Caesarea Philippi

Jesus took the disciples to Caesarea Philippi.  After three years of careful training, Jesus led the disciples to a place that would give them many opportunities to heal, evangelise and baptise.

Located at the base of Mount Hermon, Caesarea Philippi is officially the start of the Jordan River. The snow on Mount Hermon melts and feeds the Jordan River.  The water originally flowed from the cave above.  The cave is now dry.

You are probably wondering how such a beautiful location would be such a prime place for spiritual conversion.  Banias, was the first century equivalent of Sin City.  Jesus brought the disciples here to practice working in a place such this.  He brought them to a place where real work was to be done.

While at Banias, Jesus said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew)

It was at this time that Jesus told the disciples that he would be crucified on the cross.  The disciples were disbelieving.  They believed that when it was time for Jesus to die, surely He would ascend to heaven on a chariot of fire like Elijah had.

Pope Francis calls us all to evangelise like the disciples did.  Are you ready, willing and able to do so?