Day 9 – Wednesday, September 11: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Garden Tomb, Herodium, Bethlehem (Theme of the Day: Re-discovering God’s redemptive plan)
Today was our first full day in Jerusalem. The weather was a bit cooler (because of Jerusalem’s higher elevation), which was a welcome bonus (highs were in the mid 80s), with full sun. We started the day on the Mt. of Olives. We read from Psalm 122 and 125 as we left the hotel at 7:35.
Mt. of Olives
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. Further down the slope at the chapel called Domius Flavet, we remembered the events of Jesus’ and and ministry: Luke 19 (Palm Sunday), Acts 1 (Christ’s ascension), and Zechariah 14 (about the return of Christ). From the top we walked down the steep slope where we enjoyed a quiet time. We considered the passion of Jesus as we read from Luke 22. The Garden of Gethsemane was somewhere here on the western slope.
Garden Tomb
From the base of the Mt. of Olives we boarded our bus and drove a short distance to the Garden Tomb. Located north of the Damascus Gate, the Garden Tomb was discovered in the last 1800s and served an alternative “Protestant” location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus (vs. the Holy Sepulcher Church) . 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.
Bethlehem
From here, we drove south about 5 miles into Bethlehem. We first enjoyed a stop at an olive wood factory and story (Nissan Brothers). These olive wood products were impressive and so well crafted. We also had lunch here (special thanks to imagine Tours & Travel).
Herodium
The next stop of the day was 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.
“Jerusalem is such a beautiful city. We started the day with driving to the top of the Mt. of Olives for a panoramic view of the Old City and Temple Mount. It was special to not only see it, but to connect the historical and biblical events too!”
Ramat Rachel & Southern Promenade
On the way back to our hotel, we made two extra quick stops for the view. The first stop was at Ramat Rachel (named after the poet). The view of Bethlehem and Herodium as very good. We recalled the story of Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus (also Micah 4 & 5). It was “just at the right time God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). The second “extra” stop was at the southern end of the Promenade. The view looking north to the Old City, Temple Mount, Kidron Valley, and the Mt. of Olives was especially good!
We then drove back another five minutes to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and another optional walk (this time to the beginning of the Promenade).
Day 10 – Thursday, September 12: Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Rampart Walk in the Old City, Pools of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher Church, Rampart Walk (Theme: God is our rampart and strength)
