So much to see

Tuesday afternoon Jerusalem
Man, what a day. We started early at the Garden Tomb where I am convinced Jesus was buried. Just up the way from the tomb is a hill with the image of the skull. All of the evidences point to this place, at least in my opinion. What a moving experience just to be in that place. Then to have the privilege of leading a devotion and Lord Supper service. I am so blessed that I cannot even begin to express it in words.


Entered the Old City through the Lion's Gate. Exciting to see the Old City for the first time.

Went to the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the lame man on the Sabbath. How mind-boggling that the Pharisees would get so angry when a man's life is changed.

Walked the Via Dolorosa. It is an uphill walk difficult under the best of circumstances.

Armenian Pizza for lunch. We were told it was the best pizza in the world. Good, but not the best.

Ethiopian Chapels - these are the poorest of Christians, and their chapels stand in stark contrast to the gawdy extravagance of the Catholic churches.

St. Anne's Church - a church dedicated to the Mother of Mary. The acoustics were great. We sang Alleluia and How Great Thou Art. Beautiful experience.

David's Tomb - where King David is buried inside the city. The only person to have that privilege. The amazement was in the Orthodox Jews that stay there reading Scripture and praying constantly.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre - another huge Catholic church where Helena, mother of Constantine, believed Jesus was buried.
I still believe it was the Garden Tomb.

Crossed the Muslim and Jewish Quarters

Saw the wall of Eliakim - more later.

Mt. Zion

The Upper Room - not very dramatic.

St. Peter Galicantu/Caiaphas house - 99.9% sure that this is the place due to the rooms found there and the location. The room where Jesus was held had one entrance and exit -- at the top. The prisoners would be lowered and raised by rope to stand before the Sanhedrin.

Western Wall - a beautiful experience to stand as close as a Christian can stand to where the Holy of Holies once stood. I didn't place any requests into the wall because I think that is merely superstition. I did, however, stand at the wall touching it and praying. Praying for my family, for the peace of Jerusalem, for my church, and for so many other things.

It was a busy day, but wow, what emotion. Seeing and hearing and doing all of that leaves a lasting imprint on you. Realizing how grueling the walk is under normal circumstances demonstrates how difficult it must have been for Christ. Perhaps I will spend some time later filling in the gaps. Suffice it to say that the emotions were overwhelming.