Galilee is a very special place. Scripture reveals that Galilee became “home” to Jesus throughout his three-and-a-half-years of ministry on earth. While important events occurred in Jerusalem, much of his earthly ministry centred around the Sea of Galilee. In Matthew 4 we are told that Jesus withdrew to Galilee when he learned that John the Baptist was imprisoned. People often return home when dealing with the hard issues of life.

There is something calming about being near the water. Jesus used this sea in much of his teaching. It was by this body of water that miracles were performed, the multitudes gathered and the disciples were challenged in their faith. Jesus walked on Galilee, an event which generated deep devotion in the hearts of the disciples. And it was by this sea that Jesus restored Peter, not far from home.

There was also one occasion when Jesus calmed a raging storm on the sea (Matthew 8:18, 23-27). In our own personal lives, we face chaos, challenge, doubt, demands, uncertainty, dryness and busyness. We experience storms for which we feel unprepared. Just as he did on Galilee, Jesus speaks into the midst of our storms: “Be still. Allow me to calm your spirit so that your heart can hear my tender voice.”

Galilee is not just a place on a map, but a place in our hearts. It is a place where we encounter God, where his teaching comes alive and we experience the miracle of transforming grace as the storms of our lives are stilled. It is not, however, a place where we can stay for long. It is the place that begins the path toward Jerusalem. This journey of the heart is the way toward God.

In Luke 9:51, we read that “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” His face was set for his destination. We, too, must set our faces for the journey. As Christ's follower—his disciples—we also embark on this path.

Jesus had a calling on his life and he remained faithful and steadfast. There was no changing his mind on where he was going. Nothing else mattered to him. Jerusalem is where we are all headed. Just as Galilee exists in our hearts, so, too, does Jerusalem. It is our spiritual destination as we journey to the cross of Calvary.

This is not about you or me; it is about Jesus. Our focus must remain on him. When Jesus set his face to walk the Calvary road, he was not merely taking our place; he was setting our pattern. We all need to be like Jesus. We all need to know exactly where we are going in our life.

This journey that we are on begins with being still in the presence of the Lord. We hear his calming voice in the midst of the storm. We are going to the place of Jerusalem, but we also seek the experience of Jerusalem. I believe we will discover that Jesus, the one who journeys with us, is also our destination and our purpose.

Photo credit: Joel Turley

Nancy Turley is the territorial abuse advisor for the Canada and Bermuda Territory. She and her husband, Joel, attend the Bracebridge Corps with their three children: Ethan, Aidan and Jordan. Nancy enjoys hiking in Algonquin Park with her family. Her column will feature reflections from her journey to the Holy Land.