March 22, 2011

March 22, 2011

Ok, so I didn’t blog on the actual date. I was tired. (Smile) But the day was really interesting. We walked the Via Dolorosa, the road Jesus walked from Pilate’s house to Golgotha where he was crucified. The question was asked “Who killed Jesus?” It was not the Jews, or the Romans, he voluntarily went to his death on the cross for ALL of us. He was and is the Servant King who gave his life for all people. Walking the along the stone street your senses are accosted by all the noise, clutter of shops lining the way and the mass of people. Especially during the call to prayers by our Muslem brothers and sisters. It is however, not difficult to feel Jesus’ presence and glory within the stones and people. One can only imagine the pain and suffering the human Christ was feeling as he traversed past the jeering crowds of people who only days before had cheered him as he entered Jerusalem. The Divine Christ was filled with love for us and his Father even unto his physical end. He walked the stones of trouble, fear, confusion and sin for us, so that we would be spared death to sin.



Randy Hurley looking for
Kari in the crowd



There are so many marvelous shops along the modern Via Dolorosa. As a shopper it is possible to find most anything you wish. This includes by is not limited to hanging goats and chickens, next to a jewelry shop. For the most part the shop keepers are happy to talk with you, being good salesmen as they are. (I should know). I shook hands with many of them simply to acknowledge them and say hello. Some of the expressions of surprise were fun to see.

If you want a fast paced shopping trip, hitch a ride with Baerbel McNally, Janet Bardahl, Rose Mahlum (Wally too for directions), Lorraine Michaels and the other wonderful ladies who helped me find the gift I wanted to purchase for my bride, Julie. Thanks ladies.

The Mount of Olives. Again, Jesus presence is strong and comforting in this place where He prayed often, within in view of the Temple. This quite peaceful place must have been a haven for Christ’s silent prayers. The Old City spreads out in front of us as we look toward the Temple Mount. From the Mt of Olives we walked, (like mountain goats) down the Palm Sunday road to the Garden of Gethsemane. The road itself is steep to descend, and steeped in the celebration of Jesus triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It was a difficult walk, but well worth the effort.

The Garden of Gethsemane is located at the bottom of the Mt of Olives. The garden we visited was beautiful, with olive trees, another view of the Temple Mount and the Golden Gate which is the gate Jesus passed through on Palm Sunday. The gate is now walled off centuries by non-Christian people in the belief that if the gate were closed, Jesus could not return to Jerusalem. As Christians we know that Jesus never left us, He is around us always in His spirit and His works through people.

Mark