Tunnels, Trees and Tombs

Today our group of adventurers tackling a water-filled tunnel, gaining insight at a model of the city of Jerusalem from the time of Jesus, learning more about the Dead Sea Scrolls, enjoying a traditional Jerusalem lunch, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane and gazing into the Garden Tomb – the possible site of the burial of Jesus Christ.

Our day began at Hezekiah’s Tunnel in the city of Jerusalem. This tunnel was built under the reign of King Hezekiah some 2,700 years ago. In need of a hidden source of water, two crews of men started at either end of the tunnel, chiseling 1,750 feet until they met in the center. The tunnel diverted water from the Gihon Spring into a pool later known as The Pool of Siloam. You can read about this pool in John 9 in the account of Jesus healing the blind man.
Today, from the confines of the narrow, tight, dark tunnel, songs of praise echoed off the stone walls as a group of sojourners waded through the sometimes mid-thigh level water of this incredible tunnel. Ancient engineers left their chisel marks clear for us to see, thanks to our handy flashlights. In a bout of bravery, we decided at one point to turn out the lights, then turned them back on quickly as we praised Jesus, the Light of the world! Half of our group ventured into the watery tunnel while the others walked through the dry tunnel, which was just as confining and long.

Our next stop was to the Israeli National Museum. Our guide Ronan shared that it would take days to take in the exhibits in their entirety, so he chose two for our perusal – a model of the city of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus, and an exhibit of the Dead Sea Scrolls with artifacts found from the ancient Monastery of Qumran. As we entered the Dead Sea Exhibit, a group of young Israeli soldiers were gathered to our right. Our guide Ronan said that all Israeli soldiers go through thorough training about Israeli history. He said Israeli soldiers know WHY they are soldiers.

Liberty Park was our lunch stop. This park holds a replica of the Liberty Bell. The Muslim call to prayer rang out as we broke bread together, literally! Our lunch was a traditional Jerusalem meal consisting of a giant ring of bread called a Jerusalem Bagel, with several dipping bowls containing hummus, goat cheese with olive oil, cream cheese with hyssop, and date honey. This was truly one of the most enjoyable meals of the trip as we enjoyed the local flavors.

From there we travelled to the East side of the city, to the Mt. of Olives. Here, we were able to see the Golden Gate – the gate from which Jesus will enter Jerusalem at His second coming. We read from the book of Matthew the account of the Lord’s Supper and the events that took place in Gethsemane leading to the crucifixion of Christ. Inside a 5th century Catholic Church sat a rock, which tradition tells to be the rock where Jesus prayed until he sweat blood. A short walk up the hill brought us to the garden, where we were able to pray, and to ponder the events that took place all those years ago among the garden and olive trees – some of which were from the time of Jesus.

Our final stop of the day was the Garden Tomb, a garden nestled at the base of a hill thought to be Golgotha, though not proven. The tomb, as well, is thought to be the tomb of Christ but not proven. Nonetheless, either where we stood or somewhere nearby, our LORD was crucified. Either there or somewhere nearby, our LORD died and was buried. Either there or somewhere nearby, our LORD rose on the third day.

Inside the possible tomb sat a sign which read, “He is not here, for He has risen.” Our tour guide at The Garden Tomb summed it up perfectly, saying, “This must be the only place where people come from all over the world to look for something that is not there. He has risen!” He has risen indeed. Amen.

Our day of touring ended with communion served to the group by the seven graduating seminarians. And just as Jesus and his disciples followed The Last Supper with a hymn, we ended our communion by singing The Doxology.

Tomorrow is our last full day in this wonderful, beautiful land. Each of us came here on a pilgrimage of some sort, seeking to know our LORD in a deeper way. Thank you, those who read of our journey, for coming along with us. I pray each of you are blessed as you read of our adventures, and that we are able to share with you all He is teaching us.

Karen Coolidge, M.Div. student