There is something special about being in Jerusalem on Shabbat. It’s the best place in the world to witness Jewish families enjoying a day together and celebrating Sabbath. Hebrew days begin at sundown, so Friday sundown to Saturday sundown marks the Jewish Sabbath.
Through glowing rays of sunlight, we began our Jerusalem adventure upon Mount Scopus for a look out over the back side of the Mount of Olives, toward Bethany. There, we read the Biblical account of Jesus raising Lazarus. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived in Bethany and were friends of Jesus. Those rays of sunlight were like Jesus smiling down on us, as if to say, “You’re My friends also, and I will raise you up as well!”
Then, we began tracing a few of the footsteps of Jesus during His last days on earth. From the Mount of Olives we had a spectacular view of Temple Mount and it’s surroundings on the east side. We gathered upon the Mount of Olives to enjoy the moments and share some devotional time before ascending the narrow, winding road to the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Mount of Olives is filled with olive groves, so there is no way to confirm exactly where the Garden of Gethsemane was located on that small mountain range. What we do know is that Jesus went to the Garden to pray, yet the disciples who were with Him fell asleep. Not knowing the agony Jesus was enduring as He faced His death and temporary separation from His Father, the disciples were not there for Jesus in His most agonizing moments. It was in Gesthemane that Jesus prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” As we know, the Father’s will allowed Jesus, His only Son, to be sacrificed for you and me.
Jesus was arrested that night in the Garden of Gethsemane when one of His disciples, Judas, betrayed Him. He was taken to the High Priest, Caiaphas, and put on trial (illegally) at Caiaphas’ house. He was also imprisoned there. Again, we cannot be absolutely certain that the place we visited today was indeed Caiaphas’ house, but there is certainly evidence that provides an opportunity to meditate on what occurred. There, in a dreary dungeon, Jesus was left in total darkness and cried out to His Father. His prayer must have sounded very much like Psalm 88, which we read in the dungeon in which Jesus was imprisoned. Indeed, in the lowest pit, Jesus cried out.
Outside Caiaphas’ house that night, Peter warmed himself by a fire. Mark 14:27-31 recounts Jesus’ prediction that Peter would deny Him 3 times that very night, before the rooster crowed twice. (BTW – roosters crow in the morning, don’t they? Perhaps God intended the instance to be absolutely identifiable.) Later, in verses 66-72, after Jesus was arrested and taken to Caiaphas’ house, Peter denied Jesus, just as He predicted. Having been to the Sea of Galilee earlier this week and contemplated Jesus’ restoration of Peter, I am incredibly grateful that, like Peter, we may stumble badly, but Jesus is faithful to restore the lost soul who longs for Him.
Our day also included a visit to Golgatha (aka Skull Hill) and the Garden Tomb. Theological debate exists as to whether Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection happened here or at a place marked by the Church of the Holy Spulchre. There is evidence for each, but ultimately, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that Jesus absolutely, positively died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day to forgive us and invite us to be with Him in heaven. Don’t argue about the details, simply trust what we know to be true. The Garden Tomb lends itself to such quiet contemplation that leads us into communion with Him.
After seeing the hill called Gogatha, we walked through the Garden and ultimately stepped into the tomb. I’ve done it many many times, and am 100% convinced that He is not here, He is risen!
On this occasion, tour guest Pastor Juan Carlos Heredia led us in communion and it was beautiful. How blessed we were to be reminded of Christ’s great sacrifice for our sin, and the freedom that comes as a result!
We topped off the day with a visit to a Messianic Congregation where we joined in worship of the One whose death, burial, and resurrection we just commemorated. It is always a taste of heaven when the opportunities to worship with believers from around the world takes place.
(Yes, a small missile impact site in the street at Baptist Village)
It is so good to worship in different languages!
BTW – As a bonus, I joined my next tour group for our final Zoom meeting late last night! While the current tour is a second timers’ tour, a new group of newbies arrives on November 1 and I’m super excited to usher them into the presence of Jesus right here in Israel as well! But not before we finish business with the current group!
Friends, if you don’t know this Jesus we are talking about, now is the time! He wants to save you from your sins and set you free to live as a born-again believer in Jesus. If you do not know how to do that, please click the link below. We want to spend eternity in heaven with you, but just as importantly, we want you live free in Jesus Christ!
We’re only getting started in Jerusalem! Stick with us!
