Golgotha

Golgotha and the Garden Tomb
There are 2 different options about the location of the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. The famous Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been built on one site, destroyed and rebuilt and changed over the years. Many Catholic denominations share this church. There is a large stone in one of the rooms that people believe was the stone where Jesus body lay to be anointed after his death, and worshipers come here especially to touch it and even wipe articles of clothing on it thinking that this will bless them. The tomb where Christ was thought by some to be laid was also in this building, and there was a long line up of people from every tongue and nation waiting to patiently to behold it. Nearby, in what is called the garden tomb, is a long rocky ridge which is thought by others to be the location of Golgotha (place of the skull) It does look like a skull and you can make out the eyes and mouth. Apparently a couple of hundred years ago this was much more evident. An ancient road runs along this rock and it is easy to imagine that people passing by the cross on this road could see Christ and mock him.   A  tomb hewn in the rock is nearby. So this is also believed by some to be the site of the crucifixion and burial of Christ. It was possible to go into the tomb, and even if it was not the exact location, it certainly was in the area. Again, a very moving experience. We as a group (all 24 of us) celebrated communion in a small chapel in the garden which was an experience we will never forget. A very fitting way to end our 10 day tour. The many memories of this visit will stay with us all, I am sure!

Tunnel that is part of the 18th century BC water system running deep under Jerusalem
Pool of Siloam: built in 5h century BC at the site where Jesus healed the blind man

walking along the via dolorosa, following the footsteps of Jesus to the cross




The stone thought by some to be the stone Jesus body lay on to be anointed with spices after his death
date honey: land of "milk and honey" probably referred to honey made from dates


Painting of street in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus
juice bar in the ancient "city of David" : part of Jerusalem
Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem. Not clean
Guide at the Garden tomb showing picture of the "place of the skull"
inside the tomb that was very much like the one in which Jesus lay

The tomb is empty!!! Resurrection is true!

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