Real places, real history · Lessons in real photos
The Bible tells about real people in real places, and you can still visit many of them today. Here are six places from the life of Jesus, in real photos.
The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (BSB)
Some of these places have changed a lot in two thousand years. Each caption tells you what the photo really shows.
Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. “Silence!” He commanded. “Be still!” And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm.
Mark 4:39 (BSB)
Jesus spent much of His life around this lake. One night a terrible storm almost sank the disciples’ boat. Jesus stood up and told the wind and the waves to be still, and everything went calm. Even the weather obeys Him!
Talk about itWhat storms or scary things are in your life? How can you remember that Jesus is with you?
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Mark 1:9 (BSB)
John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River and told them to get ready, because God was about to do something new. Then Jesus came and was baptized too. That was probably farther down the river, but it is the same Jordan.
Talk about itWhy do you think Jesus wanted to be baptized?
Then Jesus and His companions went to Capernaum, and right away Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. The people were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:21-22 (BSB)
Capernaum was a fishing town on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus lived here for a while, taught in the synagogue and healed many people. Peter’s house was here too.
Talk about itPeople were amazed at how Jesus taught. What is something Jesus taught that amazes you?
Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing.
John 9:7 (BSB)
A man had been blind since he was born. Jesus put mud on his eyes and told him to go and wash in this pool. He washed and came back seeing! Jesus said He is the light of the world.
Talk about itThe man did what Jesus said before he could see. What does it mean to trust Jesus like that?
Finally, after three days they found Him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.
Luke 2:46-47 (BSB)
When Jesus was twelve, His family went to Jerusalem for the Passover. Jesus stayed behind in the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions. Later, as a grown man, He taught there too, so He may have walked up these very steps.
Talk about itJesus asked questions when He was a boy. What question would you like to ask about God?
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.” And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
Luke 22:39-42 (BSB)
On the night before He died, Jesus went to an olive garden on the Mount of Olives to pray. He knew the cross was coming. He prayed, “Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” Jesus chose to obey His Father, because He loves us.
Talk about itJesus prayed when He was sad and afraid. What can you talk to God about tonight?
Before you go
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:20 (BSB)
You can visit these places, but you won’t find Jesus there. He rose from the dead and went back to His Father. And He promised to be with His people always, wherever they are, even in your town.
Talk about itIf you could visit one of these places, which would you choose? Why?