On the shore of the Sea of Galilee at Tabgha, a small stone church stands directly on the water’s edge, built around a flat rock that tradition calls Mensa Christi, the Table of Christ. This is the Church of the Primacy of Peter, marking the spot where the resurrected Jesus appeared to his disciples, cooked them breakfast on the shore, and three times asked Peter: “Do you love me?”
The Story
The Gospel of John (chapter 21) describes the disciples fishing on the lake after the crucifixion, catching nothing. A figure on the shore told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat. They did, and the catch was enormous. Peter recognized Jesus, jumped into the water, and swam to shore. Jesus had a charcoal fire going with fish and bread. After breakfast, he asked Peter three times if he loved him, mirroring Peter’s three denials. Each time Peter said yes, Jesus replied: “Feed my sheep.”
This exchange is understood by Catholics as Jesus’ conferral of authority on Peter, the moment that established the papacy. For all Christians, it is a story about forgiveness, restoration, and second chances.
The Church
The Franciscan church, built in 1933, is deliberately simple. The rock extends from the floor, and the lake is visible through the windows. The combination of stone, water, and natural light creates an atmosphere that is profoundly moving. This is one of the few places in the Holy Land where the setting matches the story so perfectly that imagination is almost unnecessary.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
The Church of the Primacy of Peter is steps from the Church of the Multiplication. Hoshen Tours includes both in every Sea of Galilee itinerary.