Did you ever wake up someday and wonder how it would be like to live where Jesus spent most of his life? Here, I’m not talking about getting a boutique suite near the town of Jesus or a hotel in the Galilee, but rather about literally living near Capernaum. I’m talking about waking up every morning, walking down the roads of Capernaum and its old streets, knowing Jesus and his apostles walked down the same path before.

I’m talking about filling your lungs with this town’s clean air mixed with the breeze of the Sea of Galilee, meeting its kindhearted people and preparing your meals out of its fresh fish and humble bread.

I’m talking about the privilege of proximity; that is of living near one of the oldest churches, the house of Peter, and one of the most ancient synagogues where Jesus held his regular sermons, including the well-known sermon on the Bread of Life (John 6: 35-59). Living next to the town of Jesus means living at the heart of Christian history, and where the first miracles of Jesus were born.

“21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? New teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.”

Mark 1:21-28

I live right next to the town of Jesus. To me, this place is not just where my house is located. The town of Jesus is home to my soul. This is where I found peace and serenity.

When I chose to settle in Capernaum, I was aware of the choice I made. However, the real experience of living next to the town of Jesus continues to exceed all my expectations.