DAY 13 – SATURDAY, JANUARY 28: ISRAEL MUSEUM, OLD CITY, HOLY SEPULCHER CHURCH, A FEW FREE HOURS, GARDEN TOMB, FAREWELL DINNER, NIGHT FLIGHT HOME (for most in the group)
Today was our last full day here in Israel. We saw our first real clouds in the sky this morning, but the sun broke through midday. It was a slower-paced day but a good day of museum life, free time, and worship and communion to end the day! We read Psalm 137 as we left the hotel at 8 a.m.
Kinesset/Israel Museum
Your first stop was the Kinesset, Israel’s parliamentary building. We stopped by a large Menorah built in the 1950s outside the Kinesset. Here, Shlomo shared about the Israeli government and political situation. Across the street is the Israel Museum. First, we saw 1:50 scale model of 2nd Temple Jerusalem. Next, we went through the Shrine of the Book where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed. Finally, we saw some of the “highlight artifacts” in the archaeological museum that relate to the Bible.
Old City / Holy Sepulcher Church
Driving back to the Old City, we entered the Lion’s Gate (also Called St. Stephen’s and Jericho Gate). We visited St. Anne’s Church, a Crusader Church with a 6-7 second echo. We enjoyed singing here! Next to the church is the Pool of Bethesda. We read John 5 of the miracle that took place here. After walking out of the Old City to the base of the closed Eastern Gate (Ezekiel 44), we entered back into the Old City and walked to the Holy Sepulcher Church. Built in 325 AD, this is the traditional location for the death and burial place of Jesus. The archaeological and historical records favor this site.
“Our last day was today… sort of bitter-sweet. These last almost two weeks of traveling has been amazing. We learned so much, and went to many, many sites that connected us to the Bible. Thanks to Dr. John for sharing his experience and insights for us! It will be hard to leave this land, but know that the adventure of reading the Bible in new ways is just beginning!”
Free Time
Following lunch in the Christian Quarter, most of us went inside the Holy Sepulcher church to where we saw the Edicule that encloses over the suggested tomb of Christ. Others enjoyed shopping, a walk on the rampart (Turkish walls), and exploring the streets and alleyways of the Old City.
Garden Tomb
At 3 p.m. we gathered for our walk to the Garden Tomb. This is an alternative location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. The site is wonderfully operated by evangelicals. After we saw the suggested tomb, we enjoyed a time of worship and Communion.
Farewell Dinner & Flight
We returned to our hotel to freshen up for our Farewell dinner inside the Old City in the Armenian Quarter. It was a great last supper. Forty nine of us then drove to the Tel Aviv Airport for our flight home, while most others fly home early tomorrow morning. A few in the group are extending their trip on their own.
NOTE: It is now 10 p.m. Israel time, and most of us are waiting our flight home. The final update will be posted tomorrow upon returning to the States!
DAY 14 – SUNDAY, JANUARY 29: BEN GURION AIRPORT, ARRIVAL BACK IN THE U.S.
