Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. The Church of the Nativity is exactly where Christ was born. See and learn all about it. Manager's Square, Manger, Star, Wise Men, Mary and Joseph, Shepherds, Rachel’s Tomb, Shepherds' Fields, Herodian Fortress, and more. Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem Introduction Welcome to the Church of the Nativity. Many significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. The location of Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity is on top of Tel Bethlehem. Under this area is ancient Bethlehem. 2. Bethlehem is where King David lived before becoming King of Israel. 3. This is also where Jesus was born, and the Word became flesh. So, we will see and experience the very place where Jesus was born. 4. We'll see evidence of the churches built over this site to commemorate this monumental event. 5. We'll explore a cave complex where Jerome lived while translating the Bible from Hebrew and Greek to Latin, the language of the Roman Empire. This cave complex is connected to the cave where Jesus is believed to have been born. 6. This site is not disputed as the authentic site, and to think of what happened here is beyond our ability to comprehend. Location 1. The Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem, about 6 miles (9 km) south of Jerusalem. 2. It is right beside Manger Square and Manger Street. 3. It is located on the upper mountain plateau route that connects the southern Negev to the upper Galilee region. On this route were cities from the south, like Beersheba, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Bethel, Shiloh, and Shechem, to the north. It was a highly traveled route. 4. Today, Bethlehem is in the West Bank but is very safe. Thousands of tourists visit its Christian sites each month without issue. Historical Background of Ancient Bethlehem 1. Bethlehem means House of Bread. 2. It had a population of between 500 and 1,000 people in the time of Jesus. 3 . The area of Manger Square, the Church of the Nativity, and the area around them actually sit upon a tel. This is called Tel Bethlehem, where the original town was located. 4. Many of the homes consisted of caves and structures. Often, a house would have both a cave below it and a home above or beside it. 5. The caves would be used for living quarters and livestock keeping, as they were cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 6. Jewish, secular, and Christian scholars and archaeologists all agree that this is the birthplace of Jesus. There is no dispute that this is the authentic site. Historical Background of the Church of the Nativity Period of Abraham - 2050 BC Pottery discovered under the church dates to the time of Abraham. Period of David - 1000 BC Pottery discovered under the church dates to the time of David. Period of Christ's Birth - 4 BC The Bible attests to Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. According to archaeological evidence and eyewitness accounts, Jesus was born in a cave where animals were kept, so He was placed in a manger after birth. Under the Church of the Nativity lies a cave complex where Jesus was born. Period After Christ's Return to Heaven - 29 BC Shortly after Christ’s ascension to heaven, worshipers began marking key places associated with Jesus's life and ministry. Christ’s birthplace was marked, and worshipers began to protect and commemorate the site. Period of Roman Emperor Hadrian - 135 AD In 135 AD, Hadrian destroyed the venerated site Christians had protected. Hadrian erected a shrine to Adonis, the Greek god of beauty and desire, atop Christ's birthplace. He desecrated many holy sites throughout Israel and built shrines to false gods on top of them. One of these is Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is today. There, he built a temple to Jupiter and Venus. He renamed Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina and renamed Israel to Palestine in an attempt to erase any Jewish connection to the Holy Land. Period of Early Church Fathers - 100 to 339 AD Evidence that this was Jesus's birthplace also surfaced in the writings of Justin Martyr (150 AD), Origen (248 AD), and Eusebius (314 AD). Period of Roman Emperor Constantine - 339 AD Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, received Christ as her Savior and came to the Holy Land to build churches on key Christian sites. Constantine and his mother, Helena, commissioned the construction of the Church of the Nativity over the cave that marked the birthplace of Jesus. It was dedicated in 339 AD. It consisted of an octagonal floor plan placed directly over the cave and a large church extending westward. It was built in the shape of a cross. In the center of the octagonal part, a viewing area with a railing provided a view of the cave. Part of the original mosaic floor of the church has survived and remains visible. Period of Jerome - 382 to 405 AD Jerome, who translated Greek and Hebrew manuscripts into Latin (the language of the Roman Empire) to form the Latin Vulgate, did much of his translation work in a cave beside the Church of the Nativity from 382 to 405 AD. He was later buried here, and today it’s known as Jerome’s Grotto. The Crusaders carried his remains to Rome around 1165. Period of Samaritan Revolt - 529 AD The church was burned down during a Samaritan revolt. Period of Roman Emperor Justinian - 565 AD Justinian rebuilt a new church over Constantine's church in 565 AD, which has survived to this day. Justinian's church is the oldest functioning church in the world. Period of the Persian Conquest - 614 AD The Church of the Nativity was the only church the Persians didn't destroy during their conquest of the Holy Land in 614 AD because they saw paintings outside the church honoring the Magi from the east, who were fellow Persians. Period of the Crusaders - 1165 AD The Crusaders renovated the church, painting murals on the pillars and mosaics on the walls of the central nave. Period of Muslim Rule - 1187 to 1917 AD The Church of the Nativity suffered prolonged decline after the Ottoman conquest of the Holy Land in 1516 AD. The nave was largely abandoned and used for stables and profane purposes. To prevent people from entering the church with horses and cattle, the main entrance was walled up and replaced with a small door, now known as the "Door of Humility" because visitors were forced to bend down to pass through it. The church has been restored and repaired various times during this period. Period of Modern Time - 1917 to Present The church has undergone several renovations since the Crusader period. In 2012, the church complex became the first Palestinian site to be listed as a World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Committee at its 36th session on 29 June. Today, the Roman Catholic, Armenian, and Greek Orthodox churches control the church. The Greek Orthodox Church cares for the Main Nave and Grotto of the Nativity. A 25-million-USD renovation has recently been completed at the Church of the Nativity. Places of Interest 1. Manger Square is located directly west of the Church of the Nativity. 2. Entrance to the church The original entrance and columns are from Justinian's church (565 AD). Door Arch from the Crusader Period (1165 AD). Door of Humility – To provide a humble entrance and keep horsemen and carts from entering the church to loot it during the Muslim Ottoman Period (1500 AD). 3. Entrance Lobby To the right of the entrance lobby is a large area where excavations have been conducted, revealing archaeological layers dating from the time of Abraham to the present. 4. Main Nave The Main Nave dates to the Byzantine Period and was built by Justinian ( 565 AD). The structure is supported by 40 limestone pillars, arranged in two rows on each side, all dating from the Byzantine Period. Many pillars have paintings of kings and saints from the Crusader Period (1165 AD). Above the pillars on the walls are Crusader-period mosaics. Some show the genealogy of Jesus. The mosaics of the Church of Constantine (constructed in 339 AD) are located beneath the church's modern floor. 5. High Altar (front part of the nave) Mosaics of the Church of Constantine (339 AD) are on the left side of the High Altar. 6. Birthplace Grotto Located under the main altar. The entrance is to the right of the altar, and the exit is to the left. The cave has an eastern niche, believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, which contains the Altar of Nativity. A 14-pointed silver star marks the exact spot where Jesus was born beneath this altar. The significance of the 14 points on the star represents the three sets of 14 generations in Jesus Christ's genealogy: 14 from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the Babylonian captivity, and 14 from the Babylonian captivity to Jesus. In the center of the 14-pointed star is a circular hole through which one can reach in to touch the stone, which is said to be the original stone on which Mary lay when she gave birth to Jesus. The place where Christ was placed in a manger is on the right side of the grotto. The actual manger is in Italy at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. 7. Church of St. Catherine A Roman Catholic Church named after Catherine, who was a 4th-century martyr from Alexandria. It was built in 1880 AD upon the ruins of a 5th-century monastery and a 12th-century Crusader church. Courtyard Statue of Jerome in the courtyard 8. A cave complex containing several chapels is accessed from St. Catherine's Church by a narrow staircase on the right. The Chapel of Saint Joseph commemorates the angel's appearance to Joseph, commanding him to flee to Egypt. Chapel of the Innocents commemorates the children killed by Herod. The Chapel of Jerome is where Jerome lived while translating the Bible from Hebrew to Latin (the Vulgate). This cave complex connects to the grotto where Christ was born. Birth of Christ in the Bible 1. 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. 2. Christ was born in Bethlehem as prophesied. Luke 2:1–7: In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 3. Many angels appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem who were watching their flocks. Luke 2:8–16: And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 4. Wise men (Magi) from the east visited and worshiped Christ in Bethlehem. Matthew 2:1–12: 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, 2 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." 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 "'And you, O Bethlehem , in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'" 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem , saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house they saw the child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. 5. God warned Joseph to flee to Egypt because Herod planned to kill Jesus. Matthew 2:13-15: Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt , and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him .” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” 6. Herod had all the male children 2 years and younger murdered here in Bethlehem 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.” 7. After the death of Herod, Jesus and His family returned to Israel to live in Nazareth. Matthew 2:19-23: Now when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel , for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” 21 Then he arose, took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the region of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth , that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.” Faith Lesson from the Birth of Christ 1. Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Christ. 2. Christ fulfilled over 2 00 prophecies regarding his first coming. 3. The birth of Christ was a historical supernatural event witnessed by many. 4. The fulfillment of prophecy proves that Christ was the Son of God and that the Bible is inspired. 5. Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection were all miraculous events, proving Christ to be the very Son of God. 6. Christ claimed to be God in the flesh and proved it through His supernatural life and miracles. 7. Do we believe Christ is the Son of God, and have we received Him as our Lord and Savior?

