Day Seven of Our Israel Trip

June 5th was the day and we had a great day of touring. The weather was just right with a lot of sunshine, and a cool breeze to start the day. We boarded the bus at 8:00 AM after a great Jewish breakfast at the Crown Plaza Jerusalem. Our first stop was the Mount of Olives for a group picture.

You may recall that the Mount of Olives is where Jesus ascended into heaven after his death, burial, and resurrection. It is found in Acts chapter one verse 12. This is also the site where Jesus is to step out of heaven onto the earth when he returns the second time. It is so awesome to be in these places and to know and experience some biblical history.

From the Mt of Olives we made our way to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed as if it were drops of blood. We were right outside of the Eastern Gate of the Old City where the Jews are looking for the Messiah to enter the Holy City (this will be His second return to us believers). While here we visited the Church of All Nations and saw the crest of the US in the ceiling. As we moved from this location we went past Absalom's tomb, and the tomb of Hezekiah. We then began our ascent up through the Kidron Valley to the Garden Tomb. This is the place where it is believed that Jesus was buried. There are two theories, but this is the most plausible. It has a rock shaped skull overlooking it. It has a plush garden and a tomb of a rich man. While here at the Garden Tomb, Pastor Glen Burks ministered on Communion, we partook of Communion together, and Lana Pratt lead us in some hymns. It was very moving and significant since we were outside of the Holy City.

From this location we went across Jerusalem to the Israel Museum. This location has the Dead Sea Scrolls, and a scale model of the Old City of Jerusalem . This find of the Dead Sea Scrolls is probably the most significant find to prove the Bible. We then moved on to a Kibbutz which is a collective community of Jewish settlers for lunch. Then we were back into the Old City for a look at David's and Solomon's tomb, as well as a visit to the Upper Room.

The Upper Room was significant in that it was the place of the fulfillment of Joel chapter two -- the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Richard Farley ministered to us from Acts and gave us the significance of this event. He has become our resident Jewish scholar. From this location we walked to the house of Caiaphas the High Priest of Jesus' day. Why this is significant is that it was the location of the punishment of Jesus. This is where they would have imprisoned Jesus and then put the Roman scourge to Jesus' back to fulfill Isaiah 53. It was very powerful. It would have also been the site where Peter denied Jesus and heard the cock crow. Can you see it in your mind? We are literally in the place where our Lord fulfilled prophecy and completed our redemption.

From the place of judgement we moved back to the hotel. On the way we dropped some of the gang at the Jaffa Gate to do some shopping in the Old City shops. After dinner at the hotel, we went to a sound and light show of the history of City of Jerusalem at the Tower of David Museum. As you can see these are touring packed days and nights.