made it stand out from the rest. Every now and again, an angel would descend to stir the waters with healing. During that time, one guy had been waiting for his chance to be healed for more than 38 years!

The location of Bethesda, which literally translates as “House of Grace” in Hebrew, is a delight for anybody who enjoys antiquity.

We hope you enjoyed our list of the ten sites where Jesus walked on the earth today.

It is without a doubt correct!

Take a birds eye view of the fresh water lake beside which Jesus spent the majority of his 3 years of ministry.

Reading time is estimated to be 10 minutes. In addition to being a journalist, Estera Wieja is a published author and public speaker who specializes in the subjects of Israel, Jewish history, and Judeo-Christian culture. Since she was born and reared in Poland, Estera has been a frequent writer to the Polish magazine “Our Inspirations.” The University of Warsaw, Poland, awarded her a Master’s degree in Journalism after she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media from Azusa Pacific University (California, United States).

The Bible Journey

Mk 1:9Jesus spends his early adult years atNazarethinGalileewith his family. He learns the skills of a carpenter from Joseph, and enjoys the company of his younger brothers James, Joseph, Judas (Jude) and Simon, as well as his sisters and other close relatives (see Mark 6:3). In 26AD, around the age of thirty (Luke 3:23), and with several younger brothers now old enough to look after his mother and sisters, Jesus leaves his hometown ofNazarethand journeys south (see1onMap 5).Map 5Jesus begins his workMk 1:10-11Jesus is baptised by John in theRiver JordannearBethany(see John 1:28 and the feature on Bethany beyond the Jordan )in the summer of 26AD. As he emerges from the water, the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove (see Isaiah 42:1) and God’s voice is heard saying, “You are my Son, whom I love” (Mark 1:11) (see Psalm 2:6-7).Jn 1:35-42Over the next couple of days, John and his followers spot Jesus several times among the crowds. John calls out, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Andrew – one of John’s followers – rushes to find his brother Simon, exclaiming, “We have found the Messiah” (the ‘Christ’) (John 1:41). When Jesus meets Simon (Hebrew,’Shimon’), he calls him ‘Petros’ or ‘Peter’ (meaning, inGreek, ‘a rock’) (see the feature onWho was the Messiah?in Section 2).Fig. 5Jesus’s JourneysGo to next page

Chronology of Jesus’ Life and Ministry

Jesus is born in Bethlehem, just as the prophets predicted (Matthew 1:18-2:1). Angels announce his birth, and he is visited by shepherds on the night of his birth (Luke 2:1-20). According to Jewish law, Joseph and Mary must take him to the Temple in Jerusalem and present him there (Luke 2:21-40). During his first two years of existence, he is visited by Magi from the East, who teach him many things (Matthew 2:1-12). Joseph, Mary, and Jesus travel to Egypt in order to avoid being caught up in King Herod’s attempt to assassinate the child Jesus (Matthew 2:13-18) The Holy Family (Joseph, Mary, and Jesus) return to Nazareth (Matthew 2:19-23).

During his first sermon, John the Baptist begins his mission of preparing people for the Messiah’s arrival (Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18; John 1:19-28).
Jesus is tested by the devil in the desert for 40 days and nights (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13).
Philip and Nathanael are identified as disciples by Jesus (John 1:43-51).
In preparation for the Passover, Jesus journeys to Jerusalem and purifies the temple for the first time (John 2:13-25).
Jesus instructs him about God’s kingdom and how to live in it (John 3:1-21).
John the Baptist baptizes in Aenon, near Salim, and continues to open the way to Jesus as the promised Messiah (John 3:23-36).
Jesus makes his way back to Galilee (John 4:43-45).

After some time has passed, Jesus travels to Jerusalem to participate in a Jewish holiday.

Jesus is confronted by Jewish elders regarding healing on the seventh day of the week.

Despite the fact that he has returned to his hometown and preached in the synagogue, the people of Nazareth do not welcome him back (Luke 4:14-30).

Jesus appoints Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John as his disciples along the shores of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11).

Additionally, Jesus cures many others, including Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-44).

Jesus goes around Galilee, preaching and teaching about the kingdom of God to the people of the region’s towns and villages (Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:35-39; Luke 4:42-44).

A disabled man who has been dropped through the ceiling is forgiven and healed by Jesus when he returns to Capernaum (Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26).

