The Sea of Galilee is actually a large freshwater lake in northern Israel, fed by the Jordan River. It lies about 213 meters below sea level and is the largest freshwater lake in the country.
In the Old Testament it appears as Chinnereth, because of its shape, which resembles a harp. In Jesus’ time it was also called the Sea of Tiberias or the Lake of Gennesaret.
Its shores were home to fishing villages such as Capernaum and Bethsaida, where several of the first disciples came from. It was there that Jesus called ordinary fishermen to follow him and become fishers of men.
The lake was the setting for some of the best known miracles of the New Testament: the storm calmed with a word, the walk on the water, and, after the resurrection, a meeting on the shore with bread and grilled fish. Each episode reveals Jesus’ authority over nature and his patient care for disciples who were still unsure of themselves.
