Wow. And 13,000 steps later, we complete the day!
We started our day at the City of David – at least my bus did. It was fascinating to see the discoveries archeologists have made, including the stone toilet! From there we headed to the Mount of Olives. The area we got off was prime for pictures of the old city – I hope you took many! It was quite the journey to slowly walk down the mountain, passing the thousands of Jewish tombs. We took a quick stop at the church that reminds us of the time when Jesus wept over Jerusalem. We continued down the steep path all the way to Gethsemane.
Personally, the story of Jesus praying in Gethsemane is a favourite of mine. Listen to his prayer:
“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
What an incredible prayer. For the past few years now I’ve really tried to incorporate this prayer into my life. There’ll be some issue or trial before me, and I’ll ask for it to be removed. However, I’ll finish the prayer with, “Yet, not my will but your will be done.” To many, that’s a crazy perspective. However, if you believe in Romans 8:28 (“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”), then you can definitely pray the “Gethsemane” prayer.
Coming back to our day, we then strolled through the Old city, went to the Western Wall, took a tour through the underground portion (incredible?!), touched one of Herod’s massive stones (which no one really knows how they got them up there), and then slowly walked to the Garden Tomb. There, Dr. John led us in communion.
And then everyone thought we were heading to the bus to go home, but then we just ended up walking to the hotel! It was only 3-4 blocks away.
Yeah, 13,000 steps later, we completed our packed day. I really hope you enjoyed it!
Isaac
Your “biblically aware” passages are: for the Southern Steps, read Luke 2:41-52, 21:37-38; and for the Upper Room, read Mark 15:12-25, Acts 1:12-26.
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