Jacob's Well in Shechem (Sychar) is the place where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Shechem is also where Abraham & Jacob lived. Joshua rallied the nation of Israel together and gave the curses and blessings on Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. The nation of Israel was divided at Shechem. Tel Balata, Joshua’s Stone, Mount Gerizim, Mount Ebal, Joshua’s Rectangular Altar, Circular Altar below Rectangular Altar (possibly from Abraham or Jacob), Jacob’s Well, Joseph’s Tomb, Modern Shechem (Nablus), Sychar Shechem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Shechem Introduction Welcome to Shechem. Shechem had a significant role in the Bible and is mentioned 58 times. These are the highlights. 1. Shechem is the place where God first appeared to Abraham after he entered the Promised Land. 2. It was at Shechem where Jacob settled after reuniting with his estranged brother, Esau, upon his return from Paddan-aram. 3. The defilement of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, took place at Shechem. 4. To the rich pastureland near Shechem, Joseph came to seek his brethren and was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. 5. The bones of Joseph were buried in Shechem. 6. On the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Moses commanded the Israelites to pronounce blessings and curses for their obedience or disobedience to Him. 7. When his end was approaching, Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem and gave them his final words of counsel and exhortation. Afterward, he erected a large stone as a monument to mark the covenant with the people and God. This stone can be seen today at Tel Balata. 8. At Shechem, the nation of Israel became divided, and Jeroboam reigned over the northern section (Israel) and Rehoboam over the southern section (Judah). 9. King Jeroboam fortified Shechem, and it became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam ordered that two golden calves be erected in Bethel and Dan. 10. Later, Shechem became the central city of the Samaritans, who built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim. 11. Shechem, called Sychar, is the place where Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well and conversed with her. Location 1. Biblical Shechem is also known as Sychar in the New Testament and as Tel Balata and Nablus today. 2. Shechem is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Tel Aviv. 3. It was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim during Bible times. 4. It was on a main north-south travel route that linked the northern and southern parts of Israel. 5. It was also on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley. 6. Shechem lies between the two famous mountains of Gerizim and Ebal. Places of Interest 1. Tel Balata Mount Ebal ~ Place of cursings for disobedience. Altar built on Mount Ebal (need for forgiveness) Joshua’s Rectangular Altar Circular Altar below Rectangular Altar (possibly that of Abraham or Jacob) Mount Gerizim ~ Place of blessings for obedience. Northwest Gate City Wall Joshua’s Stone ~ Erected after Joshua renewed the covenant with the Israelites shortly before his death. Fortress Temple ~ Built shortly after Gideon. Sacred Courtyard Houses Eastern Gate 3. Jacob’s Well 4. Joseph’s Tomb 5. Modern Shechem (Nablus) 6. Sychar History of the Samaritans on Mount Gerizim 1. The Samaritans were Israelites who remained in the land of Israel and intermarried with foreign unbelievers after the deportation of Israel by the Assyrians in 722 BC. 2. They established their own religion at Mount Gerizim and built their own temple. They were despised and rejected by the Jews and considered unclean. The Samaritans, likewise, despised the Jews and had few dealings with them. 3. The Samaritans only believe in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). 4. The Samaritans worshiped on top of Mount Gerizim, and there are substantial ruins there today. The Samaritans first built a temple here for worship in the 5th century. Later, in the 2nd century, they built walls around the temple to protect it. In the latter part of the 2nd century, the Hasmoneans (Jewish rule from 165–63 BC) destroyed the Samaritans’ temple on Mount Gerizim and the city at the base of the mountain (ancient Shechem). During the Roman occupation of Israel, the Samaritans were permitted by the Romans to rebuild their temple and city. In 475 AD, under Byzantine rule, the Samaritan temple was destroyed, and a Byzantine church was erected. Later, a monastery was also built. 5. Jesus met with a Samaritan woman (John 4) at Jacob’s Well in Shechem. Today, this well is located in a Greek Orthodox church called "The Church of Jacob's Well." Shechem In the Bible 1. Shechem is the place where God first appeared to Abraham after he entered the Promised Land. Genesis 12:4–7: So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem , to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land .” So he built there an altar to the Lord , who had appeared to him. 2. It was at Shechem where Jacob settled after reuniting with his estranged brother, Esau, upon his return from Paddan-aram. Genesis 33:18–20: And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem , which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (God; the God of Israel). 3. The defilement of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, took place at Shechem. Genesis 34:1–4: Now Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. 3 And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. 4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this girl for my wife.” Genesis 34:25–27: On the third day, when they were sore [from being circumcised], two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and came against the city while it felt secure and killed all the males. 26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem's house and went away. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister. 4. In Shechem, Jacob buried his foreign gods and committed himself entirely to the true and living God of his forefathers. Genesis 35:4: So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem . 5. To the rich pastureland near Shechem, Joseph came to seek his brethren and was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. Genesis 37:12–14: Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem . 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” 14 So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem . 6. The bones of Joseph were buried in Shechem. Joshua 24:32: Now they buried the bones of Joseph , which the sons of Israel brought up from Egypt, at Shechem , in the piece of ground which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for one hundred pieces of money; and they became the inheritance of Joseph’s sons. 7. On the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Moses commanded the Israelites to pronounce blessings and curses for their obedience or disobedience to Him. Deuteronomy 27:11–13: That day Moses charged the people, saying, 12 “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people : Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse : Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.” The blessings and curses pronounced on Gerizim and Ebal would become the foundational reference point to which God would refer in punishing Israel and Judah by sending them wars, famines, and pestilences. Eventually, their disobedience would lead to their deportations. Because they had repeatedly broken the covenant on Gerizim and Ebal, they deserved the discipline God gave them. 8. As commanded by Moses, Joshua erected an altar on Mount Ebal with uncut stones. Deuteronomy 27:1–8: Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. 2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; 6 you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones . And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, 7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.” 9. When his end was approaching, Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem and gave them his final words of counsel and exhortation. Afterward, he erected a large stone as a monument to mark the covenant with the people and God. This stone can be seen today at Tel Balata. Joshua 24:1: Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. Joshua 24:14–16: Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . Joshua 24:25–27: So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem . 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the Lord . 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us. Therefore, it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 10. After God delivered the Israelites through the hand of Gideon, they turned their backs on God again and built a temple here to worship false gods. Judges 8:33-34: Then it came about, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the sons of Israel again committed infidelity with the Baals, and made Baal-berith their god . 34 So the sons of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had saved them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 11. Abimelech, son of Gideon, reigned wickedly over Shechem for three years. It was he who burned down the fortress temple here called "El-Berith," and killed 1,000 people who had taken refuge in it. Later, he was killed by a woman who threw a millstone down on his head. Judges 9:46, 49: When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. 49 So all the people also cut down, each one, his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on top of the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. Judges 9:52-54:So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it down with fire. 53 But a woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. 54 Then he called quickly to the young man, his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so that it will not be said of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” 12. At Shechem, the nation of Israel became divided, and Jeroboam reigned over the northern section (Israel) and Rehoboam over the southern section (Judah). 1 Kings 12:1–2: Rehoboam went to Shechem , for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from Egypt. 1 Kings 12:16–17: And when all Israel saw that the king (Rehoboam) did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents. 17 But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. 13. King Jeroboam fortified Shechem, and it became the capital of the northern tribes of Israel. Jeroboam ordered that two golden calves be erected in Bethel and Dan. 1 Kings 12:25–29: Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there . And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 14. Later, Shechem became the central city of the Samaritans, who built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim. 15. Shechem, called Sychar, is the place where Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well and conversed with her. John 4:1–26: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph . 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep [120 feet, 40 m.]. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain [Gerizim] , but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” John 4:39–42: Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” Faith Lesson from Shechem 1. Of all the events that happened at Shechem, Jesus summed up God’s desire for us when He told the woman at the well, “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth ” (John 2:23–24). 2. Do we worship God in Spirit? 3. Do we walk in the Spirit and stay in close fellowship with God (Gal. 5:16–26)? 4. Do we worship God in truth? 5. Do we know God’s Word well and the truth it contains (2 Tim. 2:15)? 6. We will only know God to the degree we know His Word. How well do you know God?

