Sunrise, favorite views, Son of Man, Empty Tomb

I woke up early, 3:30 a.m., ready for another incredible day. About 6:00 a.m. the sun rose over Jerusalem, what a beautiful city.

Sunrise over Jerusalem (viewed from the balcony of our room)

After breakfast we headed to Bethany, where Lazarus was raised from the dead. Our guide answered the questions about why Jesus waited 4 days (there’s a sermon coming ), what the relationship was between Jesus and the 3 in this story, as well as why this miracle was so important. From here, it was on to the Dead Sea, where we had an hour of fun.  At the southern end of Dead Sea, archaelogical digs have showed that the cities of Sodom and Ghomorra existed on the east and west banks of the dead sea, and that they were destroyed in a catastrophic sulfuric fire. Wonder why it’s so salty?

At Bethany as Fabrecio teaches about the resurrection of Lazarus

Some of the group floating on the Dead Sea

After an incredible lunch in Jericho (more pics later), we left and headed back to the Mount of Olives. It’s one of my favorite views on earth, as you stand on the mountain, looking across the kidron valley to the temple mount. The Eastern Gates were the scene of the triumphal entry, which in actuality was Jesus’ funeral procession.  Though the Eastern Gates are sealed right now, they will one day be opened again and Jesus will once again walk onto the temple mount victorious! As you look at the picture, the muslim “dome of the rock” stands over the temple from the time of Christ. You see why it’s the most contested piece of real estate on earth. Let us remember though that it already belongs to Yahweh!

Standing on the Mt. of Olives looking at the temple mount

We then visited Caiaphas’ house, where Jesus was wrongly tried, falsely accused, yet refused to defend Himself. He was also held there part of the night in a dungeon. Standing in the cell was a holy moment for me, and a great reminder of Jesus’ humanity, that He suffered so much on our account! Our guide gave us a brilliant account of all the laws that Caiaphas and the pharisees broke during this trial, even desecrating their own oaths of purity.

Lastly, we ended the day at the Garden Tomb, where protestants believe Jesus was buried. It’s such a beautiful spot, and moving to remember that our faith is based not on a dead Savior, but a risen one! We walked in the tomb, which is empty , and ended by taking communion near the tomb. We were all moved to remember the Lord’s death and resurrection right where it happened!

Leading communion at the Garden Tomb (it’s empty!)

Tomorrow is our last day in Jerusalem, and I’m pumped about some very special sites we’ll be visiting. God is doing such a huge work in the heart of Lori and I, it’s my prayer that following our journey will also encourage your faith! Blessing, Greg.