Final Reflections from 2016 Pilgrims

After being back home for two weeks, including celebrating Passion Week at home immediately following our pilgrimage, the following are some of our pilgrim’s reflections:

I felt like we were Jesus’ disciples as we traveled through Galilee and went to Jerusalem. I never knew that old rocks could tell me such meaningful stories.

I went with the intention of seeing where Jesus walked, where He died and rose again. I experienced Him personally in a manner that I had not expected. I came home appreciating the full sacrifice that He provided to give me new life. Now I have something very real to share with others.

I came away with greater appreciation for how God used those who didn’t believe in Him to prepare the way for Christianity to be spread, and the same appreciation for how He continues to do that today.

Before this pilgrimage when I would read Scripture or a Bible story, it was like I was an outsider looking in on a story. Now I picture myself standing next to Jesus as He addressed the crowds or confronted the Pharisees. He and His sacrifice are now more real than I ever experienced before.

The frequent presence of armed guards and understanding of current conflicts in the land reminded me that the conflicts in man’s hearts has not changed that much from Jesus time, and that His message then is just as meaningful today.

I knew Christ was my Savior before. Now I understand what it took for Him to live in the land, minister to His disciples, and die for me.

I marveled at how one man, Jesus as God’s Son, could stand in the middle of that day’s cultural and religious conflicts to give people of that day (and today) the solution that no one wanted to accept.

I never realized that from the beginning of His ministry, Jesus tried to tell the Jews that God was a God for everyone, and that we need to look at what God is doing in someone’s life instead of appearances, or ethnic background.

I came into this pilgrimage following a time of personal trials. I was blessed by the care and fellowship of my fellow pilgrims, and reassured that Jesus’ promises back then provide me answers that open new doors for me today.

I now can go beyond sharing what I’ve understood about Jesus, to sharing how He lived. My faith is more personal and stronger. I am more confident in sharing the good news that Christ is risen and working in our lives.

Thursday, March 17: Jerusalem

We awoke to the weather having changed its mind. It would provide us with intermittent showers for most of the morning. We also awoke to learn that one of our members had relapsed and would be staying back for the day. The schedule for the day was full of sites and lessons around Jerusalem.

The Temple Mount…the site of the original and rebuilt temples. Currently under Palestinian control, it is considered their third most important place – Mecca, Medina, then the Temple Mount. There is growing tension because a rapidly growing segment of the Jews in Israel want to rebuild the temple on this site, because they believe it is necessary for the messiah to come. Evidence of this tension was graphically demonstrated when a number of Jews walked past a gathering of Arabs who loudly voiced their prayers to Allah in protest of the Jews’ presence. When we see the level of disagreement within Israel being compounded by the conflicts between Israel and the Palestinians, one almost wonders if a peaceful solution can be achieved.

The Temple Mount

Dome of the Rock…the shrine that covers the rock that is thought to be the place from which God began His Creating and also the rock upon which Abraham was being ordered to sacrifice Isaac. The golden dome is visible from a long distance and glimmers when the sun shines.

Dome of the Rock shrine

Western (wailing) wall…this site is of greatest significance for the Jews where they can write notes about needed forgiveness and place them in the wall. Access to the wall is separated by male and female areas. One of our members was engaged by a Rabbi who made a point of saying that they will build the temple soon on the Temple Mount in the face of those who resist.

Western (Wailing) Wall

City of David…the projected site of David’s palace and tower. Underneath the current structure is an active archaeological dig that is revealing more of the palace.

Excavation under David's city

Hezekiah’s tunnel…the challenging experience of the day. This underground tunnel was the city’s source for fresh water. It is 1700 feet long, drops about 200 feet over its length, and is the width of one person…often a short person for height. They took about two years to carve this tunnel out of stone, started from each end and only ended up 3 feet off when they met in the middle. Oh, that some of our current building projects could claim that accuracy. To enter the tunnel, we had to walk through thigh deep water. From then on the running water was just above the ankles. Everyone walked the forty minute distance using flashlights and singing songs to offset any unwanted feelings.

