The view from the Mt. of Beatitudes is breathtaking. It is located on the northern coast of the Sea of Galilee and from different vantage points you can see the Plain of Gennesaret (an area known for its fertility), coastal cities on the shore of Galilee, the beautiful Mt. Arbel cliffs, and more!
In ancient times it was known as Mt. Eremos and Karn Hattin and is situated between Capernaum and Tabgha, just above the Cove of the Sower. To call it a mountain is overstating it a little. There are no actual mountains in this part of Galilee, but there are several “hills” in the region. And while it is not certain to be the actual place of the “Sermon on the Mount,” its location and natural features makes it a likely candidate.
Its topography is in the form of a natural amphitheater. I have sat on the north-facing hillside as the tour guide gave his orientation of the area. Even speaking at a normal volume, his voice was naturally amplified and could be reasonably heard almost 200 yards away!
Likewise, the spacious hillside provides room enough for large crowds of people. When the Pope was to visit there in 2000, the area was prepared to handle 100,000 Catholics to observe Mass (it rained that day so fewer people came, but the space was available).
Atop the Mt. of Beatitudes today, there is a Catholic church built in 1939 by the Franciscan Sisters with the support of the Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini. The cloaks of Pope Paul IV (1964) and John Paul II (2000) are on display in the entry of the church.
Somewhere in this area, Jesus delivered His famed Sermon on the Mount, part of which is:
Matt. 5:2 and he began to teach them, saying:
Matt. 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt. 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matt. 5:5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matt. 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matt. 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matt. 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Matt. 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Matt. 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt. 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Matt. 5:12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (NIV)
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