Journey to the Holy Land 2014: 2014

Monday, June 30, 2014

Nazareth

Nazareth, the city from which Jesus’s mother came (Luke 1:26) and where Jesus grew up (Matt. 2:23; 13:54; Luke 2:4, 51; 4:16). Nazareth was an insignificant agricultural village nestled in the hills four miles from Sepphoris, the capital of Galilee.

A Hebrew inscription found at Caesarea lists Nazareth as one of the villages in which priestly divisions (cf. Luke 1:8–9) were resident after the Jewish revolt. Some scholars allege that this notice suggests a degree of piety attributed to Nazareth, which has not produced any archaeological remains with pagan symbolism. Indeed, the few remains found include Jewish stone vessels, simple pottery, and perhaps a ritual bath.

Based on rock-cut tombs surrounding the village and scant remains in the center of the modern city around the Church of the Annunciation, it appears that Nazareth could not have had a population of more than five hundred in Jesus’s time. Like most of Galilee, the site was settled by Jews in the second century bce who were preoccupied with farming. Little evidence of houses has been discovered; no roof tiles, frescoes, mosaics, or even plastered floors have been found from the first century, and luxury items are absent. The typical dwelling probably consisted of a small group of rooms around a central courtyard; some people may have made use of caves in the slopes. Thus, Nazareth was by all indications a simple peasant village, and even the rebuilding of nearby Sepphoris by Herod Antipas does not seem to have elevated its socioeconomic level.*

Nazareth —

Jesus spends eighteen years in Nazareth Lk 2:51–52
Jesus spends his childhood in Nazareth Lk 2:40
The people of Nazareth refuse to believe (Matthew, Mark) Mt 13:53–58, Mk 6:1–6
Jesus is rejected at Nazareth (Luke) Lk 4:16–30
Jesus returns from Egypt to Nazareth Mt 2:21–23, Lk 2:39
Gabriel appears to Mary Lk 1:26–38
Caesar decrees a census Lk 2:1–5

Recreation of the Old City of Nazareth

Well

Olive Press

Model of a Synagogue

Modern Day View of Nazareth

*Perkins, Pheme/Reed, Jonathan L. “Nazareth.” Edited by Mark Allan Powell. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated). New York: HarperCollins, 2011.

Capernaum

Capernaum, a town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, about two and a half miles from the mouth of the Jordan River. Capernaum was the center of Jesus’s Galilean ministry (Matt. 4:13). There he healed the son (or servant) of a centurion (Matt. 8:5–13; Luke 7:1–10; cf. John 4:46–54) and engaged in other healing, teaching, and exorcising (Matt. 17:24; Mark 2:1; Luke 4:23, 31; John 2:12; 6:17, 24). In particular, Jesus was active in the synagogue (Mark. 1:21; John 6:59) and in “the house” (perhaps Peter’s; Matt. 8:14–17; Mark 1:29–34; 9:33). In spite of all his work there, however, Jesus apparently felt rejected by the people of Capernaum and cursed the town (Matt. 11:23–24; Luke 10:15).

Identified with the site Tell Hum, Capernaum has been extensively excavated beginning in the late nineteenth century. Excavations by the Franciscans have focused on the two most prominent ruins, those of a white limestone synagogue and those of an octagonal church a few yards to the south. Both date in their latest phase to the fifth century ce, when Christian pilgrims brought wealth to the area. Modern stratigraphic excavations show that the limestone for the fifth century synagogue was quarried and brought from central Galilee to contrast with the local dark basalt stone. Although some earlier walls underneath this structure might be from the first-century synagogue of Jesus’s time, the finds are meager and inconclusive.

In the case of the octagonal church, the excavators distinguished three phases: a first-century BCE house from the beginning of settlement in Capernaum, a fourth-century CE domus-ecclesia, or “house-church,” and finally the fifth century ce church built in concentric octagons centering over one room from the earliest house. Graffiti in several languages dating as early as the second century include what might be Christian phrases (e.g., amen, maria, and petros), and this has led the Franciscans to conclude that the house was indeed “Peter’s House” described in later pilgrim accounts. Whether those responsible for the second-century graffiti and later church construction were correct in attaching the site as Peter’s house is disputed—nevertheless, it is one of the oldest identifiable Christian sites ever discovered.*