Walking through Hezekiah's Tunnel

Church of St. Peter…a Catholic Church dedicated to Peter’s three denials of Christ and his later restoration. Underneath the church is an excavation that enabled us to experience what the early dungeons were like.

Mount of Olives…the site that started bringing the reality of Passion Week to us. Looking at Jerusalem from the Mount brought home the second time that Jesus wept – for those who would turn against him in the coming week. We began walking down the Mount to Jerusalem. On the way, our rabbi noticed a site that was not often open – the tomb of the prophets. We experienced a large tomb hewn from the rock dating back to 500 BC, projected to have received three minor prophets – Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi – as well as 47 of their followers.  Our guide had previously met the caretaker, who is the family’s third generation in this role. We closed the day with a time of reflection in what the Garden of Gethsemane might have looked like. Experiencing the place where Jesus asked God to relieve Him of the cup he had to drink graphically brought home what a sacrifice He made for us.

The city for which Jesus wept

We had heard earlier in the afternoon that our group member Jim, who remained behind, was not doing well. Upon return to our hotel, our guide arranged that he would be transported to the hospital for evaluation. A short time ago we were informed that he was diagnosed with pneumonia and will at least be spending the night there. We will receive an update in the morning relative to his being able to fly home with us late tomorrow night. We ask everyone to keep Jim, Cheryl, and their family in your prayers for his very rapid recovery.

This will be the final posting for our pilgrimage, at least from within Israel. Our rabbi has given us the final challenge as we look to return home to begin identifying how God now wants to use how He has blessed us. A special opportunity exists for us to immediately begin experiencing Passion Week upon our return at home. We have invited everyone in our group to submit their learnings from this pilgrimage the week after Easter. So, look for a final posting in a few weeks where we can pass on the Light that we have been blessed with.

Note from the Calvin alumni office:  Thank you to Ken Steensma '68 for providing these daily blog posts! It's been a privilege to walk this pilgrimage with you from afar. We are grateful.

Also, for blog readers...Calvin will be partnering with Pastor Vanden Bosch on another Israel trip next March. If you know of people who would be interested in receiving more information about that trip, they can email alumni@calvin.edu and we will send them more information in May or June.

Wednesday, March 16: Holocaust Museum, Israel Museum, free time in the Old City

God seemed to have the weather worked out for us. The only time it will rain during this pilgrimage is the morning that we are in museums. The rain was scheduled to end by noon and achieved this goal early. We had a light schedule today, but it began with an intense start.

View of Israel's Knesset, their Congress

Holocaust Museum…a clear and graphic viewing of how the Germans targeted, isolated, and exterminated as many Jews as possible during WWII. These events serve as a testament to what man is capable of when he sets himself up as god. It was interesting to note that during the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was considerable documentation of Christianity labeling the Jews as having rejected God, as well as growing jealousy of the economic prowess of Jews throughout the many countries that they had been dispersed to. It raised the question of Christianity’s contribution to helping create the climate within which this could develop. In our follow-up discussion, the question was posed whether the Holocaust experience was a strong motivator today for the State of Israel relative to its current approach to the Palestinians and their land on the West Bank.

Israel Museum…the national location that cares for the antiquities discovered from the archeological excavations. The first stage was to tour the Shrine of the Book which provides greater detail on Qumran and its scrolls. We saw the public recognition of Khalil Eskander, better known as “Kando,” who cared for the scrolls until they could be donated to the museum. Again we were impressed with the quiet ways that God uses over time to ensure that His Word lives for future generations.

The second stage was to view the Nano Bible. In 2015, Technion utilized nanotechnology to place 1,200,000 letters on a dot the size of a fingertip. The comment was made that this would be a fantastic strategy to smuggle Bibles into countries that were not friendly to God’s Word.

Our third stage was to walk around a large model of the city of Jerusalem that is based on post-Jesus time. Again, we benefitted from the co-leadership of our rabbi and our guide historian to integrate biblical events in their historical context. Being able to see the whole picture enabled us better understand relationships among events that began on Palm Sunday, led to Jesus’ crucifixion, and were completed with the resurrection. We are now ready for this being our focus for the final two days of our pilgrimage.

