We are so grateful to our incredible leaders, Bill and Lyn!
Instead of our customary loading of the bus this morning, we simply walked as a group into the Old City and made our way to the Temple Mount. The security check-point lines to wait were not long since we were up and at 'em early. We climbed the steps and had our breaths stop short as we saw the majestic Dome of the Rock, the Islamic holy place built on the site of the old Jewish temple. Khalil described significant features since we are not allowed inside.
The breath-taking Dome of the Rock.
Khalil giving us details about Muslim history and traditions.
Next we walked to the Wohl Museum and the Burnt House, archeological finds underneath a modern Jerusalem hotel, where we could view clear designs of the wealthier houses of the time of Jesus, some of which may have been the homes of high priests. It helped us visualize where Jesus was brought for questioning and the kind of courtyard in which Peter warmed his hands and denied Christ.
In the Wohl Museum learning about Jewish architecture.
The Western Wall was next—what an experience for us! Since it was Thursday, it was a time when many bar mitzvah celebrations were going on, with music, dancing and singing. We got the chance to face and touch the famous wall and say prayers amid the singing and chanting.
Tony Dew at the Western Wall.
Thursday means many bar mitzvahs at the Western Wall.
The Davidson Center—named after Bill Davidson, the former Pistons owner—added to our knowledge of the architecture of the temple. We had a blessed time sitting on the Southern Stairs of the temple, reading about Pentecost and imagining the scene there. Pastor Bill challenged us to let the Spirit flow through us and to understand how Jesus brought the Spirit out of the physical temple and into many new temples—each heart of a believer.
Pastor Bill teaching on the Southern Stairs of the temple.
Mary Ter Haar reading scripture for a Pentecost lesson.
Next it was on to the City of David excavations where we could observe David's high perch in the southern heights of the city. Near there is the entrance to Hezekiah's Tunnel, the actual mile-long water system that the Old Testament king built for the city. We had the unique experience of walking through that deep tunnel in knee- or ankle-deep water, singing as we traveled with our flashlights. Be sure to ask one of the pilgrims about that amazing adventure! The tunnel comes out at the foot of the Pool of Siloam, where Pastor Bill reminded us of how we have been sent (Siloam means "sent") to see and to serve.
Ron and Fran Redder prepare for Hezekiah's Tunnel.
Maneuvering inside the mile long water system.
Barb and Jae say, "We made it!"
At the Pool of Siloam.
Our final journey on this busy and eventful day was to St. Peter's Church at Gillicantu, said by some to be the site of Caiaphas the High Priest's home, and there has been a prison system found underneath. Whether or not it is the actual site, the prison there is like the one Jesus in which would have been placed during the time of his trial. Singing "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" together in that deep, dark place brought tears to many eyes. We are seeing with our own eyes what our Savior endured.
Getting adjusted to a prison cell.
We will continue that journey tomorrow on our last day here, beginning with the Mt. of Olives, along the Via Dolorosa, the crucifixion sites and the Garden Tomb. If you are following this blog, you will have to wait for a description of this pilgrimage crescendo because we leave the Old City and immediately get on our flight for home. We cannot believe our pilgrimage is nearing the end—and we are most grateful to God and to our leaders, Bill and Lyn, for guiding us each day. ~ Mike
Our hosts at Notre Dame surprised us with cake for dessert at dinner.
No comments:
Post a Comment