See all the sites of the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdelene located in Jerusalem. Learn about the life of Mary and how she is an example and inspiration for us today. Church of Mary Magdalene, Jerusalem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene Location 1. It's located on the side of the Mount of Olives, facing Old City Jerusalem. 2. It's just north of the Triumphal Entry path towards the lower part. 3. It's easily spotted as it has one large gilded onion dome and six smaller ones. 4. It makes an especially striking spectacle at night when its floodlit domes seem to be floating above the dark trees surrounding it. Historical Background 1. The Church of Mary Magdalene was built in 1888 by Czar Alexander III of Russia to memorialize his mother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Maria had always dreamed of visiting the Holy Land but was unable to because of poor health. Mary Magdalene is venerated with particular devotion in the East Orthodox Church, so it was natural for the Russians to honor her by building this church. 2. Its onion-shaped domes and the general style reflect the architecture of Moscow during the 16th and 17th centuries. Although the intricately decorated façade appears to be made of marble, it's actually sculpted white sandstone. 3. Above the entrance, a circular blue mosaic medallion depicts Mary Magdalene robed in white. 4 . The church commemorates Mary, whose hometown was Magdala, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. 5. Mary is revered as a saint by the Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran churches. 6. Mary was one of the few people named in the Gospels who was present at Christ’s crucifixion and the first recorded witness of his resurrection. 7. At the site is also a convent that houses about 30 Russian Orthodox nuns from several different countries. While particularly known for the quality of their liturgical singing, they also paint icons, embroider vestments and items for liturgical use, and decorate Russian eggs. 8. The church is part of the Convent of St. Mary Magdalene, a sisterhood established in 1936 by an English convert, and since the 1920s, has been under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), an independent ecclesiastical entity until 2007 and part of the Moscow-based Russian Orthodox Church since then. 9. The magical church is magnificent from a distance, but it is also worth getting a closer look. A tranquil garden surrounds the church. Inside, there are many Orthodox icons and liturgical paintings. The Grand Duchess commissioned Russian artist Sergei Ivanov to create a series of paintings depicting the life of Saint Mary Magdalene. 10. The relics of two martyred saints, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia and her fellow nun Varvara Yakovleva, are displayed in the church. 11. The interior of the church is a blend of bronze and white marble iconostasis, a wall or screen bearing religious icons that separate the sanctuary from the nave, the central part of a church where the congregation usually sits. 12. Its main wall bears a painting of Alexander Ivanov, a prominent 19th-century Russian artist. Commissioned by Elizabeth Fyodorovna, the artwork depicts Mary Magdalene holding a red egg before the Roman emperor Tiberius. According to Eastern Christian tradition, Tiberius mocked her for claiming Jesus rose from the Dead, comparing it to a white egg turning red. In return, an egg Mary held by Mary turned red. Places of Interest 1. Mount of Olives 2. Dominus Flevit Church 3. Triumphal Entry Path 4. Garden of Gethsemane 5. Kidron Valley 6. Tomb of Mary - Gethsemane Cave 7. Temple Mount 8. Old City Jerusalem Mary Magdalene in the Bible 1. Mary was from the town of Magdala, located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee.. Matthew 4:23: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Matthew 15:38–39: Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan [Magdala]. 2. Jesus cast out 7 demons from Mary Magdalene. Luke 8:1–3: Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. 3. Mary was likely a wealthy widow as she followed Christ everywhere and supported the ministry of Jesus financially. 4. A strong case could be made that Mary was one of Christ’s most devoted and loyal followers. She followed Jesus everywhere and supported Him financially, she was present at the mock trial of Jesus, she heard Pontius Pilate pronounce the death sentence upon Jesus, she saw Jesus beaten and humiliated by the crowd, she was one of the women who stood near Jesus during the crucifixion to try to comfort Him, and she was the first woman Christ appeared to after rising from the dead. 5. Mary looked from a distance at Christ’s crucifixion and then moved in closer during His last suffering hours on the cross. Mark 15:40: There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. John 19:25: But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 6. Mary Magdalene helped buy expensive spices to anoint the body of Jesus after His crucifixion. Mark 16:1: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 7. Mary was the earliest witness to the resurrection of Jesus and was sent by Jesus to tell the others. Mark 16:9: When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. John 20:11-18: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. 8. Even at the very end, Mary never lost her first love for Jesus. Revelation 2:4: But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 9. There is also no doubt that Mary served Christ alongside the apostles for the rest of her life. Faith Lesson from the Life of Mary Magdalene 1. Christ cast out 7 demons from Mary. This changed her life forever and filled her with deep gratitude to Jesus. Are we grateful for what God has done for us as well? 2. Mary loved Christ profoundly and was one of His most devoted followers. She is the model of what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Are we devoted to Christ as Mary was? 3. Mary supported Jesus’ ministry financially. Do we support Jesus’ ministries as well? 4. Mary never lost her first love for Christ. Have we lost our first love?

October 22-November 7, 2027, Registration Form. An in-depth 17-day Bible-centered Holy Land tour to Israel that allows you to see more holy sites in Israel. Holy Land Trip Registration Form October 22~November 7, 2 027 Trip How to Register and Secure Your Spot on the Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime! 1. Fill out and submit the online registration form below. 2. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 3. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Paym ent Link CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com NEXT STEPS 1. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 2. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Payment Link 3. In the meantime, check out our video teachings to the left or see other info about Holy Land Trip orientation, etc. CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com TOUR HOSTS Dr. Todd & Letsy Fink - Tour Hosts More about the Finks

If you want an in-depth Bible-centered trip and see more holy sites in Israel than other tours, then this trip is designed for you. Holy Land Trip Deposit Secure Payment Link Registration Deposit Payment To complete your registration, please pay your registration deposit of $500 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to cover fees charged by credit cards and PayPal. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. $500.00 Deposit Payment Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If you would like to avoid the Credit Card fees, then you can send your check to the following address if you live in the U.S.A. or Canada. Holy Land Site (Make checks payable to: Holy Land Site) 6945 Burnett St., SE Salem, OR, 97317-5202 (Using regular mail is preferred as there's not always someone available to sign for certified mail).