View of the model of the City of Jerusalem

View of what the pool of Siloam might look like

Shopping in the Old City…with the New Gate being across from our hotel, we were given the afternoon to experience the eating and shopping in Jerusalem. Our first stop was Jacob’s Pizza (4.5 TripAdvisor award winner) to take a break from our lunches of falafel or shawarma when on the road. Some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream topped it off. We then all branched out to visit the shops and negotiate respectfully with the business owners on items that we wanted to come home with. One stop that we were invited to experience was Melia Art & Training Center, an organization of women from all over the West Bank working to build personal income through preserving the Palestinian culture of cross-stitch embroidery.

Entering the gate of the old city of Jerusalem

Tonight’s meeting focuses discussion on our visit to the Holocaust Museum with its implications for us as we commit to increasing our readiness to shine Jesus’ light to others. Members who have not been well seem to be making progress. We thank everyone for covering us with their prayers.

Tuesday, March 15: Lido resort, Masada, En Gedi, Qumran, Dead Sea

The day began with the anticipation of beginning in the heights of Masada, then finishing at the lowest point below sea level – the Dead Sea.

Lido resort…located at the edge of where the Dead Sea was in 1967, and now more than 60 feet above the sea’s level. Back then it was a bustling resort, but it was bombed out in the 1967 war and never restored. The site provided a graphic picture of how much, and how fast, the sea level is diminishing due to multiple factors. There we also learned how Herod the Great amassed great wealth through controlling commerce and developing products that no one else could replicate.

Masada…an extremely high fortress, possibly used by David when he was hiding from Saul, it served as Herod the Great’s place to keep his family safe when he was traveling or at war. Later, it became the location that 1,000 Zealot Jews made their last stand against Rome. Rather than be captured, they committed suicide. Incredible engineering was performed to keep the fortress in fresh water and food. It is estimated that there were enough supplies to feed 10,000 men for ten years. When Old Testament writers talked about God being our fortress and strength, their reference was often Masada.

Taking the cable car up to Masada

Looking down at the water lines feeding Masada

En Gedi…on the way back to the Dead Sea we visited En Gedi. These springs sustained David when he was hiding from Saul. When David referred to God as his living water, he was referencing the life given to him and his troops by living near these springs. A long and safe climb brought everyone to David’s falls coming out of a large cave. Our rabbi challenged everyone to rededicate to letting God bring His living water to us so that, in turn, we can give to others.

Marveling at David's waterfall at En Gedi

The Qumran cave after years of erosion

Qumran…believed to be an ancient monastic settlement of Essene scholars who were meticulous in copying Scripture. Their community was destroyed by the Romans in 68 AD. The belief is that the scrolls were hidden in the caves to protect them from being destroyed. Prior to their discovery the earliest source for Scripture was about 1000 AD. This discovery not only moved that date to about 100 AD, but also provided consistency between both sources, validating how God protects His Word over time. We closed with the following song:

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our Faith 
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

Holy words long preserved 
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Dead Sea…having driven along the Dead Sea all day, we finally had the opportunity to experience what water is like when it is 33% salt. The bottom was muddy, the water was murky, but when you sat down in it, you could float high enough to read the newspaper. A lot of great humor was shared during this experience, with the bus ride back anticipating tomorrow’s schedule. We happened to meet another tour guide who was on our flight from Frankfurt. It’s interesting to note their tour is experiencing the same health problems as our group.  Maybe the airplane?

Our evening meeting began with a review of everyone’s health status and tomorrow’s schedule. Sadly, it was interrupted when Bill and Lyn learned that two of Oakdale Park’s extended family were killed in last night’s motorcycle accident in Grand Rapids. Members shared additional prayer requests for one member’s aunt who had a stroke yesterday and another member’s two close friends who were have serious cancer surgery tomorrow. We recognized that illness and death have reached into our pilgrimage. As such, we need to claim God’s promise to shepherd us through the wildernesses in life.

Monday, March 14: Bethlehem and vicinity

Today begins a week located Jerusalem looking back to Christ’s birth, forward to His crucifixion, beyond to early Christianity, and finally, to how will we translate the walk in Jesus’ light into lighting our walk in the future. Our day was spent in the vicinity of Bethlehem. Along with our stops during the day, our guide historian helped us understand life as a Palestinian, and especially as a Palestinian Christian, in an Israel-occupied zone.

