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Published: January 20th 2020
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This day started out like all the others, wake up call, breakfast, to the bus. We first went to the Church of all Nations, so called because it was rebuilt with financial contributions from many countries. Each country has its national seal in the ceiling. This church is built over the rock on which Jesus prayed at the Garden Of Gethsemane. Outside, in the garden, are olive trees some of which date back 2-4 thousand years. Today was Sunday so a church service was in progress.
Next, we headed to the Mount of Olives which is right across the Kidron Valley. It is where Jesus ascended and has been a Jewish Cemetary (since Biblical times). It is said that Jews buried pay thousands of dollars to be buried there so they will be first in line when the Messiah comes.
The Mount of Olives is also where God will appear at The End of Days when the mountain will split in two. Read Zechariah 14:4 to know more.
Jesus also rode from Bethany down the mount of Olives, through the Kidron Valley on Palm Sunday. Typically, we would walk that same route, but today was windy, rainy, and cold
so we rode the bus.
Our next stop was the Upper Room where Jesus and the disciples met for the last supper. It was there that Jesus broke the bread, shared the wine, and held the very first communion. The Upper Room Was used for more than just the last supper. It was the homebase for the disciples from Jesus Crucifixion until his ascension. The Upper Room was never destroyed because If it’s proximity to King David’s Tomb.
Not far from the Upper Room is the House of Ciaphas, also know as the church of Saint Peter of Gallucantu, where Jesus was held for trial and Peter denied knowing him.
When we visit a holy site, we read the corresponding scripture. Psalm 88 is traditionally read in the deep, dark pit which held Jesus on his final night before going to the cross. I was privileged to read that scripture which was written by David in his deepest despair. t was an extremely emotional reading. Read Psalm 88 and think of those as Jesus’ words.
Beside that church are stone steps that Jesus walked, most definitely when he was being taken to his trial, and possibly
when he traveled around the area. I walked those steps on my first trip to the Holy Land but they are inaccessible now. You can see them in one if the pictures.
Our last stop of the day was the Garden Tomb, one of two places believed to house the tomb of Jesus. We always attend a presentation informing us of all the reasons they believe this is the site. We roam about the garden, enter the tomb, and we always have communion. Just imagine sitting near the tomb of Jesus, taking communion, and singing “Let Us Break Bread Together”, “Sanctuary” or “Surely His Presence”. There are no words to describe what you are feeling.
After a brief wait on our bus, we finally make our way back to our hotel for dinner and a night in the town. One of our former guides, Avi, and his band would be performing at a club downtown. We had a group of 19 going to see him. It was a great evening topped off by the band performing “Country Roads”, the West Virginia. Anthem! What a great night!!
It’s very late and I’m tired so Nite All!!
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