Day 5 - Wednesday: From Nazareth to Bethlehem to the Empty Tomb

Today marked the end of our stay in the Galilee and the beginning of our journey to Jerusalem. Our first stop was Mount Precipice in Nazareth. In response to Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue, the people of his hometown tried to throw him off this mountain. (Luke 4:16-30)

Elise, Chris, Lee, and Cole with Nazareth behind them

Terry and Emma on the rocks of Mount Precipice

We followed Jesus’ journey from Nazareth to the area of the Jordan River in Judea where he was baptized by John. Although we had taken the opportunity to baptize in the area around Galilee, we were excited to see the portion of the Jordan River where Jesus Himself was baptized. This is also where the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land under Joshua. Driving through the wilderness in Judea, we read Mark 1:1-13 contemplating John the Baptist’s ministry as well as Jesus’ journey.

Shande touches the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized.

Logan standing on the Israeli side of the Jordan River with the country Jordan on the other side.

Although some just came to see or touch the river, others were being baptized here.

We got our first glimpse of Jerusalem on the bus as we drove toward Bethlehem. The first glimpse of the Old City tucked behind the wall brought happy exclamations throughout the bus. Once in Bethlehem, we visited an olive wood factory. After learning about how the artists create the beautiful pieces, we had an opportunity to purchase their artwork. Then we enjoyed a tasty lunch before heading to our next site.

John wanted to get a closer look at the tool they used to duplicate the pieces.

One of the owners demonstrated the grottos made from the roots of the olive trees.

The Church of the Nativity was next on our schedule. This beautiful church was built over the birthplace of Jesus. We went into the grotto to tough the place where Jesus was born and see the manger where he slept.

Lee and Elise touch the star that marks the birthplace of Jesus.

Next, we went to the Shepherds’ Field. A church here commemorates the angel’s appearance to the shepherds bringing the good news that the savior has been born. The grotto below the church gave us a feel for the kind of cave where Mary and Joseph sought refuge as she delivered the Christ. We read Luke 2:1-20 as we looked out on the slopes imagining the shepherds in front of us.

This cave has been turned into a church.
There is another church above it created to look like a cave.

On our way back to Jerusalem, we drove by the US Embassy in Jerusalem. 

We jumped from the birth of Christ to his resurrection as we visited The Garden Tomb. Our guide showed us the rocky mountain that looks like a skull which is a possible location of Golgotha. Nearby, sits an empty tomb with an open door proclaiming that Christ is risen. We celebrated the resurrection with a beautiful communion service led by Philippe. He tied together Jesus’ baptism with his crucifixion in a way that shed new light on these well-known passages. We ended our time together singing How Great Thou Art.

Over time, the mountain has worn away so that only one large cavity remains from the two skull eyes of Golgotha.

Debbie inside the empty tomb.

These stones are where bodies were lain.

Communion

Philippe teaching

We arrived at our hotel in Jerusalem for a late dinner and meeting. While a few ventured out into Jerusalem, most of us headed to bed after our long but wonderful day.