Rimon Kando & Sons Souvenir Store…a Christian Palestinian family-owned store that serves tourists as its business. Behind the scenes this business reinvests significantly in caring for other Palestinians who are in need. Their website will be ready soon and they are hoping to connect with Christians worldwide for access to their product lines. This family business is a member of an informal Christian Palestinian business network in Bethlehem that shares their vision. We learned of their grandfather being the person who was instrumental in securing the scrolls from Qumran until they could be donated to the Israel Museum.

Shopping at a Christian Palestinian souvenir store

Al Basma Center…a day center serving 36 youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. With no public support available, this Center has been serving in this capacity for over thirty years. During the 1970s, the Center’s Director was the former Press Secretary for Khadafi in Libya. The Director shared his personal story of how, as a Christian, he was respected for telling the truth about issues, even if it was in disagreement. With limited space, the Center has designed a sheltered workshop to provide purposeful work and to create products that help fund the ministry. The Center is in need of ongoing financial support that will complement what they are already doing on their own.

Youth at Al Basma Center

Al Basma Center's Director

Church of the Nativity…thought to be the site of Jesus’ birth, including the cave that served as the stable. Our guide historian shared that in 132 AD Hadrian destroyed all symbols of Christianity and built another temple on the same sites. This enabled Queen Helen from the Netherlands in 326 AD to locate where the Church had been. Ironic that God would use someone who wanted to eliminate Christianity to make sure that it could later be found.

Church of the Nativity reconstruction

The Herodium…was Herod the Great’s fortress and castle just outside of Bethlehem on a mountain that he had created out of a high hill so he could overlook Jerusalem and the temple. We were warned of the high winds at this height and found the warnings to be underestimated. Interesting to note was his building a theater which he used to entertain Agrippa, son-in-law of emperor Augustus. At the foot of the mountain was a swimming pool and parade ground. Herod provides us a historical model of what happens when you build monuments to your greatness, in contrast to letting God use you to help build living models of what can happen when you let him use you to get His work done through you.

Herod's fortress

We closed the day with our regular evening gathering to reflect on where we saw God throughout the day. Our greatest concern is the strength of the ‘bug’ that continues to circulate with multiple members. We covet your prayers for restoring everyone to health as we complete the final phase of our pilgrimage.

Sunday, March 13: Mount of Beatitudes, Eremos, Beth She'an, Jordan River, Jericho, Wilderness

Sunday morning came with our lead rabbi able to return to limited service. His co-rabbis were affirmed for the meaningful service that they provided. They also stepped in to enable his needed rest during the day. Our first stop today was to hear our rabbi lead us in the Sermon on the Mount of Beatitudes. After a few stops we ended up in Jerusalem for the rest of the week.

Mount of Beatitudes…overlooking Mensa Christi and the Sea of Galilee. Our climb to the top provided a grassy field to rest and listen to what Jesus shared many years ago. We were struck with how clear the message was at that time, as well as how it is still true today for anyone who wants to serve God. Like the crowds at that time, we affirmed their conclusion: He speaks as one having authority, not like the scribes.

Sunrise on the Sea of Galilee

Climbing the Mount of Beatitudes

Listening to the Sermon on the Mount

Eremos…a cave setting on the trail leading down from the Mount of Beatitudes where it is thought that Jesus spent considerable time alone praying while overlooking the Sea of Galilee. One of these times He saw the disciples struggling in a boat during a storm. Jesus walking on the water to them enabled Him again to calm their fears and demonstrate His control over nature. A kind of solitude came over everyone as we returned to the bus. We knew that we were leaving the beauty and meaning of Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee. We were now beginning our journey to Jerusalem with the understanding of the reality of Jesus’ crucifixion. Knowing that the week following our return is Holy Week has added extra intensity to experiencing this coming week.

