Our first steps into Jerusalem

Written by Dan and Latricia Nicholson

We arrive in Jerusalem at a most significant time in history. Today marks the 70th anniversary of Israeli statehood, and it is the day of the formal transfer of the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. While we have heard in the news about violence in other areas, we have not seen any protesting or unrest in Jerusalem. However, some of the main streets of Jerusalem are decorated with banners acknowledging “Trump” as a friend and supporter of Israel. 

Mount of Olives

We started our first day touring in Jerusalem by visiting the Mount of Olives.  From the Mount you can see Old Jerusalem, its walls and the Eastern Gate. The Muslim cemetery is outside the Eastern Gate where Jesus is expected to return, so the Muslims have tombstones against the gate to prevent Jesus returning.  The Jewish cemetery is at the Mount of Olives and has graves dating back 2,500 years. This place also has significant historical events; when fleeing from his son Absalom, who had conspired against him, David went to the summit of the Mount of Olives where people used to worship God (2 Samuel 15:30-32).  Most importantly, Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem from “the hill called the Mount of Olives” (Luke 19:28-30) prior to His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion.  Standing on the Mount of Olives looking at Jerusalem was breathtaking on so many levels. 

The Garden of Gethsemane

The Garden of Gethsemane was perhaps the most sobering site thus far for many of us. Pastor Brian related how God’s interaction with humankind began with Adam in a garden and will end in a garden as promised in Revelation. In between, God interacted with Jesus (“the second Adam”) at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed three times “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done” (Matt. 26). Whereas Adam had failed, Jesus succeeded. We then experienced powerful individual times of quiet and prayer in the Garden as we thought about our Savior’s suffering and fear while in the Garden. He knew full well the torture and humiliation that He was about to willingly undergo for us, though we are undeserving, but for His grace and mercy. 

Caiaphas’ House 

When Jesus was betrayed and arrested Caiaphas was the high priest and Jesus was taken to Caiaphas’ house where He was accused of blasphemy against God.  It was outside in the courtyard at Caiaphas’ house that Peter denied Jesus three times. Jesus most likely was lowered into a pit in the dungeon. We had the opportunity to go into the dungeon and gather in the pit where you could only imagine how or what our Lord was feeling or thinking.  As a group we closed our eyes imagining being in total darkness as someone read Psalm 88. I cried. 

Vad Yashem

An hour and a half to take in Yad Vashem, one could argue, is both too much and too little time. Yad Vashem is Israel’s memorial/museum commemorating the Holocaust. The time was insufficient to digest the volume of information and to even attempt to grasp the enormity of the event. For the short time we were there, it was emotionally draining. Our guide, Ronen, helped us with the a Jewish perspective before entering the museum. Only about half of the world’s population is aware of the Holocaust. His desire is nothing but that the knowledge of and lessons from the Holocaust are never forgotten or lost in future generations. He want to help ensure that all people assume that responsibility. Ronan’s mother- in-law lost 35 members of her family, but with some heroic assistance, managed to escape.

Herodium

Our last stop was in Palestine (where our Israelite guide couldn’t accompany us) to visit the Herodium, just about a mile from Bethlehem.  The Herodium is a fortress palace that Herod the Great built as a retreat and burial place for himself. When the magi went to Jerusalem to tell Herod of the birth of the coming king he sent them to Bethlehem and it’s probable that with Bethlehem being a small town and full, that the magi stayed at Herodium. When Herod ordered the murder of all male babies in Bethlehem the soldiers were likey dispatched from the Herodium.  What struck me while visiting theHerodium and listening to the teaching was how awesome and magnificent our God is! Herod was rich, powerful and had thousands of soldiers at his disposal but He couldn’t stop the birth of our King! Hallelujah!