Under the Convent of the Sisters of Sion lie ancient ruins going back before the time of Jesus. It is a gold mine of archaeology and insights into ancient Jerusalem. We'll tour this site and see the Struthion Pool, ruins of the Antonia Fortress, and what some believe is the stone pavement where Jesus was tried and condemned to crucifixion by Pontius Pilate. Sisters of Sion, Ecce Homo Arch, Antonia Fortress Photo Gallery Places of Interest Sisters of Sion, Ecce Homo Arch, Antonia Fortress Introduction 1. We are about to descend beneath the streets of Jerusalem into one of the most dramatic and mysterious places connected with the final hours of Jesus. It's known as the Lithostrotos, which means "Stone Pavement." It's believed by some to be the very place Jesus was tried by Pontius Pilate and condemned to crucifixion. We'll see what the evidence shows about this later. It's located beneath the Sisters of Sion, near the Ecce Homo Arch on the Via Dolorosa. 2. Here, hidden below the noise of the Old City, massive stone pavements, ancient cisterns, Roman arches, and the great Struthion Pool reveal layers of history buried beneath our feet. 3. For centuries, pilgrims believed this was the very place where Pontius Pilate judged Jesus and presented Him to the crowd with the words, “Behold the Man.” 4. Is this where Jesus was tried and condemned to crucifixion? Was this where the Antonia Fortress was located? What was this area like during Jesus' time and afterward? And what about the Ecce Homo Arch? This area, just north of the Temple Mount, is vital to understand. It's one of the most important sites in Jerusalem. We'll provide you with an understanding of this area so you can appreciate its vital importance. We'll embark on an effort to uncover the fascinating evidence about the layout of this area in ancient Jerusalem. 5. As we walk on these ancient stones through these tunnels and rooms, we'll discover a story that is fascinating. We'll see a place where faith, tradition, Roman power, and archaeology all meet in the heart of Jerusalem. Location 1. The area we're going to focus on is located just outside the Temple Mount area on its northwestern side. 2. Today, Umariya Elementary School and the Sisters of Zion Convent lie atop much of their ruins. 3. We'll look at the key sites in this area and then descend under the Convent of the Sisters of Zion. 4. Tradition places the Antonia Fortress as the beginning point of the Via Dolorosa, which means painful path. Orientation to the Key Sites Now let's provide some orientation. As mentioned, this area, just north of the Temple Mount, is vital to understand as it's one of the most important areas in Jerusalem. Therefore, we want to orient you to all the key sites in this area. After this, we'll descend beneath the Sisters of Sion Convent and explore ancient Jerusalem before, during, and after the time of Jesus. Sisters of Sion Convent 1. The first place we'll look at is the Sisters of Sion Convent. As mentioned, we'll be going underneath it later and exploring it in depth. But for now, we'll provide an overview. 2. The land was purchased in 1857 by Marie-Alphonse Ratisbonne, a French Jewish convert to Catholicism who founded the Sisters of Zion to build bridges between Christians and Jews. The Sisters excavated the ruins and preserved them. 3. For centuries, Christians believed this area was the courtyard of the Antonia Fortress—the Roman military garrison where Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus. According to John 19:13, Pilate sat on his judgment seat at a place called the Lithostrotos (Stone Pavement), or Gabbatha in Aramaic. The arch outside the convent was believed to be the spot where Pilate presented Jesus, saying, "Ecce Homo" (Behold the Man). 4. The Archaeological Reality Modern archaeology (spearheaded by the brilliant Catholic archaeologist Father Pierre Benoit in the 1970s) proved that the stone pavement and the Ecce Homo arch actually date to 135 AD and were built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian a century after Jesus. Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem as a Roman pagan city called Aelia Capitolina, and this area served as his eastern public plaza and marketplace. The Temple Mount 1. It was first built by King Solomon around 967 BC and was a walled platform upon which the temple Solomon built would stand. The mountain was originally Mount Moriah, and in order to build the temple on it, it had to be leveled. Solomon's original platform measured 500 cubits square (861 feet, 262.5 meters). 2. Later, the Hasmoneans added onto the southern part of the platform around 140 BC. The addition lines can still be seen today. 3. Then Herod the Great enlarged the platform as well, almost doubling its size. He enlarged it to the south, west, and north. The lines of his addition are still visible today. 4. Exactly where the Dome of the Rock stands today is where the original temple once stood. The evidence for this is overwhelming. We have done videos about this. The Via Dolorosa 1. The Via Dolorosa, meaning “The Way of Suffering” or “The Sorrowful Way,” is the traditional route through Jerusalem’s Old City that remembers Jesus carrying the cross from His condemnation to His crucifixion. Today it begins inside where the Antonia Fortress once stood, and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Christians have long identified the place of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The route is marked by 14 Stations of the Cross—nine along the streets and five inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 2. Historically, the exact path has changed over time. Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, later rebuilt by Hadrian as Aelia Capitolina, and reshaped many times afterward, so the original first-century street route cannot be known with certainty. The Via Dolorosa, as a Christian pilgrimage route, developed mainly during the Crusader Period (1099 - 1260), especially through the work of the Franciscans, who were entrusted with the care of many Holy Land sites and led pilgrims in devotional walks connected with the Passion of Christ. 3. The route followed today took on its modern form around the 18th century, replacing earlier versions. Because many scholars believe Pilate’s Praetorium was likely at Herod’s Palace near Jaffa Gate, not at the Antonia Fortress, the present route may not be the exact path Jesus walked. However, it remains one of the most meaningful Christian pilgrimage routes in the world because it allows believers to prayerfully remember the suffering, sacrifice, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus in the city where these events took place. Ecce Homo Arch 1. Most pilgrims know this arch by the words Ecce Homo, Latin for "Behold the Man." These words come from John 19:5, when Pilate presented Jesus to the crowd after the scourging and mocking. 2. For centuries, many Christians believed this arch marked the place where Pilate said those words. But archaeology tells us the arch itself was not standing in Jesus’ day. It was later built by the Roman emperor Hadrian around 135 AD, when he rebuilt Jerusalem as a Roman colony called Aelia Capitolina after the Jewish revolts. 3. The arch was part of a triple-arched Roman gateway connected with Hadrian’s eastern forum or public plaza. The large central arch is the one visible today over the street, while part of one smaller side arch can still be seen inside the Ecce Homo Church. 4. It was a Roman monumental gateway, built to mark a main entrance into Hadrian’s new city center, displaying Roman power, order, and victory after Jerusalem had been destroyed and reshaped. Only later did Christian tradition connect the arch with the Passion of Christ and the words “Ecce Homo.” The Antonia Fortress 1. The geography of ancient Jerusalem dictated its defenses. While the city was naturally protected by steep ravines to the east, south, and west, the northern approach lacked natural barriers. Consequently, the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount was its most vulnerable point. 2. Following the Babylonian exile, a fortress called the Birah was constructed near this spot by Nehemiah around 444 BC to protect the Second Temple on the Temple Mount, originally built by King Solomon. 3. During the Hellenistic and Hasmonean periods (332-63 BC), the Jewish priest-kings built a heavily fortified tower known as the Baris. It housed a military garrison, protected the northern flank of the Temple Mount, and securely stored the sacred vestments of the High Priest. 4. When Herod the Great captured Jerusalem and secured his throne as the Roman client king of Judea in 37 BC, he recognized the necessity of controlling a volatile city that largely viewed him as an illegitimate ruler. He completely rebuilt and expanded the old Baris into a formidable, state-of-the-art military complex. When completed, it was a massive, strategically vital military citadel situated on a rocky escarpment at the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount. It stood as a towering symbol of military might and imperial control over the sacred heart of Judaism. 5. Herod named the citadel the Antonia Fortress in honor of his Roman patron and friend, the general and triumvir Mark Antony. Because Antony was defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and died shortly after, the fortress was certainly built and named prior to that date. 6. Our primary source for the physical appearance of the fortress is the 1st-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. He recorded that it was built on a steep rock outcropping 50 cubits (23 meters) high, covered with smooth stone slabs to prevent scaling. 7. The citadel was rectangular and featured massive corner towers. Three were 50 cubits (23 meters) high, but the southeastern tower was 70 cubits (32 meters) high. This specific tower offered a direct, unobstructed view down into the courts of the Temple Mount, allowing soldiers to monitor the massive crowds below. 