See Nazareth, the Church of the Annunciation, Mary's Well, Mary's Home, Synagogue Church, Mount Precipice, St. Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church, and more. Nazareth is where Jesus grew up. Later, Jesus returned to His hometown and was rejected. They were so angry that He claimed to be the Messiah that they attempted to throw Him off a cliff. Nazareth had an estimated population of around 300 during the time of Christ. It’s where the Angel Gabriel announced the miraculous virgin birth to Mary. Nazareth Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Nazareth Location 1. Nazareth is in the northern part of Israel in the Lower Galilee area. 2. It’s about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of the Sea of Galilee, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) southwest of Cana, and about 23 miles (37 km) inland from the Mediterranean Sea. Historical Background 1. Nazareth had an estimated population of around 300 during the time of Christ. 2. It’s a famous town because this is where the Angel Gabriel announced the miraculous virgin birth to Mary. 3. Nazareth is also the place where Jesus grew up. 4. It was a small farming town where everyone knew each other. 5. For some reason, Nazareth had a bad reputation. John 1:43-46: The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? ” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Places of Interest 1. Church of the Annunciation (also known as the Basilica of the Annunciation). This church is built over the site of Mary's home. 2. Mary’s Well 3. Greek Catholic Church 4. Synagogue Church 5. Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation ~ This church is built over the well where it's believed the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus. 6. St. Joseph’s Church 7. Mensa Christi Church 8. Greek Catholic Church 9. The Maronite Cliff (in Nazareth) ~ The cliff where they tried to throw Jesus off to kill him. 10. Mt. Precipice (outside of Nazareth) ~ The cliff where they tried to throw Jesus off to kill him. Nazareth In the Bible 1. Nazareth was the home of Joseph and Mary and the place where the angel Gabriel was sent to announce to the Virgin Mary that she would be the mother of Christ, the Messiah. 2. Two churches have been built here to commemorate the events of the annunciation and the life of Mary. Church of the Annunciation: Commemorates the home of Mary and the Annunciation. Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation: Commemorates the Annunciation. Luke 1:26-38: In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High . And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy--the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. 3. After living in Egypt for some time after Christ’s birth, His parents returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. Matthew 2:19-23: But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." 21 And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. 23 And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth , that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene. Luke 2:51–52: And He went down with them and came to Nazareth , and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. 4. Jesus lived in Nazareth until He started His earthly ministry at the age of 30. From Nazareth, Christ relocated and set up His ministry home base in Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 4:13–17: And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 5. Jesus was rejected by His own townspeople at Nazareth and was unable to perform many miracles there due to their lack of faith in Him. Luke 4:14-27: And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up . And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, 18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." 20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. 21 And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." 22 And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth. And they said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" 23 And he said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Physician, heal yourself.' What we have heard you did at Capernaum, do here in your hometown as well." 24 And he said, "Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, 26 and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." 6. Those who knew Christ best rejected Him and attempted to throw Him off a cliff near their town. Today, this place is called Mount Precipice. Luke 4:28–30: When they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. 29 And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff. 30 But passing through their midst, he went away. Faith Lesson from Nazareth 1. Nazareth had a bad reputation. God often places light in the darkness so that the light can illuminate it. Are we being lights where we live? 2. The people of Nazareth largely rejected Christ. It shouldn’t surprise us if we, too, are rejected because of our faith in Christ and adherence to His Word. 3. Christ was rejected, so He understands when our close friends and family members reject us because of our faith in Him. 4. Do we reject Christ by refusing His offer of salvation, by refusing to be obedient to Him, or by not sharing our faith with those around us?

