Much of Jesus ministry occurred around the Sea of Galilee, and he sometimes used the symbolism of the sea to challenge his disciples and demonstrate his power.

Set in the hills of northern Israel, the Sea of Galilee is nearly seven hundred feet below sea level. It is about eight miles wide, and more than twelve miles long from north to south. In places, the sea plunges to depths of two hundred feet.

See a Map of the Sea of Galilee Region

Just as it does today, the Sea of Galilee teemed with fish in Jesus? time. There was a prosperous commercial fishing industry in the many towns along its shore. Jesus? choice of this location for his ministry, along with his selection of several fishermen as his disciples, made fishing imagery a natural part of his teachings (Matt. 4:19).

Galilee boasts an almost tropical climate, and the areas surrounding the sea are fertile. In Jesus? time, wheat, barley, figs, grapes, and olives were produced in large quantities.

Much of the sea?s beauty comes from being nestled among the hills?green in the spring, brown during the dry season?which contrast with the deep blue of the water. It was a beautiful setting for the ministry of the Messiah.

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