8. Although built as an impregnable fortress, Josephus noted it was designed with the luxury of a palace, containing baths, broad courtyards, and barracks large enough to house a full Roman cohort. Subterranean passages and staircases connected the fortress directly to the northern porticoes of the Temple. Pools of Bethesda 1. The Pools of Bethesda are located just inside the Lions’ Gate, beside the Church of St. Anne, near the traditional beginning of the Via Dolorosa. In Jesus’ day, this area was near the Sheep Gate, where animals connected with Temple sacrifice may have passed, and the pools served as a large water and purification complex. 2. They consist of two pools, a northern and a southern pool. The northern pool was built by King Hezekiah around 700 BC, and the southern pool was built by the Hasmoneans around 150 BC. They were living-water pools near the Temple Mount for purification and as reservoirs. 3. The Gospel of John says that Jesus healed a man there who had been unable to walk for 38 years, and John describes the pool as having five porticoes. For many years, critics thought this detail was strange, but excavations revealed a large pool complex with two basins separated by a central wall, which helps explain the “five porticoes” description. 4. In the time of Jesus, the site had a northern pool used as a reservoir and a southern pool with steps, likely used as a mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath. The pools were famous in Jesus' time and were associated with healing and purification. Pool of Israel 1. The Pool of Israel was once a huge open reservoir located just inside the Old City near the northeastern corner of the Temple Mount, close to today’s Lions’ Gate. It was one of Jerusalem’s largest reservoirs, measuring roughly 110 meters long, 38 meters wide, and about 24 meters deep, and it helped collect and store rainwater for the city and the Temple Mount area. It also likely functioned as a kind of defensive ditch or moat along the vulnerable northern side of the Temple Mount. It existed before the time of Herod the Great, who reigned over Israel (37 - 4 BC), but he refortified it. Struthion Pool 1. It is also called the Sparrow Pool. Probably because it was the smallest of the pools on the northern side of the Temple Mount. 2. Before Hadrian covered it in 135 AD, it was an open-air pool or reservoir. It was connected with the water system north of the Temple Mount and the defensive area of the Antonia Fortress. 3. The pool is described as about 54 meters long and 14 meters wide, with a depth of around 5 meters. It was originally an open-air reservoir, and Josephus refers to the pool called Struthion. 4. Hadrian later installed vaulting over it so his plaza could cover it. 5. The pool itself belongs to the late Second Temple period (515 BC - 70 AD). The covering vaults above it date to Hadrian in 135 AD. So, think of two layers: the Struthion Pool at the lowest level and Hadrian’s second-century Roman city on top of the Struthion Pool. 6. In summary, the pool was from the time of Herod and associated with the Antonia Fortress. Then, Hadrian covered it with two parallel vaults around 135 AD and built the paved plaza above it so it wouldn't be in the way of his plaza and the city's gate entrance. Church of the Holy Sepulchre 1. The church marks the spot of Golgotha, where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose again. The evidence supporting this is overwhelming. 2. It is where the Via Dolorosa ends. Five of the stations of the Via Dolorosa are located inside the church. Herod & Pilate's Palace 1. Herod's Palace Fortress, which later was used by Pontius Pilate, is located on the west side of Jerusalem just south of Jaffa Gate. It was built by Herod and consisted of two palace wings, one to the north and one to the south, with a large plaza garden in the middle. To the far north, it had massive protective towers, and to the far south, barracks for around 500 soldiers. Touring Underneath the Sisters of Sion Convent The Sisters of Sion hase a total of 16 stations or places to see on their tour map. We will follow this route and see the tour's highlights. 1. Descending Down in Time 1. As we descend down the stairs from the Sisters of Sion meeting area, we are traveling back in time. Jerusalem is a city built on a 'layer cake' of its own ruins. Every time the city was destroyed, the next empire built right on top of the rubble of the previous empire. This first lower level is from the time of Hadrian (135 AD). 2. Struthion Pool 1. Struthion is Greek for "sparrow"—likely a nickname because it was considered a smaller pool compared to the other pools in the area and the massive Temple Mount reservoirs. It was originally carved out around 140 BC by the Hasmonean kings and later expanded by King Herod. 2. Its purpose was to catch rainwater and provide drinking water for the Antonia Fortress, a massive Roman military barracks that stood right above it. But here is the catch: In the time of Jesus, this pool was open to the sky. It acted as a massive, open-air defensive moat for the fortress. If Jesus had walked past the Antonia Fortress during His life, He would have seen the Struthion Pool along with the other sites. 3. So, why is it in a dark cave today? Remember Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD? When he wanted to build his new paved marketplace (the forum), he didn't want a giant open pool in the middle. So, his engineers built these beautiful, soaring stone barrel vaults right over our heads. He put a 'roof' on the pool, and then laid his stone plaza directly on top of it. At the far end of the pool, there is a cinderblock wall blocking the water. In 1970, Israeli archaeologists digging the famous Western Wall Tunnels accidentally broke through the rock into the Sisters of Sion side of the pool. That wall was built to divide the Sisters of Sion Convent's private property from the public tunnels. If you take the tunnel tour today, your grand finale is walking along the other half of this exact same body of water. 3. Lithostrotos (Stone Pavement) 1. We have now moved up one layer, standing on the "roof" of the pool. Welcome to the Lithostrotos, a Greek word meaning "The Paved Place." In the Gospel of John (19:13), it states: "When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha)." 2. When early archaeologists discovered these massive, beautiful flagstones in the 1800s, they fell to their knees. They were convinced they had found the exact courtyard of the Antonia Fortress where Jesus stood trial. 3. Take a look at the stones. Notice how massive they are. Notice the rough grooves carved into the rock by Roman stonemasons to keep horses and chariots from slipping on the wet stone. But here is the archaeological truth. Because these paving stones sit atop the vaulted roof Hadrian built over the pool in 135 AD, they cannot be from the time of Jesus. They belong to Hadrian’s 2nd-century Roman forum. 4. Ceiling Over the Lithostrotos Under our feet are these massive stones that were those of Hadrian's large plaza built over the Struthion Pool, but what about the ceiling above us, when was it built? 1. After Hadrian's plaza was built over the Struthion Pool below us, Jerusalem was repeatedly besieged, leveled, and rebuilt by the Byzantines, Persians, Islamic empires, Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans. 2. In ancient cities, it was too difficult to haul away heavy stone rubble. When buildings collapsed, new builders simply smoothed out the debris and built their new streets and homes right on top of the old ones. As a result, the street level of Jerusalem slowly rose by 4 to 6 meters. Hadrian's open-air pavement was buried beneath tons of earth, debris, and the foundations of medieval buildings, completely disappearing from history. 3. In 1857, a French Jewish convert to Catholicism and Jesuit priest named Marie-Alphonse Ratisbonne purchased a tract of ruined land along the Via Dolorosa. His goal was to build a church, an orphanage, and a convent. 4. When Ratisbonne's workers began digging deep into the debris to lay the foundations, they made an incredible discovery: they hit the ancient Roman paving stones of Hadrian's forum. At the time, Ratisbonne and early archaeologists mistakenly believed these stones were the biblical Gabbatha—the courtyard of the Antonia Fortress where Jesus was condemned by Pontius Pilate. (Modern archaeology in the 1970s conclusively proved this pavement actually belonged to Hadrian's 135 AD forum, but the spiritual tradition remains). 5. Believing he had found one of the holiest sites in Christianity, Ratisbonne ordered his architects to preserve the pavement exactly where it lay. However, he still needed to build a massive complex atop it. 6. To protect the Roman pavement without destroying it, between 1858 and 1868, the builders constructed heavy stone pillars and a series of sturdy, arched stone vaults directly over the ancient plaza. 7. This new roof served a dual purpose: it created a protective subterranean crypt to showcase the Roman pavement, and it served as the heavy foundational floor to hold up the massive Convent of the Sisters of Zion and the Basilica of the Ecce Homo, which still sit above it today. 5. The "Game of the King" 1. On the floor is the 'Game of the King," also known as "Nine Men's Morris." The gameboard is etched with several large stones in this area. There is also the faint circle radiating like a king's crown right beside it. Interestingly, this game is still played today. 2. This is one of the most chilling artifacts in Jerusalem. This is a game board, carved by bored Roman soldiers while on guard duty. It is called the Game of the King. Roman soldiers played this with knuckle-bone dice. The winner was allowed to choose a condemned prisoner as the mock "King." They would dress the terrified prisoner in a fake royal robe, put a makeshift crown on his head, give him mock orders, beat him, and at the end of the festival, execute him. Do you see the connection to this game and what was done to Jesus? 