The church of Dominus Flevit marks the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem as He entered it on Palm Sunday at His famous, Triumphal Entry from the Mount of Olives. See everything you want to know about this historical event. Triumphal Entry Photo Gallery Places of Interest Triumphal Entry Introduction Welcome to the Triumphal Entry Path. You are on the very path Jesus walked on Palm Sunday, just a few days before He was crucified. 1. The Triumphal Entry was prophesied in the Old Testament. 2. The Triumphal Entry was fulfilled in the New Testament. 3. The Triumphal Entry, which occurred the Sunday before the Passover, was also lamb selection day for the Passover. 4. Christ descended this path to Jerusalem riding on a donkey. 5. The crowd took branches of palm trees and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” 6. On this path, at the place marked by the church, Dominus Flevit, Christ paused and wept over Jerusalem. 7. We're in the very footsteps of Jesus as this was the same route He would have taken. Location 1. The Triumphal Entry begins at the upper part of the Mount of Olives and winds its way down to the bottom of the mountain to the Garden of Gethsemane. 2. A church called, Dominus Flevit, is located halfway down the western slope of the Mount of Olives and marks the place where Jesus wept over the future fate of Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. The Triumphal Entry was a major event in the life of Jesus wherein He entered Jerusalem on the Sunday before He would be crucified (Friday the Passover) and rise from the dead the following Sunday. 2. This event was designed by Christ to broadcast to the Nation of Israel that He was their Passover Lamb. 3. It is also referred to as Palm Sunday because palm branches were laid on the road as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. 4. It would mark Christ’s last days of intensive teaching and condemnation of the Jews for rejecting Him and His message. 5. It would be the beginning of Christ’s last week on earth. 6. The Dominus Flevit Church was built in 1953 to commemorate this important event. 7. The current church stands on the ruins of a 6th-century Byzantine church. Some mosaics of the church still remain. 8. Dominus Flevit is Latin and means, “the Lord wept.” Places of Interest 1. Bethphage (beginning point of the Triumphal Entry) 2. Mount of Olives 3. Triumphal Entry path 4. Dominus Flevit Church 5. Garden of Gethsemane 6. Temple Mount 7. The western window of the Dominus Flevit Church provides a beautiful view of the Temple Mount. 8. A mosaic on the altar of the Dominus Flevit Church has an illustration of a hen gathering her chickens, which is based on Luke 13:34: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not have it! 9. Ancient burial caves located by the Dominus Flevit Church. 10. Ossuary boxes ~ Bones of people were placed in these boxes after their bodies had decayed. Triumphal Entry in the Bible 1. The Triumphal Entry was prophesied in the Old Testament. Some 450–500 years earlier, the Prophet Zechariah prophesied: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” ( Zech. 9:9). 2. The Triumphal Entry was fulfilled in the New Testament. Matthew 21:7–9: They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” 3. Palm Sunday was also the fulfillment of the Prophet Daniel's "seventy sevens" prophecy. Daniel 9:25: Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. 4. The Triumphal Entry, which occurred on the Sunday before the Passover, was also lamb selection day for the Passover. According to Exodus 12, this was the day set aside for each Israelite family to choose the lamb they would kill for their Passover meal. The blood from their lamb was to be put on the doorposts of their homes so the angel of death would not kill their firstborn children. The Passover was celebrated each year to mark their deliverance from Egypt and how God had miraculously saved them. The fact that Christ entered Jerusalem on this very day was no accident. He was proclaiming Himself as the Passover Lamb, not only for the Israelites but for all humanity. 5. Christ entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Luke 19:28–35: And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' you shall say this: 'The Lord has need of it.'" 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34 And they said, "The Lord has need of it." 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. The meaning of a donkey. A donkey was a symbol of peace; a horse was a symbol of war. Christ came to make peace with mankind at His first coming by dying for our sins. However, at His second coming He will come riding a horse to wage war with mankind and judge them for their sinful rejection of Him. 6. The crowd took branches of palm trees and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” John 12:12–13: So, they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" It was a cry for deliverance from Roman occupation. The last time the Israelites had their freedom during the Maccabean rule from 167–63 BC, their money had the symbol of a palm branch as a sign of freedom. It was like the national flag of a country. It was the Jew’s way of saying that they wanted Christ to be their King and deliver them from the Romans.The meaning of the palm branches. 7. At the place marked by the church, Dominus Flevit, Christ paused and wept over Jerusalem. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation." There are only two times in the Bible where it is noted that Christ wept. The first time was at the death of Lazarus, and the second during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Both places are located on the Mount of Olives. In this account of Christ weeping, He wept for those who aren’t saved and the judgment that awaits them. Within 40 years, in AD 70, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled. Roman legions besieged Jerusalem and, after six months of fighting, burnt the temple and leveled the city. 8. The first time Christ wept took place at the death of Lazarus just a week or so earlier on the backside of the Mount of Olives. J ohn 11:33–36: When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" In this account, Christ weeps for those who suffer. Faith Lesson from the Triumphal Entry 1. The Triumphal Entry was a prophesied event from the Old Testament and reveals the validity of Scripture and God’s sovereignty. 2. Christ wept over Jerusalem because they rejected Him and the coming judgment they would face as a result. Does Christ weep for you because you don’t know Him and will be separated from Him in hell for all eternity? 3. Christ wept with those at the death of Lazarus. Does Christ weep with you as He understands your pain and suffering?

