Lent #5, March 1

[kayleearafinwiel]

 ...and it may be March 2 for most of the people who follow my journal, or at least late enough that you're asleep. My apologies, it's been a really rough day emotionally. Luckily it's been a productive one writing-wise...but that's for another post. I did promise.

Today's Bible reading is Matthew 4:12-17, Mark 1:14-15, and Luke 4:14-15.

Matthew says that Jesus "left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea" where He began his ministry in order to fulfill the words of the prophet Isaiah. He began preaching there. I admit I don't know the geography of the region at all, so I can't be sure how great a distance that was, but I know for sure He couldn't have just called Uber to go back to Nazareth if He was homesick! I wonder if his brothers (and sisters?) along with Mary (and Joseph? Was he still alive?) would have been able to go see Him in Capernaum very easily, or if it would have been a long trip.

Mark says "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee" ...I wonder what was going through John's mind when he was arrested? Did he think Jesus would come to help him? Did he hope? Or did he expect Jesus to leave?

And Luke adds, "And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all." So He was welcome in Galilee, where I don't think he was so much in Nazareth, at least not later I suppose. 

I'm really curious about that "returned in the power of the Spirit" phrase. Does that mean angels carried Him to Galilee? That he used the Holy Spirit to get there? Was it like teleportation? I suppose if any person could do that it'd be Him... Or does it just mean that He went to preach there? Huh. Things to think about, I guess...

Comments

[alexseanchai]

Less than 45 km as the crow flies, since the shortest driving route Google Maps shows is 46 km and squiggly. I tried googling how far people can walk in a day, but the answers I'm getting are like multiply a twenty-minute mile by eight hours of walking, and not even the US Army inflicts twelve-mile marches on people and still expect them to be good for anything the next day! I'm guessing travel time of three to six days one way? Between Nazareth and Capernaum, anyway—between Capernaum and the Sea of Galilee, probably an hour tops, and only that much if laden down with the day's catch!

[kayleearafinwiel]

Thank you, Alex!! :) That's actually very amazing! <3 I appreciate you letting me know. *hugs*