Beth She’an…located at the east end of the Jezreel Valley, this city was one of the Decapolis cities, Alexander the Great’s ten model cities that were designed to attract people to Greek culture.  Representing the ideal set of resources – water, minerals and location – the city was known for its full complement of sports arenas and baths for relaxation. Near the Gilboa mountains, the Philistines hung Saul and Jonathon’s bodies on the city wall as an example. Like other cities, Beth She’an was destroyed by the earthquake of 749 AD.

Jordan River…while on the way to Jericho, we stopped at a special site designed for group access to the Jordan River. Across from us was a similar site, but located in Jordan. Our rabbi challenged us, whether or not we stepped into the river, to rededicate ourselves to being the Light of Jesus to a world in the midst of increasing chaos. 

Rededicating in the Jordan River

Jericho…known for being the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. We observed the remains of a large tower that dates back at least to 8000 BC. We saw the remains of Herod’s opulence and heard stories of his violence. In the face of this wealth and knowing He was on the way to be crucified, Jesus still made time for healing a blind beggar who was willing to leave what he had and follow Him. As Jesus asked this blind man, He also asks us the same question today: “What do you want Me to do for you?” How willing are we to adapt ourselves for how He wants to use us to get His work done around us?

The Wilderness…As Jesus often did with His disciples, our rabbi took us out into the wilderness for our Sunday evening service. Using the model of shepherds guiding their sheep through the wilderness, we were invited to explore how God has, and continues to be, our shepherd who guides us through our wilderness times in life. After a time of singing, we reloaded the bus and completed the trip to Jerusalem.

Saturday, March 12: Korazin, Dan, Caesarea Philippi, Mensa Christi

It may be the weekend, but our rabbis and guide historian kept us on the move both days.  The only adjustment today was the loss of our lead rabbi and one of our members for the day with the same illness. Lyn and our guide served us well as co-rabbis throughout Saturday, while the members of our pilgrimage intensified their support to each other, increasing the community that had already begun. 

Korazin…better known as the Preacher’s city. Ironic that we lost our preacher for this site. In the synagogue our rabbis co-led us through exploring Scripture, followed by dialogue about past and present family structure, and the contrasting political implications for Jews and Palestinians. Viewing the Mikveh gave us an opportunity to envision the right of purification. Like many cities we visit, Korazin was destroyed by the massive earthquake in 749 AD.

The temple at Korazin

Dan…the northernmost city of the twelve tribes. The tribe of Dan was assigned land in the plain next to the Philistines, but appears to have rejected this, preferring the beauty and safety of the city on the hill. Clear rushing springs make this area a beautiful oasis even today. This city served as the capital for the ten tribes. Their king built a temple replica to keep the Israelites from going to the temple in Jerusalem. The tribe’s political alliances opened the door for establishing extensive idol worship which accelerated the people abandoning their God. It was a challenge standing by the temple’s remains and looking across the plain knowing that in a short distance we would be at the border of Lebanon.

The rushing springs of Dan

One of the gates to the city

Members guarding Pan's gates

Caesarea Philippi…located at the foot of Mt. Hermon with its springs providing one of the tributaries that form the Jordan River. This site was more a shrine than a city. Herod Phillip set up this shrine to encourage everyone to worship the gods in nature, especially Pan (heard of ‘panic’ and ‘pandemonium’?). The entrance of the cave was seen as leading to the gates of hell. Jesus stood in front of this cave, then pronounced to His disciples that He represented the power that the gates of hell could not prevail against. Seeing the cave added a lot more understanding to the power of Jesus’ message.

Mensa Christi…a Catholic church located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee where it is believed that Jesus restored Peter after he denied Jesus three times prior to the crucifixion. Just prior to this event, Jesus had told the disciples to put their nets down on the other side of the boat, leading to a miraculous large catch. We learned why it was mentioned that they caught 153 fish without the net breaking – the number of known countries at that time. Again Jesus uses symbolism to tell the Jews that He is a God for all nations. 

Friday, March 11: Gamla, Hippos, Bethsaida, Magdala

What an opportunity…get up early to watch the sun rise over the Sea of Galilee! One member of our group shared that it was like a beam of light from the sun coming straight across the surface of the Sea directed to each person. It was awesome that God could personalize His light so early in the day, then make the rest of the day sunny, cloudless and in the 70s.