Hebron is mentioned 72 times in the Bible. It's the beginning place of the nation of Israel. God's promises and covenants with Abraham and his descendants happened in Hebron or nearby. Later, from Hebron, David would reign for 7 1/2 years before becoming king over all Israel in Jerusalem. Sites of interest include Macpelah: Cave of the Patriarchs, where Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah are buried. Oaks of Mamre, David's Palace, Tel Hebron (Tel Rumeida). Hebron: Caves of Machpelah Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hebron: Caves of Machpelah Introduction Welcome to the Caves of Machpelah. Many significant events from the Bible took place in this area. These are the highlights. 1. After God affirmed His covenant with Abraham, he built an altar to the Lord nearby at Mamre. Mamre is located within Hebron, just one mile (1.5 km) north of the Cave of Machpelah. 2. At Hebron, Abraham bought the Cave of Machpelah as a burial place for his wife, Sarah, and his family. Genesis 23:19: After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. 3. Later, Abraham, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah would also be buried in the Cave of Machpelah. 4. Hebron was given to Caleb as an inheritance for his faithfulness to the Lord. 5. Samson carried the gates of Gaza 35 miles (55 km) up to a mountain close to Hebron. 6. David was anointed king in Hebron and reigned here for 7 1/2 years. 7. The Caves of Machpelah mark the beginning place and roots of the nation of Israel. God's promises and covenants with Abraham and his descendants took place in Hebron or its vicinity. These promises would also have wide-reaching implications and include all the nations of the earth. 8. The property of the Caves of Machepelah is the first legal land acquisition in the Promised Land. This fulfilled part of the Abrahamic covenant that God gave Abraham in Genesis chapters 12 and 13. 9. The monument we see today was constructed by Herod the Great around 20 BC. 10. The monument structure we see today is divided into two sections: a Jewish synagogue and a Mosque. We're going to explore and see both sections of the monument. Location 1. The city of Hebron is set in the Judean Mountains, about 20 miles (32 km) south of Jerusalem. 2. Hebron stands 3,000 feet (914 m.) above sea level, making it the highest city in Israel. 3. It is located on a well-traveled route that runs north and south through the mountainous part of Israel. Well-known towns such as Beersheba, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Bethel, Shiloh, and Shechem are located along this route. 4. Abraham and the other patriarchs traveled this route repeatedly. Historical Background 1. The Caves of Machpelah mark the beginning place and roots of the nation of Israel. God's promises and covenants with Abraham and his descendants took place in Hebron or its vicinity. These promises would also have wide-reaching implications and include all the nations of the earth. 2. The property of the Caves of Machepelah is the first legal land acquisition in the Promised Land. This fulfilled part of the Abrahamic covenant that God gave Abraham in Genesis chapters 12 and 13. 3. It began to be venerated during the time the Patriarchs were buried here. Then King David preserved it so it could be remembered and venerated. This is evident in the fact that he built protective walls around Abraham's Altar at the Oaks of Mamre, which can still be seen today. So it's very likely he would have done the same here at this site. We must realize that Abraham and the Patriarchs are monumental in importance to God's master plan. So, this site was set aside and valued to an extent we find hard to understand. 4. So, throughout the Old Testament period, it would be venerated. This can be verified, as pottery and artifacts dating back to King David's time, around 1000 BC, have been found in the caves. 5. Then Herod the Great, around 20 BC, built massive walls around the caves, including a floor about halfway up the walls covering the caves. It had access from this floor down to the caves. Later, during the Muslim Period, the access would be closed off. Herod built the walls around the caves using the same building stone style as the Temple Mount Platform and the structure he built just a short distance to the north, at the Oaks of Mamre, where Abraham had built an altar. 6. After the time of Herod, during the Byzantine Period, around 325 AD, Christians built a Basilica Church on top of the floor inside the walls of the structure Herod built. 7. During the Muslim Period, around 650 AD, the basilica church and site were converted into a Mosque. During the 10th century, an entrance was pierced through the north-eastern wall, some distance above the external ground level, and steps from the north and east were built up to it. 8. In 1100 AD, after the Crusaders captured the area, the enclosure once again became a church. During this period, the Byzantine church and other buildings were remodeled, with new gabled and vaulted roofs and elegant windows. Most of the internal buildings visible today date back to the Crusader period. 9. In 1188 AD, the Muslims once again conquered the area. At this time, they reconverted and remodeled the enclosure into a mosque, allowing Christians to continue worshipping there. The red and white building material seen today is from this period. Saladin also added a minaret at each corner—two of which still survive. Samuel ben Samson visited the cave in 1210 and records that visitors wanting to see the original caves must descend by twenty-four steps in a passageway so narrow that the rock touches him on either hand. 10. In around 1320, during the Muslim Mamluk period, cenotaphs were made for each of the Patriarchs and their wives. Cenotaph means tomb, memorial, or marker. These cenotaphs were evenly spaced out on the floor inside the structure. These markers are not directly over the tombs; instead, they serve as markers. There are two caves side by side where all the Patriarchs and their wives are buried. However, the tomb marker of Abraham is directly over the caves. 11. From 1267 to 1967, Jews were not allowed any access inside the structure. They were only allowed to approach as far as the seventh step of the southern steps of the stairway. 