Day 10 – Tuesday, August 15: Garden Tomb, Old City, Rampart Walk, Free Time, Israel Museum
It was a later departure today (at 8:15) on this last day in Jerusalem. Once again, our breakfast was complete with many options! We’ve eaten well on this trip for sure. As we left the hotel, we read Psalm 137.
Garden Tomb
Our first stop of the day was the Garden Tomb. This is an alternative location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. We saw the rocky scarp (Golgotha) and the proposed tomb. A special time of worship and Communion followed. We worship the Person, not the place.
Old City
We got back on the bus and drove a short distance to the NE corner of the Old City. Entering the Stephen’s Gate (also called Lion’s Gate), we visited the St. Anne’s Crusader Church and the Pools of Bethesda (John 5). The 7 second echo in the church was incredible. On the same grounds is located the ruins of the pool where Jesus healed the lame man. The original steps of the pool can be seen below the much later ruins.
We then walked to the Holy Sepulcher Church, the probable location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. The church was built in 325 AD, but rebuilt over the centuries since then. Entering the church we saw the Edicule that encloses the proposed tomb of Jesus.
We then enjoyed some free time for lunch and shopping. Some in the group then walked the Rampart Walls from the Jaffa Gate to the Zion’s Gate. It was a unique experience. David picked us up here.
“We enjoyed our last day of our trip. It was another great day, starting with the Garden Tomb and ending at the Israel Museum. The entire trip was incredible, with a great group of people God brought together. The trip was life-changing!”
Israel Museum
Located in the west section of Jerusalem is the Israel Museum. This was the last stop of the day. We saw three things here: A 1:50-scaled model of 2nd Temple Period Jerusalem, the Shrine of the Book (where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display), and the archaeological wing of the museum itself. In the museum we saw highlights of artifacts, such as the Dan Inscription, the incense shovels from Tel Dan, the silver amulet from a Hinnom tombs, the Arad Holy of Holies, the Pilate Inscription, Herod’s bathhouse and sarcophagus, and many more. We ended with seeing a 1,900 year old “pie plate.” 🙂
We came back to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Then 13 of us were taken to the airport for our 11:30 p.m. flight back the States. Others in the group are extending their stay and/or will fly home on their own. It was a great trip!
Day 11 – Wednesday, August 16: Arrive Home