3. Even though these specific etchings date to a century after Christ, they were carved by the exact same type of Roman legionaries who occupied the Antonia Fortress. The Gospels tell us that Roman soldiers stripped Jesus, put a scarlet robe on Him, twisted together a crown of thorns, struck Him, and mocked Him, yelling, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 4. When you look at this game board, the mockery of Jesus is no longer just a story on a page. You are looking at the exact cultural and psychological reality of the Roman military machine that crucified Him. 6. Murial of Jesus and His Cross 1. Here we see Jesus carrying His cross. It provides a visual aid to help us realize what Jesus did for us all. He willingly went to the cross to die for our sins, rise from the dead, and give us eternal life in paradise with Him. 2. Even though Jesus did not walk at this level of ancient Jerusalem, some of the things under this floor were here when He was here. Was the Antonia Fortress Where Jesus was Tried? 1. Some believe Jesus appeared before Pilate here and was condemned to death by crucifixion. Others believe that Pilate’s Headquarters, also called Pilate’s Palace or Praetorium, was the place Christ appeared before Pilate. 2. If the stones of the Lithostrotos are from a century later, we have to ask: Where was the actual trial of Jesus? Where was Pilate's Praetorium? 3. For centuries, pilgrims assumed Pilate stayed right here at the Antonia Fortress, which is why the Via Dolorosa starts at the Antonia Fortress today. However, Roman history tells us a different story. Pontius Pilate usually lived in luxury on the Mediterranean coast in Caesarea. When he came to Jerusalem for Passover, he did not sleep in a sweaty, cramped military barracks with the common soldiers. 4. Historical records from ancient writers like Flavius Josephus and Philo indicate that Roman governors like Pilate did not stay in the cramped Antonia Fortress when visiting Jerusalem. They stayed in the most luxurious location in the city: Herod's Palace (on the western side of the city, near the modern Jaffa Gate/Tower of David). 5. So why do we walk the Via Dolorosa here, on the east side? Because faith and tradition are powerful. During the Crusades and medieval periods, the ruins of Herod's palace were repurposed, and pilgrim routes shifted in response to safety and church locations. The Franciscans finalized this route in the Middle Ages. The Via Dolorosa is a spiritual journey—a physical meditation on the Passion of Christ—not an exact GPS map. Was the Present-Day Temple Mount Once the Antonia Fortress? 1. Some believe that the Antonia Fortress encompassed all the current Temple Mount and that the original Temple Mount was in the City of David. However, Scripture clearly states that at the dedication of the temple that Solomon built, in 2 Chronicles 5, the Ark of the Covenant was brought “out of the City of David” to the temple. “Then Solomon assembled to Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the City of David , which is Zion” (2 Chron. 5:2). 2. If the Ark was brought out of the City of David to the temple, then the temple couldn't have been in the City of David. There is also overwhelming historical and archaeological evidence, as well as the writings of the famous Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, that contradict the belief that the Antonia Fortress encompassed the entire Temple Mount. This Area Around the Sisters of Sion in the Bible 1. The possibility that Jesus was tried in or by the Antonia Fortress, John 19:16. If this is the place, then it was here that Christ was condemned to crucifixion and was led away to Golgotha. This is a monumental event in God's plan of redemption for humanity. John 19:16: “Finally, Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So, the soldiers took Jesus away.” 2. The Apostle Paul addresses a large crowd, Acts 21:31–40. After Paul was falsely accused of bringing Gentiles into the temple, an angry mob seized him, dragged him out, and tried to kill him. Roman soldiers from the Antonia Fortress quickly came down, rescued Paul, and carried him up the stairs into the barracks because of the crowd’s violence. As he was being taken inside, Paul asked permission to speak, and from the fortress stairs he addressed the mob in Hebrew. 3. Jesus healed a sick man at the Pools of Bethesda, John 5:1-17. While in Jerusalem for a Jewish feast, Jesus visited the Pool of Bethesda near the Sheep Gate, where many sick and disabled people waited for healing. There He saw a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years and asked if he wanted to be made well. Jesus then commanded him, “Get up, pick up your mat and walk,” and the man was immediately healed. Because this happened on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders opposed Jesus, but He answered that His Father was still working, and He too was working. Faith Lesson from the area by the Sisters of Sion 1. Jesus willingly chose to suffer a horrific death to pay for our sins. What about us? Are we grateful for what Christ has done for us? Have we repented of our sins and placed our trust in Christ for salvation? Are we right before the Lord and walking in obedience to Him? 2. Paul suffered at the Antonia Fortress for his faith. Are we willing to boldly proclaim our faith and suffer as a result if necessary? Paul shared his testimony often. Do we have our testimony memorized, and do we share it when talking to others about God? 3. The sick man whom Christ healed apparently was sick because of some sin in his life. What about us? Are we in danger of God's discipline in our lives because of sin we are clinging to? The sick man showed extreme perseverance in going to the Pool of Bethesda for 38 long years. Are we persistent in seeking the Lord, or do we give up easily?

If you want an in-depth Bible-centered trip and see more holy sites in Israel than other tours, then this trip is designed for you. Holy Land Trips Final Payment Secure Payment Link Holy Land Trip Final Payment To complete your final deposit payment, please send your payment of $1,650 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to your total amount due to fees charged by the credit card and PayPal providers. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. $1,650.00 Final Payment Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by check, please send your check to the following address: Holy Land Site (Make checks payable to: Holy Land Site) 6945 Burnett St., SE Salem, OR, 97317-5202 (Using regular mail is preferred as there's not always someone available to sign for certified mail).

The site has 26 burial niches and two adjoining burial caves. According to medieval Jewish tradition, the tombs are those of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. Mount of Olives, Kidron Valley, Jerusalem. Tombs of the Prophets Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tombs of the Prophets Introduction This site, situated on the Mount of Olives, claims to be the burial place of the last three prophets of the Old Testament. It's pretty remarkable to explore the cave complex and see its tombs, along with nearly 50 other tombs. 1. This underground burial site is traditionally believed to be the resting place of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. 2. Visitors can walk through its central hall and narrow passageways lined with around 50 burial rock-cut tombs. 3. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are the last books of the Old Testament. 4. According to historical records, artifacts, inscriptions, and Jewish tradition, the tombs are believed to be those of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. 5. We're going to be going down into the cave complex and see the tombs Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, along with around 50 other tombs. It will be extremely special. Location 1. The Tombs of the Prophets are located at the top of the Mount of Olives at the beginning of the Triumphal Entry descent. 2. Just above it is a popular viewing terrace of Old City Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. The site has 50 burial niches and two adjoining burial caves. 2. According to books, artifacts, inscriptions, and Jewish tradition, the tombs are those of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. 3. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are the last books of the Old Testament. 4. Both Jews and Christians venerate the site as the tombs of these prophets. 5. Inscriptions indicate that the site was also used for the burial of Christians in the Byzantine period. 6. The property is currently owned and operated by the Russian Orthodox Church. Places of Interest 1. The Tombs of the Prophets 2. Mount of Olives 3. Viewing Terrace Above the Tombs 4. Triumphal Entry Path 5. Old City Jerusalem The Role of the Prophets in the Bible 1. A prophet was someone called by God to communicate a needed message to God’s people or surrounding nations. 2. Prophets were also called seers because God gave them a special ability to foretell the future. 1 Samuel 9:9: Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he used to say, “Come, and let us go to the seer”; for he who is called a prophet now was formerly called a seer. 3. The prophet had two roles: (1) to speak forth God’s truth, and (2) to predict the future. 4. A prophet was to deliver God’s message accurately and responsibly, and if they didn’t, they were held accountable. Ezekiel 33:7–9: Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. 9 But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life. 5. A prophet sometimes had a unique appearance like Elijah, John the Baptist, and others. 6. A prophet often led a hard life and was generally rejected by those to whom they spoke. Isaiah 6:8–10: Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and return and be healed.” 7. The prophets came from all kinds of backgrounds, used various methods, and spoke to many different audiences. Faith Lesson from the Role of the Prophets 1. Today, we are called to be small “p” prophets who speak God’s Word to those around us like the prophets of old did. 2. Like the Old Testament prophets, those to whom we are called to speak often reject and persecute us. 3. And like the Old Testament prophets, our lives can be difficult, lonely, and hard for standing up for the truth. 4. We must know God's Word well in order to share it accurately (2 Tim. 2:15). 5. We are called to speak the truth in love, but nonetheless, we must speak the truth regardless of how others might receive it.