12. In 1967, the southern stair access was removed by the Israelis. However, you can still see evidence of it today. In summary, this site has been venerated for nearly 4,000 years. This is quite amazing. Discoveries of the Caves 1. There are many eyewitness accounts of those who have visited the caves below the floor of this structure today. These accounts span the period from approximately 325 to 1981 AD. I should mention that the floor we are standing on was part of the original structure built by Herod the Great. So, you're standing on stones that are approximately 2,000 years old. It's under this floor where the original caves are located. When Herod built the structure, he erected thick outer walls of protection with a floor about halfway up. Access to the caves was through this floor, which led down to them. 2. The word Machpelah means double or side by side. This refers to the two caves located beside each other, where the three patriarchs and their wives were buried. Access to the caves is currently not permitted. There are two accesses to the caves. One is through a narrow shaft measuring about 11 inches (28 centimeters). The other is called the Serdab entrance and is much larger. Both the shaft and Serdab entrances are located in the Isaac and Rebeccah Hall area. 3. T he most recent accounts of Israelis entering the caves take place in 1968 and 1981. 4. In 1967, after the Six-Day War, the area fell into the hands of the Israel Defense Forces. In 1968, Moshe Dayan, the Defence Minister and an amateur archaeologist, attempted to regain access to the tombs. Ignorant of the Serdab entrance, Dayan concentrated his attention on the narrow shaft entrance visible below the decorative grate and had the idea of sending someone thin enough to fit through the shaft and down into the chamber below. Dayan eventually found a slim 12-year-old girl named Michal to assist, sending her into the chamber with a camera. She could see some things underground, but couldn't enter the caves because a rock blocked the entrance. 5. In 1981, Seev Jevin, the former director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, entered the caves by the Serdab access using chisels to remove the sealed-up entrance and discovered the square stone in the round chamber that concealed the cave entrance. The reports state that after entering the first cave, which seemed to Jevin to be empty, he found a passage leading to a second oval chamber, smaller than the first, which contained shards of pottery and a wine jug. Findings published in the Israel Exploration Journal in 2020 stated that the pottery dates back to the time of King David and the 8th century BC, originating from various locations in the Hebron and Jerusalem areas. The caves are located directly below the Cenotaph of Abraham. 6. In 1994, after a bloody massacre, the site was divided between Muslims and Jews to maintain peace. However, for a short time each year, the site is fully open to each group for ten days. 7. Christians are allowed to enter both the Muslim and Jewish areas. Places of Interest 1. Cave of the Patriarchs (Machpelah) Jewish Synagogue Mosque Tombs of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs 2. Tel Hebron (Tel Rumeida) Abraham’s Well Ancient Stairs Tomb of Jesse and Ruth (King David’s father and great-grandmother) Old Olive Trees Ancient Canaanite City Walls The Canaanite wall overlaid by a glacis from the Israelite period Walls and a stone road from the time of Abraham Likely place of King David's Palace Four-room structure from the time of King Hezekiah Ancient Synagogue Stepped street from the Early Roman period Pottery workshop from the Early Roman period Eastern ritual bath from the Early Roman period Western ritual bath from the Early Roman period New Excavations Hebron Observatory 3. Oaks of Mamre (located within Hebron, 1 mile or 1.5 km north of the Cave of Machpelah). Hebron in the Bible 1. After God affirmed His covenant with Abraham, he built an altar to the Lord nearby at Mamre. Genesis 13:17–18: Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” 18 Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron , and there he built an altar to the Lord. 2. At Hebron, Abraham learned in a dream that his descendants would spend 400 years as slaves in Egypt. Genesis 15:12–14: Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. 14 But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward, they will come out with many possessions. 3. At Hebron, Ismael was born to Abraham and Sarah’s handmaid, Hagar (Gen. 16:4). 4. Near Hebron, God made a covenant with Abraham that he would be “the ancestor of a multitude of nations.” Genesis 17:1–8: When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” 5. At Hebron, Abraham offered hospitality to three servant angels of God and received the promise of a son. Genesis 18:10–14: They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 6. At Hebron, Abraham bought the Cave of Machpelah as a burial place for his wife, Sarah, and his family. Genesis 23:19: After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron ) in the land of Canaan. 7. Later, Abraham, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah would also be buried in the Cave of Machpelah. 8. Jacob returned to Hebron after he had sojourned in Paddan-aram. Genesis 35:27: Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron ), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned. 9. Joseph was sent from Hebron to Shechem, where he would be sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. Genesis 37:14: Then he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron , and he came to Shechem. 10. Near Hebron, two of the spies who researched the Promised Land returned with a large cluster of grapes. Numbers 13:21–23: So the men explored the land from the Desert of Zin to the border of Hamath. 22 They went through the Negev and came to Hebron , where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai lived. They are descendants of Anak. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 When they came to the Eshcol Valley, they cut off a branch with only one bunch of grapes on it. They carried it on a pole between two of them. 11. Hebron was given to Caleb as an inheritance for his faithfulness to the Lord. Joshua 14:13–14: So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 14 Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the Lord God of Israel fully. 12. Samson carried the gates of Gaza 35 miles (55 km) up to a mountain close to Hebron. Judges 16:1–3: But Samson lay till midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the gate of the city and the two posts, and pulled them up, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that is in front of Hebron . 13. David was anointed king in Hebron and reigned here for 7 1/2 years (2 Sam. 2:1–4, 11). Faith Lesson from Hebron 1. God confirmed His promises and covenants with Abraham at Hebron and fulfilled them all. Do we believe and embrace the promises of God? 2. Caleb was one of the faithful spies who received Hebron as a reward. Are we faithful like Caleb, and do we have our hope placed in our eternal home in heaven as our reward? 3. David was anointed king in Hebron because he was a person after God’s own heart. Do we love the Lord like David, and are we desiring to serve Him in significant ways as David did?