As the Pharisees and Jesus are eating dinner at Matthew’s house, Jesus tells them about God’s kindness (Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32).

The Lord of the Sabbath defends himself on two distinct Sabbaths, demonstrating his authority as Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14; Mark 2:23-3:6; Luke 6:1-11).

The masses gather around Jesus as he gives his famous Sermon on the Mount from a level location along the slope (Matthew 5:1-7:29; Luke 6:17-49).

Jesus goes to Capernaum for a second time, this time to heal the servant of a centurion (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10).

It was perhaps at or around Nain that John the Baptist’s followers came to him with a query about who he was and what he was doing there (Matthew 11:2-19; Luke 7:18-35).

In this scene, Jesus is called to a Pharisee’s home for supper, where he is anointed with oil by a wicked woman (Luke 7:36-50).

As he travels across the country preaching and teaching, Jesus is accused of being possessed by demons, confronted by his family, and a miraculous sign is sought of him by the crowds (Matthew 12:22-50; Mark 3:20-35; Luke 8:19-21).

While traveling across the Sea of Galilee with his disciples, Jesus calms a storm that was threatening to drown them (Matthew 8:18,23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25).

(This might have taken place near the town of Gadara or near the town of Gerasa, depending on where you live.) While on his way back to Capernaum, Jesus is greeted by a huge group of people.

Jesus cures two blind men and then casts a demon out of the body of a man who is deaf and mute (Matthew 9:27-34).

Jesus goes on a third preaching trip of Galilee, this time with the disciples.

It is during this period that King Herod orders the beheading of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9).

The throng pursue him and his followers as they attempt to escape to an isolated location for repose.

Men account for 5,000 of the people who eat, with women and children rounding up the total (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-13).

They board a boat and set off on a journey across Lake Michigan (Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 6:45-46; John 6:14-15).

Jesus and his followers arrive at Gennesaret, where he cures a large number of people (Matthew 14:34-36; Mark 6:53-56).

He instructs them on the importance of faith and the fact that he is the Bread of Life.

Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their anti-scriptural customs, which may have taken place at Capernaum (Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; John 7:1).

After traveling through Sidon and down to the Sea of Galilee, Jesus arrives at the Decapolis, where he cures a great number of people, including a man who is deaf and dumb.

As he approaches Magadan (or Dalmanutha) after crossing the lake, Jesus rebukes Pharisees who are demanding a supernatural sign as proof of his divinity (Matthew 15:39-16:4; Mark 8:10-12).

When Jesus arrives in Bethsaida, he cures a man who is blind (Mark 8:22-26).

Peter confesses to Jesus that he is the Christ, and Jesus guarantees that the gates of Hades will not be able to stop Christ’s Church from being established.

Following this, Jesus began teaching his followers that he would suffer, be crucified, and then rise from the dead three days later.

The Transfiguration occurs after six days when Jesus leads three of his followers (Peter, James, and John) to a high mountain, where he is transfigured in front of their eyes.

Before telling anybody about Jesus’ transfiguration, he instructs them to keep it a secret until after his resurrection from the grave (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36).

When Jesus returns to Galilee, he foretells his death and resurrection for the second time (Matthew 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43-45).

It is also taught by Jesus to his followers that having childlike faith and a willingness to serve others makes a person the “greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-50).

He also had to deal with the disbelief of his brothers (John 7:2-9).

Although he decides to cross through Samaria, the residents of a certain Samaritan town do not wish him well on his journey.

First Century Travel

In the First Century, at the period of Jesus’ life, what factors influenced travel and mobility were there? Second, how much travel did Jesus do throughout his lifetime? III. What would have influenced Jesus’ decision to go in this manner? IV. What does this mean for today’s followers of Jesus, as well as for the Christian movement across the world? I. What were the circumstances that influenced travel and migration in the First Century during the lifetime of Jesus? During the historical period in which Jesus was born, the Roman Empire had extended over the Mediterranean area, establishing a network of land and sea channels that were utilized for transportation and communication.