Biblical examples of Capernaum —

Jesus moves to Capernaum Mt 4:13–16
Jesus says he is the bread of life Jn 6:22–59
Jesus heals many in Capernaum Mt 8:16–17, Mk 1:32–34, Lk 4:40–41
Jesus teaches about greatness and temptation Mt 18:1–20, Mk 9:33–37, 42–50, Lk 9:46–48, 17:1–2
Jesus prays alone Mk 1:35–38, Lk 4:42–43
Disciples desert Jesus Jn 6:60–71
Jesus calls Matthew Mt 9:9, Mk 2:13–14, Lk 5:27–28
Jesus stays in Capernaum Jn 2:12
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law Mt 8:14–15, Mk 1:29–31, Lk 4:38–39
Jesus heals a centurion’s servant Mt 8:5–13, Lk 7:1–10
Jesus heals a paralyzed man Mt 9:1–8, Mk 2:1–12, Lk 5:17–26
Jesus teaches about forgiveness Mt 18:21–35, Lk 17:3–4
Jesus teaches with authority in Capernaum Mk 1:21–28, Lk 4:31–37
Jesus defends his disciples for not fasting Mt 9:14–17, Mk 2:18–22, Lk 5:33–39
Jesus eats at Matthew’s house Mt 9:10–13, Mk 2:15–17, Lk 5:29–32
Jesus heals an official’s son Jn 4:46–54
Peter finds a coin in a fish’s mouth Mt 17:24–27

Foundation of Peter's House

Original House Church

Limestone Synagogue

Children's Game

Fisher's of Men

Statue of Peter

*Miller, Charles H., and Jonathan L. Reed. “Capernaum.” Edited by Mark Allan Powell. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated). New York: HarperCollins, 2011.

Gethsemane

Gethsemane, the site where Jesus prayed in lonely anguish just before his public betrayal and subsequent arrest (Matt. 26:36, Mark 14:32). Its precise location is not known. Matthew and Mark refer to a “place” called Gethsemane and imply it was near the Mount of Olives.

Mount of Olives, a high hill to the east of Jerusalem. It is a relatively good area for growing olives in the poor land surrounding Jerusalem. An area of the mount was appropriately called Gethsemane, possibly a garden area where the fruit of the mount was processed (John 18:1). Jesus is said to have come here often (Luke 22:39), and it was here that he gathered his disciples to pray on the night he was arrested (Matt. 26:36; Mark 14:32). The mile-long Mount of Olives dominates Jerusalem, rising 230 feet above the Temple Mount. *

Biblical Examples:

Gethsemane — A garden east of Jerusalem where Jesus was betrayed.

Jesus prays in Gethsemane Mt 26:36–46, Mk 14:32–42, Lk 22:39–46, Jn 18:1
Jesus is arrested in Gethsemane Mt 26:47–56, Mk 14:43–52, Lk 22:47–53, Jn 18:2–12

Mount of Olives — A mountain range east of Jerusalem where the Gethsemane was located.

Jesus talks about his return and the end Mt 24:3–25:46, Mk 13:3–37, Lk 21:7–36
Jesus speaks with his disciples and prays on the way to the Mount of Olives Mt 26:30–35, Mk 14:26–31, Lk 22:39, Jn 15:1–17:26
Jesus ascends into heaven Mk 16:19–20, Lk 24:44–52, Ac 1:4–11
Jesus sends disciples to get a donkey Mt 21:1–5, Mk 11:1–3, Lk 19:29–31
David flees Jerusalem 2 Sa 15:13–37
Ziba offers gifts to David 2 Sa 16:1–4
The disciples find a donkey and bring it to Jesus Mt 21:6, Mk 11:4–6, Lk 19:32–34

*Powell, Mark Allan, ed. “Gethsemane.” The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated). New York: HarperCollins, 2011.

*Schein, Bruce E. “Olives, Mount Of.” Edited by Mark Allan Powell. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated). New York: HarperCollins, 2011.

Bethlehem - Church of the Nativity

Bethlehem

Two of the New Testament Gospels report that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1; Luke 2:4–7). Matthew’s Gospel connects this birth with fulfillment of prophecy (2:6; cf. Mic. 5:2) and reports that magi from the east came to Bethlehem to worship the “king of the Jews” who had been born there (2:1, 9–11). This Gospel also says that King Herod massacred all of the children in Bethlehem under two years of age in a desperate attempt to kill the baby he assumed would be a rival for his throne (2:16–18; cf. Jer. 31:15). In Luke’s Gospel, the baby Jesus is laid in a manger near Bethlehem and shepherds from the surrounding fields respond to an angelic announcement of his birth by coming to worship him (2:4–20).*

Church of the Nativity

The Door of Humility, a small rectangular entrance to the church, was created in Ottoman times to prevent carts being driven in by looters, and to force even the most important visitor to dismount from his horse as he entered the holy place. The doorway was reduced from an earlier Crusader doorway, the pointed arch of which can still be seen above the current door. The outline of the Justinian square entrance can also be seen above the door.