Other than the main holy sites we have on our website about northern Israel, this page lists many other sites of interest in the area: Acre (Akko, Acco, Ptolemais), Belvoir Fortress, Jezreel (Yizreel), Nimrod Fortress National Park Other Sites of Interest ~ Northern Galilee Photo Gallery Places of Interest Other Sites of Interest In Northern Israel Acre (Akko, Acco, Ptolemais) Located about 9 miles (14 km.) north of Haifa, Acre was one of the best seaports in Israel. Acre was allotted to the tribe of Asher, but they were never able to conquer it (Josh. 19:24–31; Judg. 1:31). It was similar to Tyre and Sidon, cities the Israelites failed to conquer. As a result, Acre became a fortress city of unusual strength that stood up against its many attackers. However, when Assyria arose to power, Acre was conquered and came under its control. When Assyria fell from world power, Acre, along with other Phoenician towns, came under the rule of Babylon, and then later, to Persia. In the Seleucid period (BC 312–65), Acre rose to prominence in the battles between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies. The Ptolemies had control of it during the struggles after the death of Alexander the Great and made it their stronghold on the coast. At this time, the city of Acre was changed to the name Ptolemais. This would be the name it would be known as during the Greek and Roman occupations of Israel. Therefore, the New Testament authors refer to Acre as Ptolemais (Acts 21:7). In the period of the Crusaders, Acre was the most famous stronghold on the coast. It declined after the Crusader period and fell into the hands of the Ottomans under Selim I in 1516. Belvoir Fortress This Crusader castle is located on a hill of the Naphtali Plateau, 12 miles (20 km.) south of the Sea of Galilee. This impressive structure sits about 1,641 ft. (500 m.) above the Jordan Valley, which was a strategic location during the time of the Crusades. Designed to withstand the Muslim invaders, the fortress provided strong combat positioning as well as an amazing view of the surrounding area. Built in 1168 by the Hospitallers order, it withstood a year and a half siege by Saladin’s forces. The structure itself consists of an outer and an inner square fortress. It is still well-preserved, and visitors can explore the grounds while taking in a stunning view of the Jordan Valley, the Sea of Galilee, and the Golan Heights. It is the most complete and preserved Crusader fortress in Israel. Jezreel (Yizreel) Jezreel, located in the fertile Jezreel Valley, is about 24 miles (38 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea and about 17 miles (28 km.) southwest of the Sea of Galilee. Jezreel was a major biblical city, and during the 9th century BC, it was the northern capital of the Israelite Kingdom. When Saul and Jonathan were killed in battle on Mount Gilboa, news of this event came from Jezreel. Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, became crippled when his nurse fell while carrying him as she ran in haste after hearing the terrible news of Jonathan’s death (2 Sam. 4:4). After the Kingdom of Israel was divided in around 930 BC, King Ahab made Jezreel one of his royal residences, erecting a palace here (1 Kings 21:1). At Jezreel lived King Ahab’s wife, who instituted the worship to the false gods of Baal and Asherah. This provoked God to send a drought that lasted 3 years. It ended with the great showdown between Elijah and the 850 false prophets of Baal and Asherah. God sent fire from heaven that consumed Elijah’s altar to show the nation of Israel He was God. Afterward, Elijah killed all the false prophets (1 Kings 18). The vineyard of Naboth was by King Ahab’s palace in Jezreel. Ahab wanted the vineyard for a vegetable garden, but Naboth refused to sell it. So Ahab’s wicked wife, Jezebel, arranged for Naboth to be wrongly accused and executed so Ahab could rob his land (1 Kings 21). Apparently, it was on the city's eastern wall from which Jehu entered when he ordered Jezebel (King Ahab’s wife) to be thrown down according to prophecy. Some of her blood spattered on the wall when she landed, and the dogs ate her body (2 Kings 9:30–37). Nimrod Fortress National Park Nimrod Fortress is situated in the northernmost part of Israel, just a few miles north of Caesarea Philippi. It’s on a ridge rising some 2,600 ft. (800 m.) above sea level and is the biggest Crusader castle in Israel. The mountain-top stronghold overlooks the deep narrow valley separating Mount Hermon from the Golan Heights and the road linking the Galilee with Damascus (present-day Syria). The Crusaders built it in the Middle Ages to guard this major access route against armies coming from the west. On the eastern edge of the fortress was a large keep (a keep is a fortress within a fortress), protected by large rectangular towers. In the west, it was separated from the main fortress by a moat, accessed by a bridge. The keep served as living quarters for the commander of the fortress. In times of siege, it became an additional defense position. The fortress is named after a biblical hero, the hunter, Nimrod, the great warrior (Gen. 10:8-9) who, according to local tradition, dwelt on this summit.

