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Israel Study Tour with Grace Bible Church Ann Arbor
February 7-17, 2020
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It’s over, already?
(At the time of this posting, the GBC Israel 2020 team has arrived home safely. Tired and weary from travel, but energized and excited by this mountaintop experience!)
“Next year in Jerusalem,” said our seemingly all-knowing tour guide, Ronen, as we parted ways for the final time. This phrase is traditionally stated at the end of the Jewish seder.
Ronen and Mair, our bus driver for the week, shepherded the GBC team through very congested streets with the precision of a Swiss watch. In a very short period of time we have grown to love these two men because of their watchful presence over us, unparalleled command of their crafts and a deep knowledge of this special land.
The old city of Jerusalem was the last stop on the eight day jam-packed itinerary. It is fair to say that our minds were blown by the history of this destination and the pride that exists among the Jewish people as they continue to excavate daily to uncover new evidence of their stake to this promised land.
We walked onto the Temple Mount where once stood the first and second temples. This is considered the holiest place for the Jewish people, but today, a Muslim mosque resides at this site. We were completely safe at all times, but realize tensions are real for those who live in this city.
We were able to go underground (literally) to see archeologic digs along the outside of Western Wall of the city. It is unimaginable to understand how the massive Herodian stones were carved and put into place to build this extraordinary fortress. With every dig that takes place here, another piece of the story from the time of Christ (and well before) provides evidence of the history found throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Rabbinic Tunnels
The tour of the western wall tunnels is one of the most popular tourist sites in Jerusalem. These underground tunnels connect the western wall prayer area to the north-west side of the temple mount, passing along the side of the temple mount and under the present day houses in the Old City. Along its path are remains from the second temple period, as well as structures from later periods.
As the GBC men and women were separated, we approached the yet visible portion of the Western Wall, also known in the past as the “Wailing Wall.” Jewish people (and tourist) come here to pray. Many leave prayers on paper that are inserted into cracks along the wall and then, 2-3 times per year these prayers are collected and buried in the Mount of Olives.
Western Wall
The Western Wall is the most holy place accessible to the Jewish people because of Muslim control of the Temple Mount. Known in recent centuries as the “Wailing Wall,” this was built by Herod the Great as the retaining wall of the Temple Mount complex. The plaza was created as an area for prayer when Israel captured the Old City in 1967. At times tens of thousands of people gather here for prayer.
As we sat along the the steps on the Southern Wall of this imposing structure, Ty reminded us that on the day of Pentecost (Act 2), God’s spirit became omnipresent and we no longer need to come to a specific place to pray. This reminder was made even more apparent as we heard the Muslim call to prayer ring out throughout this city five times per day commanding them to turn toward Mecca to pray.
Southern Steps
An enormous flight of steps leads to the Southern Wall from the south. They were excavated after 1967 by archaeologist Benjamin Mazar and are the northernmost extension of the Jerusalem pilgrim road leading from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount via the Double Gate and the Triple Gate, collectively called the Huldah Gates. These are the steps that Jesus of Nazareth[2][3] and other Jews of his era walked up to approach the Temple, especially on the great pilgrimage festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot. [2] The stairs that lead to the double gate are intact and "well-preserved."[4] The steps that lead to the triple gate were mostly destroyed.[4] / The risers are low, a mere 7 to 10 inches high, and each step is 12 to 35 inches deep, forcing the ascending pilgrims to walk with a stately, deliberate tread.[2] The pilgrims entered the temple precincts through the double and triple gates still visible in the Southern Wall.[5][2] Together, the double and triple gates are known as the Hulda Gates, after the prophetess Huldah.[2]
One of the most amazing experiences of this trip for many of us was found at St Anne’s Church. In this grand, acoustic-perfect structure we “performed” (no practice required) “I Love You, Lord” and “Amazing Grace.” Outside of heaven, I’m not sure the 43 of us will hear a sweeter sound in our lives.
We ended our tour walking through the crowded and narrow Via Dorarosa, the Way of Suffering. We could visualize the pain of our Savior as he carried his cross through the narrow streets to be crucified. At this point we entered the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that stands on what is believed to be Golgotha. Ronen reminded us that Christ isn’t found there and isn’t in the tomb. Praise God, the tomb is empty!
The Jewish people are hopeful as they wait for their Messiah to yet come. As Christians, we have the blessed assurance that Jesus was and is the Messiah! He lived then ... and lives now!
We have begun our more than 6,500 mile journey home. We are excited to share pictures, teachings, stories and new perspectives with you. We are forever changed!
While we GBC may not be “next year in Jerusalem” as Ronen suggested, there are rumors that 2022 may present another opportunity for you to go. The 2020 team of 43 people will be the greatest encouragers for you!
Shalom, Shalom!
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