Food choices are adventuresome at breakfast (minus bacon and sausage) and dinner buffets. Instead of staying in a motel for these three nights, we are enjoying unique individual seaside cottages and a refreshing lakeside living experience. It’s amazing how our group of 31 friends from many different walks of faith can come together to have fun exploring and learning on this wonderful pilgrimage.

Today’s itinerary led us out to the Golan Heights, with a review of its complex history, and a last stop at the recent discovery of Magdala.

Gamla…a high hill in the Golan Heights that is shaped like a camel. It was founded shortly before Jesus’ birth and destroyed in 67 AD. Gamla’s synagogue is one of the oldest in the Holy Land, well within Jesus’ walking range from Capernaum. Its synagogue depicts the transition from a temple-based faith expression to a more local synagogue-based expression. Gamla was home for the Zealots. They believed that anyone supporting assimilation with Roman or Greek culture should be—and often were—summarily executed, not unlike some groups are experiencing today. There was no room for tolerance and they were a threat to stability with Rome. This eventually led to 5,000 Zealots and their families committing suicide here to avoid Roman capture, far more than the well-known account of Masada. It’s amazing that Jesus selected many of his disciples from this culture. Check out our steep rock decent that led us to the site. Thank you for prayers for safety as a couple of near accidents turned out minor damage.

Climbing down the trail to Gamla

Susita (Hippos)…built on a large hill. From a distance it looks like a horse’s head. Founded in the Hellenistic period, it was one of the ten cities making up the Decapolis. Intensely pagan, it was later destroyed by an earthquake in 746 AD. Just prior to coming to this area, Jesus demonstrated His power over nature when He calmed the Galilean storm. Near Hippos, Jesus demonstrated that His power overruled a man possessed by demons. The demons asked to go into pigs to avoid being assigned to the abyss, so Jesus assigned them to the herd of pigs. The pigs ran into the water, drowned, and returned to the abyss anyway. The flip-side of the story is the restoration of the man who was demon-possessed. Jesus told him to return to his family and tell them how he had been restored. Now turn the clock ahead, and we discover Hippos being one of the few synagogues of its time with the Bishop of Hippos becoming one of the signers of the Nicene Creed. We need to not underestimate what God wants to accomplish through the transformation of one person. Just as with Gamla, we endured a long climb and return.

Resting on the pillars of the early church in Hippos

Bethsaida…near the Sea of Galilee and home to Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Phillip. Near here Jesus fed the 5,000.  He also healed the man born blind from birth outside the city to not create an image of being a political Messiah. In reviewing His miracles around the Sea of Galilee, we better understood Jesus’ revolutionary message – God wanted everyone from all peoples to serve Him. This is quite a contrast from the combating cultures of Jesus’ time…and likely our own.

Entering the gates of Bethsaida

Magdala…it’s interesting that it took someone buying land in 2008 with the intent of creating a resort to uncover the town of Magdala. Read the January 2016 issue of Smithsonian for greater detail. This was home for Mary Magdalene, the last person standing at the cross and the first one who met Jesus after His resurrection. Jesus was one of two rabbis known to allow women to be among His disciples. They also supported His ministry from their resources. Interesting to learn that references to her having been a prostitute come out of tradition. 

Beginning of Magdala's synagogue excavation

Our second day of learning about Jesus’ ministry in this region leads one to reflect on how timely our study is of the cultural collisions occurring in Jesus’ world, the power of His solution, and His rejection. We recognized many parallels to today’s national and global concerns, as well as that the same powerful solution that He offers us today.

Thursday, March 10: Galilee

Who do you want to sit on your throne? That was the question posed to us this morning. We have launched three days of exploring Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee, where He invested most of His time in ministry.

Sepphoris…the key city in Galilee sitting on top of a hill overlooking Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultures conflicted here with control of the city being contested over the centuries; the city was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The city hosts a theatre where the actors were called hypocrites for wearing masks and presenting two faces, likely the reference Jesus used for those who lived out this lifestyle. It’s interesting that Jesus would use a Greek source to warn those within the Jewish community.