Christ's Miracle of the Feeding of the 5,000 is an amazing event. See where it happened, where Christ walked on water, calmed the storm, and taught His disciples. Tiberias, Mount Arbel, Magdala, Ginasor, Gennesaret, Tabhga, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Gamla, Kirsi, Feeding the 5,000, Yardenit, and more. Feeding the 5,000 Photo Gallery Places of Interest Feeding the 5,000 Introduction Welcome to the believed location where Jesus Fed 5,000 people. This is a major event from the Bible that took place here. Here are the highlights. 1. This was an amazing miracle where Jesus miraculously fed a huge multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. 2. Scripture says there were 5,000 men, not counting women and children. This means there could have easily been 15,000 to 20,000 people present. 3. He had them sit on the grass in groups of 50. This shows how this location could accommodate a large multitude. 4. We'll explain why we believe this is the best location for this astounding miracle. Location 1. The traditional site of this miracle is at Tabgha, located on the northwestern side of the Sea of Galilee. 2. However, this miracle most likely occurred on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a short distance south of Bethsaida. 3. Scripture says Jesus and His disciples were headed to Bethsaida, a desolate or deserted place (Mark 6:31; Luke 9:10). Tabgha is in a very populated area and on the opposite side of the sea from Bethsaida. 4. The large population area was from Tiberias to Capernaum (the northwestern side). The deserted area was on the northeastern and eastern sides of the sea. 5. Bethsaida was a small fishing village and was about the only town on the northeastern side of the sea. 6. Immediately after feeding the 5,000, Jesus ordered His disciples to cross over to the other side of the sea (Matt. 14:22). Scripture says He first sent them to Bethsaida; then they were headed to Capernaum, and they finally wound up at Gennessaret (Ginosar). 7. A strong storm arose while the disciples were crossing over to the other side. Jesus walked on water (Peter also attempted to), and Jesus calmed the storm. 8. The storm seems to have changed the course of their destination, as Scripture says that they ended up arriving in the area of Gennesaret (Matt. 14:34–36). 9. Gennesaret is located on the northwestern side of the sea, the area where most of the population resides. 10. Gennesaret is less than 2 miles (3 km) south of Tabgha. If the miracle happened at Tabgha, going from Tabgha to Gennesaret wouldn’t have crossed over the other side of the sea, as both towns are nearby. 11. After Christ arrived at Gennesaret, many heard he had arrived, and a large multitude gathered for healing. If Christ had just been in the area of Tabgha, it wouldn't make sense that a large crowd would gather again right after Christ had just been there. 12. From the location of the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples headed toward Bethsaida and Capernaum (Mark 6:45; John 6:16–17). Therefore, they had to be south of Bethsaida enough to travel in that direction by boat. 13. For these reasons, we believe the best biblical location for the feeding of the multitude is just south of Bethsaida in this open, flat area. It seems to fit the text and the geography of the land best. Historical Background 1. This miracle happened just after Jesus had sent out the 12 disciples to preach and heal throughout Israel (Luke 9:1–9). 2. You would think that after being used so mightily by God, the disciples would have had more faith. 3. It also took place just after the death of John the Baptist (Matt. 14:1–12). 4. Jesus and His disciples were headed to the remote area of Bethsaida to rest after the long ministry period they had just finished (being sent out two by two, preaching and healing). Luke 9:10–11: On their return, the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida . Mark 6:30–32: The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 5. However, instead of resting, a huge ministry opportunity awaited them. Mark 6:33–34: Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. 6. Scripture mentions that 5,000 were fed, not including women and children. This means there could easily have been 15,000 people or more present. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. Bethsaida 2. Tabgha 3. Gennesaret 4. Tiberias 5. Feeding of the 5,000 location. 6. Likely place they arrived and departed with their boat. 7. Mountain upon which Jesus prayed after the feeding of the 5,000. 8. Desolate side of the Sea of Galilee. 9. Populated side of the Sea of Galilee. 10. Sea of Galilee Feeding the 5,000 in the Bible 1. Feeding the multitude Luke 9:10–11: On their return, the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Luke 9:12–17: Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, "Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place." 13 But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. 2. Interestingly, there were twelve baskets. This was no accident, as there were 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles. 3. This miracle is similar to what Elisha did in the Old Testament. 2 Kings 4:42-44: A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” 43 But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” 44 So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord. 4. After feeding the multitude, the people try to force Jesus to be their king. John 6:15: Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king , Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. 5. Jesus went up on a mountain to pray. Matthew 14:23: And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray . When evening came, he was there alone. 6. Jesus sent His disciples to the other side of the sea. Matthew 14:22: Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. Mark 6:45: Immediately, he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida , while he dismissed the crowd. John 6:16–17: When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum . The summary of these verses indicates that they were headed west to the other side of the sea. 7. Jesus sends a strong storm. Matthew 14:24: But the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. Mark 6:48: And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. John 6:17–18: It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 8. Jesus comes to the disciples, walking on the sea. Matthew 14:25: And in the fourth watch of the night [3:00–6:00 am] he came to them, walking on the sea. John 6:19: When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat. 9. The disciples become terrified. Matthew 14:26: But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified , and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear . 10. The emotional state of the disciples: They were already exhausted from their ministry of being sent out two by two. They had a long day of ministry. They rowed all night in a state of panic and desperation. They missed a night of sleep. It was still dark, so it was probably around 4:00 am. They feared for their lives. They were alone. It was dark. They were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on the sea. 11. Jesus speaks to the disciples. Matthew 14:27: But immediately Jesus spoke to them , saying, "Take heart; it is I [I AM, in Greek]. Do not be afraid." 12. Peter walks on the water for a moment. Matthew 14:28–31: And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come. "So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" 13. Jesus calms the storm. Mark 6:52: And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased . And they were utterly astounded. 14. The disciples worship Jesus as Lord and Messiah. Matthew 14:32–33: And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him , saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." This miracle was a major turning point in the disciples' lives. The deity of Jesus was now deeply embedded in their hearts and lives, and they would never be the same. 15. Jesus and the disciples miraculously arrive at the other side of the sea at Gennesaret. Matthew 14:34: And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret . John 6:21: Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. 16. After already being exhausted and missing a night's sleep, they had more ministry awaiting them. Matthew 14:35–36: And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Faith Lesson from Feeding the 5,000 1. The disciples should have had more faith after God used them mightily to preach and heal many people. What about us? Do we lack faith after seeing all God has done for us and others? 2. The crowd later approached Jesus to make Him King. However, Jesus rebuked them because they were just seeking what He could do for them and weren’t interested in true discipleship. Do we tend only to want God’s blessings but no discipleship, sacrifice, suffering, or persecution? 3. Like the crowd Jesus fed, today, many people come to God for help and want to be fixed up. However, they don’t want Christ to be the Lord of their lives. Do we embrace the lordship of Christ, or do we just want our problems solved and then continue living as we please? 4. God also cares for our spiritual needs and likens Himself to spiritual bread. Are you laboring for the bread that endures to eternal life, or are you more focused on temporary things that will soon fade away? 5. Are we feeding our souls daily with God’s Word and the Bread of Life? John 6:35: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never become hungry, and the one who believes in me will never become thirsty.” Matthew 4:4: It is written, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

