The wonderful weather we enjoyed today betrayed the pain and anguish Jesus suffered long ago as he made his way into Jerusalem. From the Mount of Olives, looking across the Kidron Valley, Jerusalem lay before him and his disciples. As we retraced his steps along the Palm Sunday road, we enter the Garden of Gesthemene and view the rock where Jesus prayed the night of his betrayal. Later in the day, we view the dungeon where Jesus was jailed the night before his sentencing. . .and contemplate as well Peter's denial three times over.
We visit King David's tomb, the many graves of Jewish families on the Mount of Olives, facing toward the Temple Mount and awaiting the "end of days" when the Messiah arrives and gathers up the souls of his people.
We hear Arabic music coming from lower Jerusalem, appearing to celebrate a significant day in some young Arab's life.
We pass by a Christian cemetery where the remains of Oskar Schindler are at rest, he who saved over 200 Jewish men, women and children from the Holocaust.
This is Holy Land to many faiths, who have a shared history both good and bad, and who still work to find a lasting and peaceful middle ground.
. . .but you can't feel anything but hopeful walking in Jesus' steps today, and reflecting on his sacrifice for all.
John Smith
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