Exploring the Heart of Jerusalem: A Journey Through History and Faith, April 3

Mount Zion: The Traditional Upper Room

Today’s adventure in Jerusalem took us to Mount Zion, a place rich in religious history and significance. This area is home to the traditional Upper Room, where it is believed Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples. Walking through this sacred space, you can almost feel the weight of history surrounding you. The atmosphere is a blend of reverence and excitement, making it a perfect starting point for our exploration.

The Jewish Quarter: Heritage and History

Next, we meandered through the Jewish Quarter, immersing ourselves in its vibrant heritage. One of the highlights here was the Herodian Mansion, an archaeological gem that showcases the exquisite architecture of the Second Temple period. The Temple Institute also captured our attention, with its dedication to portraying the ancient rituals and traditions of Jewish worship. As we walked the cobblestone streets, we were struck by the dynamic blend of modern life and ancient practices coexisting in this fantastic locale.

Our journey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Western Wall. Standing there, with the massive stones surrounding us, we took a moment to write our prayers on paper and gently insert them into the cracks. It felt like we were connecting with countless others who have stood there before us, pouring out their hopes and dreams. This emotional experience was enhanced by our next stop at the Pool of Bethesda. Here, we reflected on the biblical account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man, as narrated in John 5. St. Anne's Church, located nearby, further enriched our experience with its beautiful acoustics and tranquil ambiance.

Calvary and the Garden Tomb

The highlight of our trip and the most poignant day of this trip - was our visit to Calvary, also known as Golgotha or the Place of the Skull. Anne was our special guide for this area. The UK owns this site. In 1894, Christian scholars noticed the area of the skull; in 1896, a farmer found a tomb. In 1900, it was noticed that the Skull still had the eyes showing, whereas part of the nose had broken away. Anne recited the song lyrics for "When the World Said No." It was so appropriate to hear these words while we were here at Calvary. Standing before the site of Christ's crucifixion, we were overwhelmed with a sense of awe and reverence. Afterward, we made our way to the Garden Tomb, a serene location that invites worship and deep reflection. It was here that we took time to remember the events of our Savior's betrayal, crucifixion, and resurrection. The experience was profound as we sang hymns, shared in prayer and, felt the weight of history and faith wash over us. We had a time of communion together as a group in the area of the Tomb.

Our journey wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Western Wall. Standing there, with the massive stones surrounding us, we took a moment to write our prayers on paper and gently insert them into the cracks. It felt like we were connecting with countless others who have stood there before us, pouring out their hopes and dreams.

1st Century Jerusalem