Day 8 – Saturday, May 11: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Herodium, Bethlehem
This was our first day in Jerusalem. This capital city of Israel is full of history and archaeology that connects us to the Bible. The weather was perfect, with partly sunny skies and highs around 80. We read from Psalm 122 and 125 as we left the hotel at 7:30.
Mt. of Olives/Gethsemane
Our first stop of the day was the Mt. of Olives. We drove around the north side of the Old City, passing the Damascus and Herod Gates on the way. Cresting the Mt. of Olives we drove to a spectacular view across the Kidron Valley of the Old City and Temple Mount below. From here we walked down to Dominus Flavet, a small chapel where we enjoyed singing a few songs together. Here we read from Luke 19 (Palm Sunday), Acts 1 (Christ’s ascension), and Zechariah 14 (about the return of Christ). Continuing down the slope towards the Church of All Nations (the traditional Garden of Gethsemane), we walked up to an olive tree park where we considered the passion of Jesus (Luke 22). Somewhere on these slopes Jesus prayed, “Not my will but Yours be done!”
Herodium
From the bottom of the Mt. of Olives we drove south on the Bethlehem-Hebron road until we turned east to Herodium. This was a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. He was also buried in 4 BC. The site was incredible, with many new renovations and displays. Inside the well-preserved official’s chamber where we saw a wonderful presentation. We then walked up through the royal arches to the top where we saw the bathhouse, synagogue, impressive frescoes, and a great view of Jerusalem. We left the site by carefully walking down through the cistern system.
“Today was our first full day in Jerusalem. We started with a wonderful view of the Old City and the Temple Mount from the Mt. of Olives. It was a morning of focusing upon Jesus’ kingship. In the afternoon we sang Christmas carols in the area of Bethlehem.”
Bethlehem/Shepherd’s Fields
From Herodium we drove into Bethlehem. An eastern Christian town, Beit Sahour is where we had a great lunch. Also here we visited the Shepherds’ Fields. We sat in a large cave where we read from Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. It was “just at the right time God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). We also sang a few carols in the Chapel of the Shepherds. We also sang a few carols and songs in the Shepherds’ Chapel.
From here we drove back into Bethlehem and visited an olive wood factory and story (Nissan Brothers). These olive wood products were impressive and so well crafted.
From the store, we drove back to our hotel. On the way, we made a brief stop in Shlomo’s community. It was fun to see where he lives. Back at our hotel in Jerusalem we enjoyed dinner and a free evening.
Day 9 – Sunday, May 12: Yad VaShem, Israel Museum, Shephelah
