Capernaum Miracles

The Ancient Synagogue in Capernaum- 
built on the foundation of a 1st century synagogue.

Possibly the original basalt step Jesus

 would have walked on

 to enter the first century synagogue.

During the time of Christ,

 Capernaum was a large Galilean fishing village. 

It was located near the Via Maris,

 an international trade route from

 Egypt to Syria and Mesopotamia.

Roman military personnel were stationed at Capernaum

 under the command of a centurion.

 A Roman centurion built the synagogue

 in which Jesus often taught.

This the same centurion whose servant Jesus healed.

Matt. 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10

After being rejected
 in his home town of Nazareth, 

Jesus moved to Capernaum,
 making it the base of his ministry.

 James and John were from here
 and Andrew and Peter moved here from Bethsaida,
 before meeting Jesus,

 probably due to the good fishing economy.

Tax collector Matthew
 was also stationed in Capernaum.

Excavations in Capernaum - from the time of Jesus.

 Perhaps nearby Jesus healed the paralyzed man.

Matt. 9:2-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:18-20

This excavated house is believed

 to be the house of Peter and his wife. 

Jesus likely used this house as his headquarters

 when he was in town. 

It was in this house that Jesus
 healed Peter's mother-in-law.

Matt. 8:14-15 and Mark 1:29-34

After the death of Jesus and his resurrection,
 this house apparently
 became a house church for his followers.

Centuries later,
 Christians honored the site by building a church here-
that was later destroyed. 

By the13th Century AD, the town was all but abandoned. 
The remains of Capernaum were rediscovered in1837.

The Fransciscans bought the land in 1893, 

                                           and planted palms.
                      The latest church structure was built in 1990, 

                                    with a glass floor that looks
                                     into the early excavations- 

                                        and the house of Peter.

Here in Capernaum, the people witnessed

 spectacular miracles that Jesus performed.

Here He established his heavenly authority.

 Yet, they were rebuked for their lack of repentance.

This Jesus came to be a Servant of servants.

He wanted to touch hearts and heal bodies.

He desired to meet the needs of people.

How often do I let Him
 really be close enough to 

heal me-body and soul?

Time to let Him be near.