Thursday, November 8, 2007
Today, we truly did walk where Jesus Christ walked, as he travelled the road between the house of Caiaphas, High Priest and head of the Sanhedrin and the Roman fortress where Pontius Pilate served. But first, we visited the Temple Mount, the site of the Temple that was built and rebuilt several times, and is now where the Dome of the Rock is built. The only part left of this impressive Jewish Temple is a very small section of the Western Wall, where Jews visit and worship and pray for the Messiah to come. Because it was Thursday, we were able to witness several groups performing Bar Mitzvahs. The women are separated from the men by a wall, but many women stood on chairs so that they could look over the wall in order (I assume) to watch their young son/brother/relative go through the Bar Mitzvah. The men of our group, however, were able to enter the mens section as long as they had their head covered. Paper yamulkas were even provided for those who did not have a hat. From the Temple Mount, we headed over to the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Easterm Studies. As we entered this beautiful structure, I was immediately enveloped by the spirit that permeates this special building. It was designed to allow as much light in as possible, and it's massive windows allow incredible views of the old city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. I was very affected by this building, in fact I was weeping through the introductory DVD! Am I a boob, or what? There is such a feeling of peace and serenity, due to the archtectural design and a unique waterfall within the main stairway of the building. The soothing sounds of the water can be heard throughout much of the building. We were treated to a demonstration of the Center's Organ, by a very talented Bro. Golbraith (sp?) and then we were allowed to walk in the well kept gardens, which feature many native plants. The garden contains several olive trees, which the students harvest and press on ancient olive presses. After leaving the Center and having lunch at an Armanian restaurant in the old city, we walked to the traditional site of the last supper. Once again, President Kimball has indicated that he feels this is the correct spot, and that is good enough for me. We talked at this time of how Christ washed the feet of his apostles and we also talked about the failings of Peter (when he denied Christ three times) and Judas. Bro. McKay reminded us that despite their failings, Christ still loved them, and so it is with each of us. There are so many times I have failed to do (or not do) what I should have and we all have regrets for our actions/inactions. The example of Christ kissing Judas and loving Peter all show that Christ knows our hearts and our regrets and gives us a chance to make it right--he forgives us when we bring to him our broken heart. It was at this time that we walked over the the house of Caiaphas, and then walked the road that Jesus Christ would have walked many times before, and for the last time on the day of his trial, scourging and subsequent crucifixion.
Today, we truly did walk where Jesus Christ walked, as he travelled the road between the house of Caiaphas, High Priest and head of the Sanhedrin and the Roman fortress where Pontius Pilate served. But first, we visited the Temple Mount, the site of the Temple that was built and rebuilt several times, and is now where the Dome of the Rock is built. The only part left of this impressive Jewish Temple is a very small section of the Western Wall, where Jews visit and worship and pray for the Messiah to come. Because it was Thursday, we were able to witness several groups performing Bar Mitzvahs. The women are separated from the men by a wall, but many women stood on chairs so that they could look over the wall in order (I assume) to watch their young son/brother/relative go through the Bar Mitzvah. The men of our group, however, were able to enter the mens section as long as they had their head covered. Paper yamulkas were even provided for those who did not have a hat. From the Temple Mount, we headed over to the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Easterm Studies. As we entered this beautiful structure, I was immediately enveloped by the spirit that permeates this special building. It was designed to allow as much light in as possible, and it's massive windows allow incredible views of the old city of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. I was very affected by this building, in fact I was weeping through the introductory DVD! Am I a boob, or what? There is such a feeling of peace and serenity, due to the archtectural design and a unique waterfall within the main stairway of the building. The soothing sounds of the water can be heard throughout much of the building. We were treated to a demonstration of the Center's Organ, by a very talented Bro. Golbraith (sp?) and then we were allowed to walk in the well kept gardens, which feature many native plants. The garden contains several olive trees, which the students harvest and press on ancient olive presses. After leaving the Center and having lunch at an Armanian restaurant in the old city, we walked to the traditional site of the last supper. Once again, President Kimball has indicated that he feels this is the correct spot, and that is good enough for me. We talked at this time of how Christ washed the feet of his apostles and we also talked about the failings of Peter (when he denied Christ three times) and Judas. Bro. McKay reminded us that despite their failings, Christ still loved them, and so it is with each of us. There are so many times I have failed to do (or not do) what I should have and we all have regrets for our actions/inactions. The example of Christ kissing Judas and loving Peter all show that Christ knows our hearts and our regrets and gives us a chance to make it right--he forgives us when we bring to him our broken heart. It was at this time that we walked over the the house of Caiaphas, and then walked the road that Jesus Christ would have walked many times before, and for the last time on the day of his trial, scourging and subsequent crucifixion.
No comments:
Post a Comment