Roman roads were utilized by traders, builders, warriors, and government officials, and they made a significant contribution to the efficiency of the empire’s growth by allowing it to expand more quickly.
It is possible to transport a letter over 500 miles in 24 hours using a horse-based relay postal system.
According to Matthew 4:12-16, Jesus moved to the Capernaum region, near the Jordan River, on “the road to the sea,” and lived there for a while.
From the ports of Ptolemais (Acco) and Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast of western Asia to the silk and incense routes that went all the way to Iran and China, the Via Maris was a vital link in the trade network.
This truth also contributes to the explanation of how his teaching was able to travel from lowly Nazareth to the far reaches of the world.
During this time period, we may assume that he was living in Nazareth with his father, who was most likely a builder in the area at the time.
The geographical setting for much of Jesus’ adult life and career is Galilee, where he returns to following his trial of temptation.

This city, which had a population of 30,000 people, was a cultural and artistic hub in the Galilee, with exquisite mosaics and a Roman theatre, earning it the nickname “the adornment of the Galilee” for its appearance on the map.

The city of Sepphoris, although it is not mentioned by name in the Bible, is very visible from the ridges of Nazareth overlooking the Tiran and Bet Netofa valleys, suggesting that Jesus was aware of its existence.

According to archeological evidence of city and transportation networks in place during Jesus’ lifetime, as well as educated conjecture when combined with biblical data, it seems likely that Jesus was in communication with the rest of the world throughout his lifetime.

In Jesus’ teachings, many of the actions and examples that he used would not have occurred in a tiny agricultural hamlet like Nazareth, but they might have been discovered after a two-hour trek down the hill to Sepphoris.

Several passages in Matthew 9:35 describe Jesus traveling around all of the towns and villages, speaking in their synagogues, spreading the good news of the Kingdom, as well as curing every illness and ailment.

To disseminate the good news throughout the region, Jesus exhorts his disciples to live a life of mobility like he does.

As a result of the fact that Jesus and his disciples were not affluent Roman diplomats or military commanders, but rather a group of low-class fishermen and subsistence farmers, it is likely that they journeyed on foot to the villages and cities in the vicinity.

During his adult life, Jesus traveled at least 50 miles east to west and 150 miles north to south across what are now the countries of Israel, Jordan and Lebanon.

Jesus and his disciples would have most likely eaten a diet consisting mostly of bread and olive oil, with the addition of fruits and vegetables from the surrounding region.

However, part of the finances of Jesus’ itinerant ministry were supported by Joanna, the wife of Herod Antipas’s financial minister, as well as numerous other ladies, all of whom were most likely from the town of Sepphoris (Luke 8:3).

What would have influenced Jesus’ decision to go in this manner?

When it came to the impoverished and downtrodden, Jesus’ manner of living presented an invitation to choose liberation from oppressive systems, willing them to be rendered obsolete in the face of the good news of abundant life that Jesus promised.

Because of Jesus’ decision to decentralize geography, elite organizations that hoard money and exercise authority via segregation are accidentally disempowered.

Following Jesus comes at a high price, as seen in Matthew 8:20, when a teacher of the law says to Jesus, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” In this movement, it is critical to recognize that Jesus is “moving” someplace, and that in response, he says, “I have no spot where I may lay my head.” The decision to disassociate oneself from the comforts of the powerful necessitates the prioritization of the act of following above attentive to what is unmoving or dead in the world.

Jesus’ choice to travel to the “other (Gentile) side of the lake” or to pass through Samaritan country suggested that he was stepping beyond the boundaries of his own ethnic and religious group.

His time in Capernaum, in the heart of the Roman Empire, would have brought him into contact with a diverse range of ethnic and religious groups, allowing him to broaden his understanding of the “other” and to imagine a Kingdom free of boundaries, restrictions on movement, and division.

The geography of Jesus’ Kingdom of God is not tied to specific places or people, but is instead built upon the freedom of humble movement and movement in the name of Jesus.

IV.

It is advantageous to be situated in a location that has international impact, demographics, and migration on a regular basis.

These areas are best represented in the modern era as metropolitan and border zones, areas near airports and seaports, and areas located along significant transportation routes.

Politics, ethnicity, and religion have no bearing on the geographical boundaries of the Kingdom of God.

The decision to follow his example was a determination to see each individual as a neighbor and to show love even to those who were hostile against him.

The decision to follow Jesus entails transforming one’s life into a journey, packing nothing for the journey, and walking with complete faith in God’s providence.

Simple living, intentionality, the practice of hospitality, and inventiveness all contribute to the continuation of this journey.

David Landis is one of the co-founders of the Jesus Trail, a 65-kilometer hiking route through the Galilee that connects various sites associated with Jesus’ early life and ministry.

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