Israel 2022 - Reflection #27 - Pool of Bethesda / St. Annes Church

 

'Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish
holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of
Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind,
lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying
there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him
and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would
you like to get well?” “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have
no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone
else always gets there ahead of me.” Jesus told him, “Stand up,
pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He
rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle
happened on the Sabbath, so the Jewish leaders objected. They
said to the man who was cured, “You can’t work on the Sabbath!
The law doesn’t allow you to carry that sleeping mat!” But he replied,
“The man who healed me told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”
“Who said such a thing as that?” they demanded. The man didn’t
know, for Jesus had disappeared into the crowd. But afterward
Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well;
so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.”
Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus
who had healed him. So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus
for breaking the Sabbath rules. But Jesus replied, “My Father is
always working, and so am I.” So the Jewish leaders tried all the
harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath,
he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God. ' John 5:1-3,5-18 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/JHN.5.1-3,5-18

As I read the Bible I am always filled with questions, I want to know more details in the background of each story I read. The trip to Israel has helped me fill so many gaps in the stories. Sometimes, as with our visit to the Pool of Bethesda, new questions arise. 

The man in this story had been sick for 38 years. We are given the impression that he had been here many times to be healed and the ONLY reason he wasn't healed was that he was too slow getting in the pool as the water bubbled up. CAN WE ASSUME THIS POOL REALLY HAD SOME HEALING POWER? This man had to believe the waters had some healing power or he wouldn't come back again and again and again.

You may not have noticed, that right in the middle of the story verse 4 has been removed from most modern translations. The King James Version is one of the few that includes verse four and this verse gives a description of an angel coming down stirring the water from time to time and the first person to step in would be healed.  BUT, regardless if this verse belongs in the original or was added later, this sick man had the faith that he would be healed. He must have had enough proof that he could be healed. Even without the removed verse, he had reason to believe, probably a strong reason to believe, he would be healed if ONLY HE HAD A HELPER! 

AHHA! In steps Jesus!

JESUS WAS HIS HELPER! But, Jesus didn't need the help of this miraculous pool to heal the man. He had all the power he needed. Don't you just love the thought that Jesus is our helper?

I am going through a season that requires extreme faith. We are raising money to get our ministry off the ground. We are using our own limited resources to get started, trusting that God will provide at the right time. I am sitting at the edge of the pool, knowing a miracle will happen, just like the lame man. AND, I also know Jesus is the helper I need to get that miracle. The lame man didn't know that until it happened. 

I praise God as I await and expect a miracle. I have faith that Jesus, my helper, will show up at the right time. He does not need any outside help. He doesn't need some bubbling pool of water. He, in his own power, will help me! Praise God.

The video below contains a few of the pictures of the ruins at the Pool of Bethesda AND it contains pictures of St. Anne's church very near the Pool. I did not know who St. Anne was until it was explained this was Mary's mother. The acoustics in this church was amazing and I am including the recording of our group of voices singing inside. I believe it was one of the many highlights of the trip!

Israel 2022 - Reflection #26 - The Temple Mount - Jerusalem

 

This is a MODEL of the Temple and how it would have looked in the first century. The first Temple, built by Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC and the second Temple was built 70 years later. That temple was added to by King Herod and eventually completely destroyed not to be rebuilt until Jesus second coming. We don't know a lot of the specific details as the Muslims do not allow archaeological excavation at this site. The gate in the lower part of the picture is the Golden Gate, the Eastern Gate, or the Mercy Gate. 

We finally made it . . . . . . .  JERUSALEM!!!!!!!!

We have traveled all over the country of Israel but now, the last leg of our journey would focus on Jerusalem. There was so much to see and so much to do and my senses were on overload trying to piece together what this place was like when Jesus walked these streets and eventually died here for all mankind.

We entered via the Dung gate. This gate was used to remove the ashes and the dung from the animals sacrificed at the Temple. We walked past the Western Wall or as we know it the "Wailing Wall" and entered into the Temple Mount area. 

{Confession, I really had no idea this area is controlled by the Muslims. I later found out this has been true for over 1300 years. So, I am a little slow!}

 As I read the rules for this area, there is a strict dress code for modesty. A few of our group members were called out for their "inappropriate" dress and they had to wear these sac-cloth type garments. I wanted to take pictures so bad but also wanted to spare their dignity. LOL!

I was fascinated that the Jews really do not come here. That really surprised me, because inside the Mosque, THE DOME OF THE ROCK, is the exact place on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac. This is such a key moment in the Jewish faith. But, since it is run by the Muslims, and there is much debate about the location of the original Temple, they will trek to the Western Wall, their holiest site, but no further. 

I was most fascinated by the Eastern gate, also known as the Mercy Gate, or by Christians as the GOLDEN GATE. 