See the Bible come to life as we take a look at a key event from the Scriptures that took place here. Here in Caesarea is where God gave the Holy Spirit to all mankind through Cornelius, a Gentile. Up until this time, God’s work was mainly focused on the Israelites. Caesarea Maritima: Holy Spirit Given to Gentiles Photo Gallery Places of Interest Caesarea Maritima: Holy Spirit Given to the Gentiles Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of Caesarea. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at a key event from the Scriptures that took place here. Here in Caesarea is where God gave the Holy Spirit to all mankind through Corne lius, a Gentile. Up until this time, God’s work was mainly focused on the Israelites. Here are some key points in this fascinating story to help us better understand it: Cornelius lived here in Caesarea He was a Gentile He was a high-ranking Roman Soldier in a prestigious position He and his family were devout and God-fearing people. He was certainly touched and moved by the Jewish faith and all he knew and saw about the true God of Israel. He gave generously to the needy and prayed regularly. In Acts 10, we find this fascinating story takes place and see it begin with Cornelius receiving a vision, and then asking for the Apostle Peter to visit him and share the good news of the Gospel with him, his family, and friends. Acts 10:1-8: “At Caesarea, there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.” Right after Cornelius’ vision, God gives Peter a vision in Joppa. Acts 10:9-11 picks up the story, “About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. In the meantime, several of Cornelius’ servants arrive at the house where Peter was staying. Acts 10:23-24: “Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. Here at Caesarea, God gives the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. Acts 10:34-48 concludes this special account, “Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached-- how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. "We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. So what have we seen in this special account? God loves all people, regardless of their nationality. God is the one who searches and seeks the lost. Do I allow what I think about people to influence whether or not I share my faith with them? In the same way Peter went to go to share the Gospel with Cornelius, am I willing to go and share my faith with others? Do I know God’s Word so I can rightly share it?

See all the places of Bethlehem, Rachel's Tomb, Naomi, Ruth, King David, Christ's Birth, the angels appearing to the shepherds announcing Christ's Birth, the Herodian Fortress, the Church of the Nativity, Shepherd's Fields, where King Herod killed the Children two years old and younger, and where David grew up as a shepherd boy. Bethlehem Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Bethlehem Overview Location 1. Bethlehem is located 6 miles (9 km.) south of Jerusalem. 2. In Bible times, Bethlehem was a farming area with grain fields, and sheep and goats grazed the hillsides. Amazingly, little has changed over the past 3,000 years. 3. It’s on the edge of the Judean Desert that lies to the southeast. 4. Bethlehem is in the West Bank but is very safe. Thousands visit its Christian sites each month with no issues. Historical Background 1. Bethlehem was a Canaanite village before the conquest of the Israelites in around 1406 BC. 2. It means ‘House of Bread.” Maybe this is so because many wheat and barley fields were in this area. Places of Interest 1. Rachel’s Tomb 2. Church of the Nativity 3. Shepherd’s Fields 4. Herodian Fortress 5. Grain fields 6. Hillsides for livestock to graze on 7. Deep ravine – Maybe the valley David had in mind when he wrote Psalm 23. Bethlehem in the Bible 1. Jacob’s wife, Rachel, died and was buried in Bethlehem. Genesis 35:16–20: Then they journeyed from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath [Bethlehem] , Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor. 17 And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, "Do not fear, for you have another son." 18 And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. 19 So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem ), 20 and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb. It is the pillar of Rachel's tomb, which is there to this day. 2. Naomi was from Bethlehem, but because of a famine in Israel, her husband and two sons moved to Moab. Ruth 1:1–2: In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. 2 The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife, Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion. 3. Naomi and Ruth returned from Moab to Bethlehem. Ruth 1:22: So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. 4. Ruth gleaned in the grain fields of Boaz in Bethlehem and then married Boaz (Boaz was the Great Grandfather of King David). Ruth 2:1–2: Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, “Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” Ruth 4:13–17: So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David . 5. King David was from Bethlehem, so it is also called the “City of David.” 1 Samuel 17:12: Now David was the son of an Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, named Jesse, who had eight sons. In the days of Saul, the man was already old and advanced in years. 6. David grew up in Bethlehem as a shepherd. Being a shepherd was a lonely boring job that no one wanted. However, David put his time to good use and learned to play the harp, throw a sling, and grew to love the Lord. Many of the Psalms David wrote have their roots in the area around Bethlehem. 7. David was anointed king in Bethlehem. 1 Samuel 16:1: The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons. 1 Samuel 16:4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem . 1 Samuel 16:6–7: When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart .” 1 Samuel 16:11–13: Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he .” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. 8. King Herod the Great built a huge fortress called the “Herodian” that was located just outside of Bethlehem. It was built for his protection and glory. 9. Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Christ. Micah 5:2: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Luke 2:7: And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 10. Angels appeared to shepherds watching their flocks by night in Bethlehem. L uke 2:8–16: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 11. Wise men (Magi) from the east visited and worshiped Christ in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1: Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 12. King Herod had all the male children 2 years and younger murdered in his attempt to kill Christ. Matthew 2:16–18: Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 17 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more." Faith Lesson from Bethlehem 1. Bethlehem means “House of Bread.” Jesus also refers to Himself as the Bread of life. 2. In the same way our bodies need bread to live, so our spirit needs Christ for nourishment and life. Are we feeding daily on God’s Word and walking moment by moment in dependence on Him? 3. We have many godly examples of people from Bethlehem who walked with God, i.e., Naomi, Ruth, Boaz, and David. 4. Today, they are in heaven rejoicing in God’s presence. Are we following their example and living for our eternal home as well? 5. David used his spare time shepherding wisely and learned many skills that He would eventually use to serve God. Are we developing our abilities to be better servants of Christ? 6. The Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). What kind of heart does God see in us?

