Nazareth

Can anything good come out of Nazareth ? Such is the question asked in the Gospels in reference to Jesus and his ministry. While it is highly unlikely that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, it is likely that he was born and raised in a little village of Nazareth just a short distance outside a larger center called Sephoris. it is also likely that Jesus and his father as trades persons had jobs they would go to in that center as well.

So it was with some skepticism that I went to the Village of Jesus experience on our return trip to Nazareth . It's sort of like a "heritage village" experience with sets and people dressed in period costumes trying to contextualize what life was like during Jesus time. Most of the group liked it though I found it sucky at times. It was authentic in terms of the buildings and roughness of the landscape. There were no smooth roads or paths. Everything was rocky and steep. And the daily tasks of living were well represented. The meal they served at the end was both authentic and tasty. However, some of the theological and biblical links I could have lived without.

In addition we visited a well ( and the orthodox church built over it) that was likely the source of water for the village during Jesus day. We wandered around the old city of Nazareth which now has grown to almost 100 000 and experienced the shops , the markets, the sights and smells of life today .

We headed back to Tiberius and along the way we stop at Cana to pick up wine and we also get a chance to see the river Jordon for the first time close to where it flows into the sea of galilee. Back to the hotel for a rest and for dinner, wine and conversation that evening. It was foggy and cool so no swimming today . Tomorrow we leave the Galilee and head to Jerusalem .