“King’s Game” on the floor of the Praetorium As if the agony of Gethsemane and the seemingly endless illegal trials (see here and here) that Jesus endured were not enough, Jesus’s journey to Calvary’s cross was absolutely brutal. For example, did you know the Roman soldiers severely mocked and tortured Jesus in a charade called The King’s Game? …
Continue reading A Week that Changed History: Jesus’ Journey to the Cross
We’re leading up to Resurrection Day by exploring the week that set the stage. As you know, Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The Jews were expecting a conquering king, and had hopes that Jesus would save them from oppressive Roman rule. However, Jesus came as a humble servant, riding on a lowly donkey and, …
Continue reading A Week that Changed History: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of Passion Week
I'll never forget my first time in Israel! I sat on the rocks on the shores of Tabgha, imagining what it was like to be a Jewish fishermen when Jesus came along and said, "Follow Me!" I looked out over Mt Carmel where Elijah soaked an altar in water to prove to the Baal's that …
Shabbat Shalom! Shabbat is the Jewish sabbath and it begins every Friday at sundown. The city (and most others in Israel) almost totally shut down mid-afternoon to prepare for shabbat dinner and to attend synagogue at sundown. Today, we experienced both synagogue and shabbat dinner together! What a glorious ending to a great day! I'll …