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Learn all about the traditional route of the Via Dolorosa and the 14 Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem. Lions’ Gate, Temple Mount, Antonia Fortress, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Ecce Homo Arch, Original stone pavement section, Old City wall in the time of Christ, Golgotha. The Via Dolorosa Photo Gallery Places of Interest The Via Dolorosa Introduction 1. Via Dolorosa means “The Painful Path.” 2. The traditional Via Dolorosa route is the path some say Jesus walked as he went from His trial before Pilate at Antonia’s Fortress to His crucifixion at Golgotha. 3. The Via Dolorosa has 14 stations honoring the events that took place as Christ made His way to Golgotha to be crucified. 4. In the 4th century, Byzantine pilgrims believed the Via Dolorosa began at Herod's Palace, south of Jaffa Gate, and ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 5. In the 8th century, the route changed. It began at the Garden of Gethsemane, headed south to Mount Zion, and then returned around the Temple Mount to the Holy Sepulchre. 6. During the Crusader Period (1095-1291 AD), the Crusaders believed the Via Dolorosa began at the Antonia Fortress and ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 7. Up until the 16th century, there were only eight recognized stations of the cross. The stations were either historical or legendary places where pilgrims stopped along the way for spiritual contemplation and reflection. However, in the 16th century, the churches in Europe persuaded the church in Jerusalem to expand the number of stations to fourteen and to name this road the Via Dolorosa. 8. The present route was marked out by the Franciscans in 1342 after the Ottoman Sultan granted them authority over the Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. 9. Some believe the Via Dolorosa started at the Palace where Pilate was staying, located just south of Jaffa Gate. We'll discuss this further when we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Herod's Palace. 10. Nine of the stations are biblical, and five are taken from traditional beliefs handed down over the centuries. Biblical Stations: We will read the Bible verses clarifying the events (the biblical stations are: 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14). Traditional Stations: The stations that have been handed down through tradition are listed below, along with the event believed to have occurred at each location (the traditional stations are: 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9). Stations 1–9 each have a large, rounded metal plaque with Roman numerals marking their locations. Stations 10—14 are located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 11. While we're not totally sure this is the actual route of the Via Dolorosa, we can still contemplate and experience this monumental event. 12. The suffering of Christ shows His love for us and His desire to have a relationship with us. 13. Along this route, we'll also see other significant sites. Location 1. The Via Dolorosa starts (Station 1) at the original place of the Antonia Fortress, which is currently by a Muslim Elementary School and the Chapel of the Flagellation. 2. Station 1 is located on Lion’s Gate St., several hundred yards (m.) inside the Old City west of the Lion’s Gate. 3. The Via Dolorosa ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Places of Interest 1. Lions’ Gate 2. Temple Mount 3. Antonia Fortress 4. Church of the Holy Sepulchre 5. Ecce Homo Arch 6. Original stone pavement section 7. Old City wall in the time of Christ The 14 Stations of the Via Dolorosa 1. Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death (biblical event). Location: Umariya Muslim Elementary School, where the Antonia Fortress was located. Permission is needed to enter the school courtyard. However, without permission, this event can be commemorated outside the school. Matthew 27:27: Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, gathering the whole battalion before him. Luke 23: 13–25: Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will, therefore, punish and release him." 18 But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas"— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" 22 A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will, therefore, punish and release him." 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. 2. Station 2: Jesus is given His cross (biblical event). Location: Church of Condemnation/Flagellation across from Station 1. John 19:16–17: So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. In the western part of this plaza area, a map shows the route of the Via Dolorosa as marked out by the Crusaders. Between Stations 2 and 3 is the Ecce Homo Arch (behold the man). This was actually an archway built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 135 AD, marking one of the main entrances into Jerusalem. Just after Station 2 is what is believed to be the Prison of the Apostles. Acts 5:17-21: But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public prison . 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20 “Go, stand and [p]speak to the people in the temple area [q]the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area about daybreak and began to teach. 3. Station 3: Jesus falls the first time (traditional event). Location: Take a left (south) at the corner of Via Dolorosa St. and Al Wad St., and Station 3 is immediately on the left. In front of Station 3, there are old stones on the street from the time of Christ that were discovered underneath this area and placed here for all to see. 4. Station 4: Jesus meets His mother (traditional event). Location: A short distance southward from Station 3 on El-Wad St. 5. Station 5: Simon of Cyrene carries Christ’s cross (biblical event). Located at the corner of Via Dolorosa St. and El-Wad St. From this corner, the street takes a sharp turn to the right and then starts ascending uphill with a series of stairs along the way. Luke 23:26: And when they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyren e, as he was coming in from the country , and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus. A short distance up from Station 5 is a stone embedded in the wall. It is believed that Jesus stumbled against this wall, and in losing His balance, he touched it, leaving behind bloodstains. Initially, it was thought that this ancient rock was approximately 15 feet lower, below street level, at the depth of the original Via Dolorosa. It was raised to its current level as the city level changed. 