Masada was used by David, Herod the Great fortified it. Then see the sober reality of how 967 Jewish Zealots chose to commit suicide rather than surrender to the Romans in 73 AD. On May 3, 74 AD, after 7 months or so of long battled weariness, the Romans entered the top of Masada and stood in awe-stricken silence as they beheld the mass suicide of the Jews before them. The Zealots chose to die by suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans to be abused or killed. Masada Photo Gallery Places of Interest Masada Introduction Welcome to Masada. Many events from the Bible and history took place here. Here are some of the highlights. 1. After a confrontation between King Saul and David close to En Gedi, David likely hid out on top of Masada afterward. 2. Masada was one of three fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and to protect his territories. He built Masada in about 24 BC. 3. In 73 AD, a total of 967 Jews, counting their families, had assembled at Masada. They were under the command of Eleazar Ben-Yair, a Jewish Zealot Freedom Fighter. 4. In 73 AD, the 10th Roman Army Legion, totaling around 8 ,000 soldiers and 6,000 Jewish slaves under a commander named Silva, arrived at the base of Masada. 5. Masada was the last stronghold of the Israelites, and the Romans amassed their troops there in the fall of 73 AD. 6. It would be here that this Jewish community chose to commit mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. 7. It's a tragic story we'll see as we explore this site. Location 1. Masada is located at the Dead Sea's southern end, about 40 miles (64 km) southeast of Jerusalem. 2. It's a natural flat mountain that rises from the valley floor some 1,000 ft. (305 m). It's like a huge column with sheer cliffs on every side, making it virtually unreachable. 3. Many believe ancient Gomorrah lies at the base of Masada, and ancient Sodom is about 14 miles (23 km) south of Masada. 4. The base of Masada is in a desert region, about 1,000 ft. (305 m.) below sea level. 5. The word Masada means fortress. Historical Background 1. Masada is a natural fortress most likely used throughout the area's history. 2. David likely used it when fleeing from King Saul. 3. Masada first became a Jewish fortress under the Hasmoneans around 150–76 BC. 4. Later, King Herod upgraded Masada’s defenses (37–31 BC. 5. Masada was one of three fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and to protect his territories. It had double walls 20 feet (6 m) high surrounding the edge, with many lookout and defensive towers along the walls. 6. Masada was fortified with elaborate water cisterns fed by diverting water from the nearby mountains. It even had swimming pools and many of the luxuries of the time. 7. Besides ample water storage, Masada had 15 food storehouses for 10,000 people for 10 years. 8. In 66 BC, events began to unfold in Israel that caused the Jews to rebel against Roman rule. This revolt began in Caesarea Maritima. 9. In 66-70 AD, when the nation was in revolt, Jewish Zealots and a group called the Sicarii fled from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas and took the fortress of Masada from Roman occupation. They were national Freedom Fighters who opposed Roman rule. In their conquest, they gained possession of all the food and water stored in Masada. 10. Between 66 and 70 AD, Rome conquered all the northern cities of Israel. 11. In 70 AD, under the command of Titus, the Romans totally destroyed Jerusalem in a bloody battle that lasted well over 4 months. Josephus (Jewish Historian) claims that 1.1 million Jews lost their lives in this battle, and another 97,000 were captured and enslaved. The siege also leveled the temple. 12. In 73 AD, a total of 967 Jews, counting their families, had assembled at Masada. They were under the command of Eleazar Ben-Yair, a Jewish Zealot Freedom Fighter. 13. After conquering Jerusalem and most of Israel, the Romans headed south to conquer the southern strongholds around the Dead Sea region and Masada. 14. Masada was the last Israelite stronghold that existed in the land, and the Romans amassed their troops there in the fall of 73 AD. 15. We'll tell the rest of the story as we walk and see this site. Places of Interest 1. Model of Masada Cable car access up to the top. Snake path access up to the top. Roman forts and walls. Roman fort headquarters. Siege Ramp Southern Palace Northern Palace Synogogue Lot Casting Room Bathhouse Storerooms (enough food for 10,000 people for 10 years) 2. Tram to the top of Masada Rise of around 1000 ft (300 m). 3. View from the tram ramp below. Roman Forts Roman Walls Gomorrah Dead Sea 4. Herod's Southern Palace 5. Byzantine Church 6. Roman Siege Ramp ~ Fall of Masada In 66 BC, events in Israel began to unfold, leading the Jews to rebel against Roman rule. This revolt began in Caesarea Maritima. In 66-70 AD, during the revolt, Jewish Zealots and a group called the Sicarii fled from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas and took the fortress of Masada from Roman occupation. They were national Freedom Fighters who opposed Roman rule. In their conquest, they gained possession of all the food and water stored in Masada. Between 66 and 70 AD, Rome conquered all the northern cities of Israel. In 70 AD, under the command of Titus, the Romans totally destroyed Jerusalem in a bloody battle that lasted well over 4 months. Josephus (Jewish Historian) claims that 1.1 million Jews lost their lives in this battle, and another 97,000 were captured and enslaved. The siege also leveled the temple. In 73 AD, a total of 967 Jews, counting their families, had assembled at Masada. They were under the command of Eleazar Ben-Yair, a Jewish Zealot Freedom Fighter. After conquering Jerusalem and most of Israel, the Romans headed south to conquer the southern strongholds around the Dead Sea region and Masada. Masada was the last Israelite stronghold in the land, and the Romans amassed troops there in the fall of 73 AD. In 73 AD, the 10th Roman Army Legion, totaling around 8 ,000 soldiers and 6,000 Jewish slaves under a commander named Silva, arrived at the base of Masada. This Roman legion first built a wall around the base of Masada, much of it using Jewish slave labor. Next, they built eight camps around the mountain's base. The remains of most of these camps are still visible today. Silva set up his headquarters at the northwest camp. After several months of unsuccessful engagement with the Jewish Zealots atop Masada, the Romans decided to build a massive siege ramp out of dirt on the west side of Masada, using Israelite slave labor to help in the process. As the siege ramp grew closer to the top of Masada, the Romans primarily used Jewish slave labor so that their fellow Jews on Masada wouldn’t shoot arrows and throw spears at their countrymen. After several months of building the siege ramp, the Romans finally reached the top of Masada and severely damaged the exterior wall. When the Jewish Zealots realized they were in grave danger of being conquered, they built another interior wall inside the exterior wall using wood beams from many of their buildings. They layered the beams with earth in between to fortify the new wall. The Romans set this inner wall on fire and were poised to enter. However, this happened late at night, so the Romans decided to wait until the next morning to attack. Realizing the Jews would be conquered the next morning, Eleazar Ben-Yair, the commander of the Zealots, gave an impassioned speech about how God had not created them to be slaves and about what would happen to them if they surrendered to the Romans. We'll pick up the story at the synagogue, where it's believed the men met to discuss the matter. 7. Synagogue ~ Passionate Speech by Eleazar Ben-Yair Realizing the Jews would be conquered the next morning, Eleazar Ben-Yair, the commander of the Zealots, gave an impassioned speech about how God had not created them to be slaves and about what would happen to them if they surrendered to the Romans. This is what he proposed: The Romans are angry after the long battle and will kill most of us by torture. Those who are not killed will be mistreated and forced to be slaves. Our women will be raped before our eyes and violated, and our children will be tortured and forced to be slaves as well. The only option we have as free people is to take our own lives. In the synagogue, the men gathered for a special meeting and drew lots, picking out ten courageous men who knew about killing and understood how to die. Then, every father went home and killed their wives and children. Then, all the men gathered again together, and 10 of these men in the group killed the remaining men. Then one man killed the other 9, and then the last man killed himself. We'll end the story at the Casting of the Lots Room. 8. Viewing Area atop the Bathhouse 9. Casting of the Lots Room ~ Final Account of the Mass Suicide At the synagogue we just visited. Eleazar Ben-Yair, the commander of the Zealots, realizing the Jews would be conquered the next morning, gave an impassioned speech about how God had not created them to be slaves and about what would happen to them if they surrendered to the Romans. This is what he proposed: The Romans are angry after the long battle and will kill most of us by torture. Those who are not killed will be mistreated and forced to be slaves. Our women will be raped before our eyes and violated, and our children will be tortured and forced to be slaves as well. The only option we have as free people is to take our own lives. In the synagogue, the men gathered for a special meeting and drew lots, picking out ten courageous men who knew about killing and understood how to die. Then, every father went home and killed their wives and children. Then, all the men gathered again together, and 10 of these men in the group killed the remaining men. Then one man killed the other 9, and then the last man killed himself. The Jewish Zealots destroyed everything but the food supply to ensure the Romans knew they hadn’t run out of supplies. They had chosen death over Roman enslavement. On May 3, 74 AD, after 7 months or so of long, battle-weary siege, the Romans entered the top of Masada and stood in awe-stricken silence as they beheld the mass suicide of the Jews before them. The Zealots chose to die by suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans, to be abused or killed. The Jewish historian Josephus says 960 men, women, and children died at Masada. Only two women and five children, who hid in a subterranean cavern, survived to tell the story. 10. Northern Palaces 11. Store Rooms 12. Herod Bath House Masada in the Bible 1. After a confrontation between King Saul and David close to En Gedi, David likely hid out on top of Masada afterward. 1 Samuel 24:22: And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold [fortress]. 2. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Christ foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. This destruction occurred between 66 and 70 AD. 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 . 3. Zechariah prophesied about Jerusalem’s destruction as well. Zechariah 14:1–2: Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Faith Lesson from Masada 1. While we don’t endorse or believe the Jewish Zealots should have committed suicide, as it’s only God’s place to take a person’s life, we do understand these Zealots' decision. 2. While some of the Zealots may have believed in Christ and were devoted servants to God, the Jewish nation as a whole and its leaders had largely rejected Christ as their Messiah. As a result, Christ spoke judgment upon the nation in Luke 19:41–44. 3. Almost every instance in which a country falls is due mainly to the decisions of its leaders. 4. The sad reality is that the righteous always suffer at the hands of the wicked. 5. Today, it’s the same; while there may be many righteous people in a country, God will still judge it because of the sinful and immoral decisions its leaders and the majority of the people make. 6. Israel didn’t return to being a nation until 1948, and this was due to God’s sovereign plan for them. God prophesied that He would bring them back again, and it’s a miracle that after almost 2,000 years, this has been fulfilled. This is unheard of in the history of any civilization. 7. However, the price Israel paid for their rejection of Christ cost them dearly and should be a warning to us today as well.