Learning about the hypocrites at Herod's theater

It was also interesting to consider the possibility that Joseph could have been one of the stone masons for this theater and possibly mentored Jesus here in the trade. We were reminded how God’s Son was rejected, but became the cornerstone for restoring us in a relationship with God. He promises to be our stone mason to shape our current capability for the precise placement in the future work the He wants done. Sometimes His chiseling process is painful, but it can produce a beautiful outcome.

Sea of Galilee…what a beautiful day for a boat ride on the sea from which Jesus used to communicate. We can see across the lake on the north side, yet the disciples were afraid of crossing the lake and being swallowed into the abyss. Our focus was on the disciples’ experience with Jesus’ power when He calmed the storm with just a few words, walked on water, and ordered the fish to go into the net. Jesus provided rich examples of His power being greater than the evil that they feared lurked below the water’s surface. The ride was completed with our hosts trying to teach us how to dance the “hava negila.” Quite a sight.

On the Sea of Galilee before dancing the "hava negila"

Capernaum…a beautiful location on the shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus based most of His time in ministry. Its placement in this city provided a prime location for connecting with all cultures that lived there or passed through the city. Again, we were introduced to how Jesus could use concepts from non-Jewish cultures to communicate to the Jews that God was a God for all cultures and how at times Jews and Christians could live peacefully side by side.

Temple remains at Capernaum

During the next two days we will continue to experience how Jesus used His ministry time in this region to communicate two key aspects of having a personal relationship with God. We need to accept Him sitting on our throne, desiring to be a loving God to all cultures.

– Ken Steensma, for the 2016 Holy Land pilgrims

Wednesday, March 9: Caesarea, Megiddo, Nazareth

The day began with a glorious view of the sun shining over the Mediterranean Sea, followed by a visit to Herod’s aqueduct by Caesarea Maritima. Many of us rushed to put our feet in the Mediterranean, then came back to view an aqueduct that carried spring water eleven miles into the city. We viewed Herod’s amphitheater, the remains of his home, and the hippodrome where racing took place, and we learned the politics and pioneering talent he used to get Rome to let him build a major port. This port opened transportation on the Mediterranean. The Light from this experience came from understanding how God used Herod, his talents, and his need for recognition to prepare the way for Paul to use this transportation to open the outermost parts of the earth to God’s light.

Standing by Herod's Aqueduct in Caesarea

On to Megiddo to learn the history and value of a high place for trying to control the rich valleys and their resources below. Reflections included a historical chronicling of man’s use of power and warfare to try to create peace and prosperity. We were reminded of the history of man’s cruelty when we looked at the remains of the altar where babies were likely sacrificed to Baal. A quick walk through the rock-hewn tunnel to the underground spring reinforced our understanding of the value of water for life in the Holy Land. We were reminded of our own vulnerability to view life in the same manner when we take our eyes off the Light that guides us.

Last stop for the day was in Nazareth. This is the largest Arab populated city in Israel. Our first stop was The Precipice mountain overlooking Nazareth, likely standing where Jesus did. Our Rabbi provided an effective monologue of Joseph recounting the oral history of Old Testament events which occurred within eyesight of this point.

Our rabbi leading us at the Precipice by Nazareth

A quick stop at our guide’s family spice shop helped us appreciate the value of family in this city. A final activity for the day was a visit to the Sisters of Nazareth Convent where, thirty years after purchasing the property in the 1820s, they discovered a vast labyrinth of tunnels, springs, and graves underneath their location dating back to the time of Jesus.

Visiting our guide's family spice shop in Nazareth

Resting at the Sisters of Nazareth Convent

Our guide helped us finish the evening at one of Nazareth’s finest family restaurants – Nazareth Mary’s Well, a highly recommended stop for fine food and a friendly family. After the meal, we were led in discussion by a British author and fifteen year Nazareth resident about citizenship in Israel, its changes and potential future impact.

Drawing the day to a close creates a few learnings – first, understanding what Jesus experienced in His hometown makes Scripture more meaningful; second, the conflict between Jesus’ Light and culture is not much different today than when Jesus walked around Nazareth; and third, we have many years of evidence that God provides us that He is in control of His Creation.