Day 10 - Jerusalem: Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Pool of Bethesda, Saint Anne's, Via Dolorosa, Ramparts, Southern Steps, Farewell Dinner

Day 10 – Impact – Jerusalem              

Mount of Olives and Gethsemane

Our morning began with a last devotional looking out towards Temple Mount on the hill overlooking the Kidron Valley. We journeyed down the same path that Jesus would have taken the last time He entered the city of Jerusalem. This path took us into the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane, which we learned meant “the place of pressing”.

Once we entered the garden, we followed the caretaker to the far side, where we had a tree waiting for us. Together we planted a tree on the Mount of Olives. It was a very special moment, and we all took turns throwing a handful of dirt to cover it. We are all already looking forward to coming back and seeing how much it has grown.

Pastor Ralph recounted how Jesus spent the night in the garden praying on the final night of Passover and provided some context on the Last Supper that He and the disciples shared. He told us about the 4 cups of wine that are traditionally served and how they represent the promise God mad to His people in Exodus. The 3rd cup is often called the cup of redemption. This cup is the one Jesus offered to His disciples, calling it his blood that would be spilled for them. Our group took communion together; then took time after to walk or pray on our own.

Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church

Afterward, we visited the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus healed a man who could not walk, and St. Anne’s Church. St. Anne’s cathedral is a Crusader church with resounding acoustics thanks to the different ceiling capitals that bounce sound back and forth. Our group sang "Amazing Grace" before leaving; the experience was both humbling and powerful.

Via Dolorosa

After leaving the church, we walked the Via Dolorosa path, which according to Catholic belief, marks the 14 waypoints of Jesus on His way to the crucifixion.

Ramparts and Southern Steps

We finished our tour of Israel by walking the walls of Jerusalem ending on the Southern Steps. Here Peter preaches the first sermon and over 3,000 people were baptized and came to faith. From here, the message of Christianity spread across the world. Pastor Ralph and Melinda anointed us with oil and blessed us. Then, Steve & Regina took sand and dusted our feet as a reminder to follow the footsteps of Jesus so closely that you are covered in His dust. This is a saying from when students studying under a Rabbi would want to be near him all the time, to understand and copy everything he did and said.

Farewell Dinner

Tonight, we had a lovely dinner in the city, surrounded by the sights and noise and color of new friends and old history. It is so bittersweet to think of leaving, but we have seen and accomplished some amazing things during our 10 wonderful days here. We visited over 40 sites and walked over 132,300 steps (over 54 miles!). We also climbed 334 flights of stairs. Those elevation changes were no joke! We were hot, cold, wet, and every weather in between. We rode camels and sailed on seas, walked mountaintops and swam in the lowest place on Earth. We sat in pagan palaces and stood in the hometown of the King of Kings. These days are some we will remember forever. We can’t wait to tell you all about them in person but as hard as we try, we will never be able to tell you everything. You’ll just have to come on the next trip, (October 2026!) and find out for yourself! See you soon!

Love,

Crossroads Israel Group 2025