6. Station 6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus (traditional event). Location: On Via Dolorosa St., up from Station 5. According to tradition, Veronica felt compassion when she saw Jesus carrying his cross to Golgotha and gave him her veil so that he could wipe the sweat from his forehead. Jesus supposedly wiped His face and then handed it back to her with the image of His face miraculously impressed upon her veil. Veronica means true image in Latin. A short distance before Station 7, part of the original city wall can be seen. Golgotha was located outside the city during the time of Christ, and this wall marked the city's exit. 7. Station 7: Jesus falls the second time (traditional event). Location: At the corner of Via Dolorosa St. and Khan es-Zeit St. Inside the Chapel of Station 7, a recent discovery was made. In 2017, the wall that had separated the two rooms of the Seventh Station was torn down, revealing a remarkable surprise behind it. Here, the public got its first look at what is believed to be the first-century Western Wall of the city of Jerusalem. 8. Station 8: Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem (biblical event). Location: From Station 7, take a step to the right and walk up Ma'alot E-Khanka St. a short distance. Beneath the metal disk on the wall is a carved stone set at eye level. It is marked by a cross with Greek letters that form an abbreviation for the words “Jesus Christ conquers.” Luke 23:27–31: And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” 9. Station 9: Jesus falls the third time (traditional event). Location: Walk back down to Station 7, take a right (south) on Beit HaBad St. Continue on Beit HaBad St. for about 75 yards (70 meters), and you will notice on the right a stairway leading to Station 9. Station 9 is the most difficult to locate. It’s located by the Coptic Patriarchate Building, through a narrow alley. Stations 10–14 are at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Location: From Station 9, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can be accessed in two ways: (1) by a green door that leads to the courtyard of the Holy Sepulcher, or (2) by returning to Beit HaBad St. and continuing south, then taking a right on Shuk ha-Tsaba'im St. and following it to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 10. Station 10: Jesus is stripped of His garments (biblical event). Location: In a room outside the church called "The Chapel of the Franks," on the right side of the church entrance. It can be seen behind glass panels by going up the stairs. It can also be seen before Station 11 by looking down through a glass window. John 19:23–24: When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things. 11. Station 11: Jesus arrives at Golgotha and is nailed to the cross (biblical event). Location: Just after entering the church, take a right and go up the stairs to the second level. A Franciscan altar marks Station 11. John 19:17–18: And he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 12. Station 12: Jesus dies on the cross (biblical event). Location: Beside Station 11, a Greek Orthodox crucifixion altar marks Station 12. Matthew 27:45–54: Now from the sixth hour [12:00 pm] there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour [3:00 pm]. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Beside Station 12 is a large cracked rock, which is believed to have been caused by the earthquake at Christ’s death. On the lower level of the church, this rock can also be seen. 13. Station 13: Jesus' body is removed from the cross (biblical event). Location: Between stations 11 and 12 of the Via Dolorosa is a shrine of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with a spear piercing her heart. This marks the spot of Station 13 of the Via Dolorosa, where the body of Jesus was removed from the Cross. John 19:38–40: After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 14. Station 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense (biblical event). Location: In the large rotunda of the church, a large enclosed tomb marks Station 14. John 19:41–42: Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. For a more detailed look at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, please see Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Faith Lesson from the Via Dolorosa 1. Roman Crucifixion always took place in the most public areas possible. 2. Jesus was led through the busy streets for maximum humiliation. 3. Christ’s crucifixion happened on the day of Passover, so Jerusalem was at its busiest time of year, and there could have easily been around 150,000 people present in the city at this time. 4. The blood lost during the floggings, the crown of thorns, and beatings were unbearable and life-threatening. 5. Christ was so weak that Simon of Cyrene had to carry His cross most of the way to Golgotha. 6. The total time elapsed from Christ’s suffering that began in the Garden of Gethsemane to His death on the cross was about 18 hours of sleepless, intense torment and pain. 7. The physical suffering was only a drop in the bucket compared to the spiritual suffering Christ endured to pay for our sins. 8. Do we really understand the price that was paid for the forgiveness of our sins, the privilege we have of being right with God, and the gift of eternal life in heaven? 9. Do we warn others of the reality of the judgments of God and the price of rejecting Christ’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life? 10. If we refuse to believe in the existence of a literal hell, then all Christ suffered has little meaning or purpose. This would be a horrendous slap in the face of Christ for all He did on the cross.

This video series is unprecedented and unique in that as the Gospels of Jesus are being read, you will see the exact locations where the events in the Bible took place. This means that as the Bible is being read you will be able to see the exact places where it is taking place. Also, at the end of each chapter of the Gospels, a faith lesson will explain the big ideas of the chapter and apply them to your life. Great for Home Bible Studies, Sunday School Classes, Personal Bible Study, and more. Life & Ministry of Jesus Series This video series is unprecedented and unique. As the Gospels of Jesus are being read, you will see the exact locations where the events in the Bible took place. This means that as the Bible is being read you will be able to see the exact places where it is taking place. Also, at the end of each chapter of the Gospels, a faith lesson will explain the big ideas of the chapter and apply them to your life. Great for Home Bible Studies, Sunday School Classes, Personal Bible Study, and more. Life & Ministry of Jesus Series Intro Video Life & Ministry of Jesus Series ~ Gospel of Mark Videos are being added regularly to this project. Please check back soon for the latest uploads. Also, please consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel to receive notifications regarding the most recent uploads. Check Out Our Holy Land Site YouTube Channel