Israel Day 9

We started today at the Mount of Olives. Many events from the life of Jesus happened here. Scripture tells us that Jesus was accustomed to going to the Mount of Olives, just outside the city. The view from here toward the site of the temple is amazing.

From the top of the mountain, we walked down the path that Jesus took from the Mount of Olives for the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. At the bottom of the hill is the Garden of Gethsemane. Some of the Olive trees here are 2000 years old and may have been witnesses to the agony of Jesus. We took time for prayer here and inside the Church of all Nations.

Next we visited the Jewish Holocost Museum. Somber and sobering.

We ended our day with a stop at the site of Calvary and the Garden Tomb. The rock formation of Golgotha really does look like a skull. Then we walked through the beautiful garden and went inside the tomb. I can join my testimony to those who have gone before and echo the words of the angel because I have seen with my own eyes, "He is not here, He is risen." The resurrection is the pivotal point of our faith for Paul said, "If Christ is not risen then you are dead in your sins." But thank God, He is risen and we are redeemed!

We then had a time of worship and shared communion together in the garden, singing 'Were You There When They Crucified My Lord, Here I Am to Worship and Amazing Love. What a powerful and emotional time. Words fail me and tears come again, even at this moment. Truly the highlight of the trip.

Enjoying the Journey,
David