Favorite photo of 2008?

Elizabeth and I were driving from lunch today when I asked her what she thought would be my favorite photo of 2008. That excludes the grandson, of course. After some discussion we both agreed that it was a difficult decision. She suggested the En Gedi waterfall. Good suggestion. We posted one of those photos here. I debated about posting a different view, but then decided to go with another choice.

Early in the year I posted a 1984 photo of the Jordan River waterfall here. In April, while my group was eating lunch at Banias, the site of Caesarea Philippi, I broke away with David Padfield to visit the nearby Jordan Waterfall. The fall is also known as the Banias Waterfall. In order for this photo be understood it might be good if I showed you a photo of the surrounding terrain.

The photo below was made from above the waterfall. The waterfall is in the depression to the left of the rocky area; you are seeing the top of large trees. Caesarea Philippi is between the two closest hills. The Banias River begins as a spring there and soon cuts its way into the surrounding earth and rock. It is not really the Jordan until it joins with other sources, including the Dan River.

Vicinity of the Jordan River Waterfall. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Once we make our way down into the depression among the trees we see the beautiful waterfall.

Jordan River Waterfall. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

On my first trip in 1967 it was impossible to visit either the source of the river or the waterfall because it was within Syria. After Israel captured the territory, it became possible to make the visit.

Was this absolutely my favorite photo of 2008? Probably not. I was blessed to visit Israel (twice), Jordan, Turkey, Greece and the Greek islands. There were too many favorites to make a choice.

Matthew uses the term district or region to describe the area Jesus visited with His disciples (Matthew 16:13). The Kings James Version coasts is misleading. Mark’s term is villages (Mark 8:27). It was not far from here that Jesus was confessed as the Christ by Peter.

Jesus went out, along with His disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, “Who do people say that I am?”  They told Him, saying, “John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; but others, one of the prophets.” And He continued by questioning them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:27-29 NASB; also read Matthew’s account)