Greek Orthodox service

Grotto of the Nativity

The Grotto of the Nativity, a rectangular cavern beneath the church, is the Church of the Nativity's focal point. Entered by a flight of steps by the church altar, this is the cave that has been honored as the site of Christ's birth since at least the 2nd century.

Jerusalem Cross

Roman Catholic Service

Traditional Birthplace of Jesus Christ

Chapel of the Manger

References *Baly, Denis. “Bethlehem.” Edited by Mark Allan Powell. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated). New York: HarperCollins, 2011.
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/bethlehem-church-of-the-nativity

Sea of Galilee

Sea of Galilee: a freshwater lake in the district of Galilee, given various names throughout history: “Sea of Chinnereth” (or “Chinneroth”), from the Hebrew word for a harplike instrument (Num. 34:11; Josh. 12:3; 13:27); “Sea of Tiberias” (John 6:1; 21:1); “Lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1); and “waters of Gennesaret” (1 Macc. 11:67). Elsewhere, it is referred to simply as “the lake” (Luke 5:2; 8:22–33) or “the sea” (John 6:16–25). It appears as the “Sea of Galilee” in Matt. 4:18; 15:29; Mark 1:16; 7:31.*

Biblical accounts of the Sea of Galilee

Jesus is followed by a large crowd Mt 12:15–21, Mk 3:7–12, Lk 6:17–19
Jesus warns his disciples against wrong teaching Mt 16:5–12, Mk 8:13–21
Jesus reconciles with Peter Jn 21:15–23
Jesus walks on water Mt 14:24–33, Mk 6:47–52, Jn 6:16–21
Jesus heals many on a mountain in Galilee Mt 15:29–31
Jesus tells the parable of the soils Mt 13:3–9, Mk 4:2–9, Lk 8:4–8
Jesus calms the storm Mt 8:23–27, Mk 4:35–41, Lk 8:22–25
Jesus feeds the 4000 Mt 15:32–38, Mk 8:1–9
Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish (John) Jn 21:1–14
Jesus teaches the crowd with parables Mt 13:24–35, Mk 4:26–34, Lk 13:18–21
Jesus calls four fishermen Mt 4:18–22, Mk 1:16–20, Lk 5:10–11
Jesus provides a miraculous catch of fish (Luke) Lk 5:4–9
Jesus heals a deaf man in the Decapolis Mk 7:31–37
Jesus teaches a crowd from a boat Mt 13:1–2, Mk 4:1, Lk 5:1–3

View of the Sea of Galilee from Tabgha

View of Tiberias from the Sea of Galilee

Our Tour Group from Acadia University

*Milne, Mary K. “Galilee, Sea Of.” Edited by Mark Allan Powell. The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (Revised and Updated). New York: HarperCollins, 2011.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Jerusalem

“Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that he would dwell in thick darkness. But I have built you an exalted house, a place for you to dwell in forever.” Then the king turned around and blessed all the assembly of Israel, while all the assembly of Israel stood. And he said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who with his hand has fulfilled what he promised with his mouth to David my father, saying, ‘Since the day that I brought my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel in which to build a house, that my name might be there, and I chose no man as prince over my people Israel; but I have chosen Jerusalem that my name may be there, and I have chosen David to be over my people Israel.’ Now it was in the heart of David my father to build a house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. But the Lord said to David my father, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart. Nevertheless, it is not you who shall build the house, but your son who shall be born to you shall build the house for my name.’ Now the Lord has fulfilled his promise that he made. For I have risen in the place of David my father and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and I have built the house for the name of the Lord, the God of Israel. And there I have set the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that he made with the people of Israel.” Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands.” (2 Chronicles 6:1–12, ESV)

Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the Judean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is considered holy Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Israelis and Palestinians both claim Jerusalem as their capital, as Israel maintains its primary governmental institutions.

During its long history, Jerusalem has been destroyed at least twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times. The oldest part of the city was settled in the 4th millennium BCE. In 1538,walls were built around Jerusalem. Today those walls define the Old City, which has been traditionally divided into four quarters—known since the early 19th century as the Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim Quarters.

The Old City is home to many sites of seminal religious importance, among them the Temple Mount and its Western (or Wailing) Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock, and the Garden Tomb.