Bodies of water played a significant geographic role in Jesus’ earthly ministry. He regularly traveled by the “sea” (though the Sea of Galilee is actually a lake) and taught on shores. Also, many of His disciples were fishermen whom He called while near the water. They knew a lot about boats and traversing the sea.Like the other natural settings where Christ taught the crowds, the seaside setting showed that He went where the people were. He did not restrict His teachings to only those who were students of the Law or who were studying in the temple. Everyday people, like fishermen and farmers, were His audience, and He taught them in ways that connected with their daily lives through memorable stories and sayings.Such universal application for those on different rungs of the social ladder mirrors His intent for the growth of His church. The lessons He taught were always meant to be far reaching – useful to Jew, Gentile, poor, and rich. For, as He told the disciples, they were to go into the world and make disciples of all nations, teaching everything He had commanded (Matthew 28:18-20). Christ taught a Jewish audience, but He always meant for the teachings to have widespread applicability.Today, people around the world can study the Lord’s words in their own language. And there is an ongoing effort to make His teachings available in every language so that people from every nation, tribe, and tongue may know Him and follow Him as a disciple. We can read His Word at home or during our own travels. And we can study His teachings in various places, including the beach.As we watch the waves glide in and out, feel its salty spray, and listen to the cry of the gulls, we can creatively imagine ourselves in first-century Israel listening to Jesus as He taught on the shore.Here are a few of His teachings to incorporate into your beach reading.Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Cultura RM Exclusive/Bill Sykes
