PenWorks of the Word Blog Tour: Post Eight - Barbara Britton

Barbara Britton writes:

Going Viral from Galilee

Many people are familiar with the manger scene in Bethlehem where shepherds gazed at baby Jesus. Most would remember that Jesus grew up in Nazareth. Jesus is even called Jesus of Nazareth. But His home base for ministry doesn’t roll off our tongues. I didn’t realize the importance of Capernaum in Jesus’s life until I visited the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He grew up in Nazareth. He went viral from Capernaum.

Matthew 4:13-16 tells us:

Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”

The light of the world lived in a fishing village on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. When I visited Israel in March of 2023, I walked the paths that Jesus and His disciples trod. In Capernaum, I saw the ruins of Peter’s house by the sea. A sea that Jesus called a lake. Jesus stayed at Peter’s house and jumped in boats a few yards away to sail to towns where the people needed to see the light. 

I found the Sea of Galilee to be a peaceful and tranquil area. When Jesus traveled around Galilee, He fought spiritual battles and healed those desperate to be freed from suffering. Peace and quiet did not follow Jesus.

Even though I was a multi-published author of biblical fiction, I had no intention of writing about my trip to Israel. Sitting in a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee, I prayed for God to show me where to venture next in the Bible. I became emotional, and it was like the Spirit said, “Open your eyes. You’re on a boat in Galilee!”

Writing about Jesus is challenging. I didn’t want to add any words to what Jesus said in the Bible, and I did not want to give Him a distinct personality. How was I to bring stories of His healings to life on a blank page?

I used secondary characters to bring accounts from the Gospel of Mark to life in “Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee.” Jesus is still the main character, and even though I avoided adding details to His characterization, Jesus shines bright.

My goal in writing “Across the Lake” was to show Jesus’s power and compassion to a hurting world. Even all these years later, people still suffer, need healing, but most of all, people need a Savior. Come jump in the boat with Jesus and discover the miracles and ministry that took place in and around Capernaum. Let’s go viral with Jesus.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”    John 8:12 (NIV)

“Across the Lake” book blurb:

Discover the life-changing power of Jesus in six short stories from the Gospel of Mark. The miracles of Jesus will leap from the page in a Biblical Fiction story, author reflection, and relatable study.

Travel with Jesus as he calms a storm, heals a desperate woman, raises a dead daughter to life, sends His disciples on a minimalist mission, feeds thousands on a hillside, and shows compassion to a persistent mother.

A perfect study for your small group, personal or family devotions, or book club.

If you know Jesus, fall in love with Him all over again. If you haven't experienced Jesus's power and love, jump in His boat and engage with the Creator and Savior of the world.

Barbara M. Britton is a multi-published author of Christian Fiction. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. You can also travel to Whispering Creek, Tennessee with her sweet romance duology. Recently, she launched a Biblical Fiction Bible study that shines a light on Jesus’s ministry. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.

You can also follow her on X, Instagram, or Facebook.