Our first adventure to the big city! Thomas had the day off on Wednesday so we decided to pack up our camera and tour book and head to Jerusalem for the day. The drive from our house is about an hour and a half. I apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge of this fascinating city; I wish I could share more on each of these places we visited. I have really been convicted and purpose to learn and study more about the area and history here in Israel.
Our first stop was “The Western Wall”, the most important existing shrine for the Jewish community. My understanding is that this large stone wall is the actual wall that the 2nd Jewish temple of the Old Testament was built upon. The original temple mount is clearly viewed from this place, which is incredible being that is around 2,000 years old. Jews have made this a holy place of pilgrimage for many years. While at the wall we saw many Jews, Soldiers, and Christians of all races and nationalities going to this historic wall to offer prayers. It was truly an amazing sight!
We walked a bit higher in order to get a view of the “Dome Of The Rock”, the Muslim Mosque that dominates the Temple Mount. The Western Wall and the Temple Mount in Old Testament times was the foundation for God’s holy Temple, and still stands intact as a symbol to the Jews of God’s presence. However, now stands in its place “The Dome of the Rock”. It was difficult to try and understand how all these religions can intersect in the most holy and historically significant place in the world.
A view inside the city walls
As we ventured back through the city, we stopped to visit the “Church Of The Holy Sepulcher”. Many believe that this church marks the location where Jesus was crucified by the Romans and buried by his followers; this place is known as “Golgotha”. He rose from the dead three days later.
This Rectangular pink stone of unction lies at the entrance of the church where it is said, the body of Jesus was cleansed and prepared for burial at this place. At this site, many people would lean down and kiss the stone, and rub garments onto it, as if to heal or cure them from some ailment. It was very different to me.
From there we walked upstairs to Golgotha, or Calvary, several stations were set up to show various events. My picture shows the area of where they think the cross actually stood.
As we were leaving the church we could hear the Muslim prayers projecting from the Mosque, and over loud speakers playing throughout portions of the city.
Navigating back to our car was not easy, as the Old city of Jerusalem is made of hundreds of small cobblestone roads and alleys lined with aggressive shop owners. That would come up to us, grab us by the hand to drag us into there shops in hopes to sell some of there handmade items and trinkets. It was not easy to navigate these small streets, but the energy of the city, the charm of the stone lanes, and the smell of spiced coffee’s, and sweet breads in the air made it difficult to leave. It almost feels that history comes alive while in the Old City of Jerusalem. It makes me want to go and research and learn so much about this historic place.
After arriving back to our car we traveled to the Garden of Gethsemane, about a mile outside the city walls. Here is where Jesus prayed before he was betrayed and arrested. The garden was beautiful; flowers and olive trees everywhere! The garden was so quiet and peaceful feeling. The church of All Nations was built in the Garden in 1924 as a symbol of the gardens significance. At the altar of this church is a so-called Rock of Agony, where Jesus prayed to his father the night before his crucifixion.
My favorite spot was our last, The Mount of Olives. A classic panoramic view of the old city highlighted this short drive up the beautiful side of the mountain. This historic Mountain is separated from the old City by the Kidron valley beneath us. The view was incredible! While we were up there, there was a Jewish worship service taking place on top of the mountain.
Overall we found this City and its surroundings to be far more than just historic sites and monuments. While walking through it, you truly feel you’re being pulled back in time. The Crowed streets are full of pilgrims, tourist, locals, and vendors of everything from tourist souvenirs, and leather sandals, to fresh produce, and hand made linens or fabrics. Our Senses were awakened quickly by the intense colors, aromas, and life of the Old City. In many ways the entire adventure just left us looking at each other with surprise and enjoyment. We knew of the City’s historical and spiritual significance, but had no idea of the mixing of cultures and various lives that we would encounter while there.
While driving back home our experience left us desiring to know more the history of the land and places that our Savior once traveled and lived. We were both challenged and burdened to prayer. We committed to each other, and to God, to seek him about how to pray, to teach us to understand, and show us how to be used while we have been given time in this Holy Land.