The gate, pictured below, is also known as the Shushan Gate. Although it has been closed for hundreds of years, this is the place, referred to in Leviticus 16:6-10, where the SCAPEGOAT would be released to the wilderness:

'“Aaron will present his own bull as a sin offering to purify himself
and his family, making them right with the Lord . Then he must
take the two male goats and present them to the Lord at the
entrance of the Tabernacle. He is to cast sacred lots to determine
which goat will be reserved as an offering to the Lord and which
will carry the sins of the people to the wilderness of Azazel.
Aaron will then present as a sin offering the goat chosen by lot
for the Lord . The other goat, the scapegoat chosen by lot to be
sent away, will be kept alive, standing before the Lord. When it
is sent away to Azazel in the wilderness, the people will be
purified and made right with the Lord. ' Leviticus 16:6-10 https://my.bible.com/bible/116/LEV.16.6-10

Ironically this gate is also the nearest gate to the Mount of Olives and would most certainly have been used by Jesus riding his donkey to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. 

I think Matthew records the majesty of this event the best:
'As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the
town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on
ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter
it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them
and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say,
‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”
This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, “Tell the people of
Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding
on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’” The two disciples did as
Jesus commanded. They brought the donkey and the colt to him and
threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. Most of the crowd
spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches
from the trees and spread them on the road. Jesus was in the center of
the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise
God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the
name of the Lord ! Praise God in highest heaven!” The entire city of
Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked.
And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in
Galilee.” 'Matthew 21:1-11https://my.bible.com/bible/116/MAT.21.1-11

To think about this being the place where Jesus began his march to the cross, the place where our sins were atoned for, not by a scapegoat, but by the only Son of God is so powerful. 

Since the beginning of time, this was God's plan to save us and bring us into right relationship with him. This temple area, the thriving town of Jerusalem, the birth of Jesus a few miles away, were all part of the plan of the Creator of the Universe. He put this plan together for one reason, he loves us. He put this plan together for all people, all nations, Jew and Gentile. I was so humbled to be physically at such a key place in revelation of God's plan. 

Entering the Dung gate into the old city - Jerusalem.

Entering the Temple Mount area.

The Temple mount area is such a large area. Underneath this location is a mosque that can contain several thousand worshippers. 

The Dome of the Rock. Such a beautiful Mosque was allegedly built over the rock where Abraham went to sacrifice Isaac. It is also a key holy site of the Muslims.

The Mount of Olives as seen from inside the walls of Jerusalem's Temple Mount.

Israel 2022 - Reflection #25 - Church of the Nativity

 

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem was one of the most beautiful places we visited. The church is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, active churches int the world. The Greek Orthodox Church runs this but the space is shared with the Armenian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. 

Many of their designs were borrowed from the Jewish Temple. 

We can be confident that this is the exact place of Jesus birth because of the continuous history that started as a house church, replaced by Pagan Temples by Hadrian in 135 AD, restored by Helena in 320AD, and preserved by the Persians. The Persians destroyed nearly all the other sites, but it is thought they did not destroy this holy site because of the depiction of the wise men (presumed from Persia).

 Most of our Christmas stories were westernized. For example the stables and mangers would have been made of stone. Westerners made them into objects of wood. The "Inn" where there was no room, was not a Hotel, it was the guest room. So, there was no room in the Guest room at the house they were staying in because of other guests. We are distracted by the true story of Christmas because of the westernization of the true story. 

I really love exploring and digging to find out what we know about that wonderful night. The story of Christmas is much like the rest of the Bible. I was listening to Andy Stanley yesterday and one of the people in his church was arguing with him about the content of one of his sermons which was directly from the Bible. 

I am so amazed at what people think is in the Bible, that is not, AND what is in the Bible that they are completely unaware of. Like with the Christmas story, people have completely twisted God's word to mean things that were never intended. I don't want to be one of those people. I don't take someone's word for it, I look for myself. We should all do the same thing!

The video below was taken inside the church and down at the exact location of Jesus' birth. The beauty of the Church was amazing and so much to show. I loved the Japanese version of Silent Night. The Star that everyone is touching is alleged to be the exact location of the birth of the Savior of the World. 

These pictures are not in any particular order. (Sorry). This is the outside of the Church of St. Catherine. The Statue is of Jerome who translated the first Latin version of the bible from Greek.

Inside St. Catherines. This is where the Christmas Mass is always held. 

These beautifully ornate mosaics were restored recently and are thought to have been added during the Crusades. 

The front of the Greek Orthodox Church at the Church of the Nativity. They decorate for Christmas (the christmas balls) all year long. 

These mosaics are covered and in the floor. They were constructed in the Helenistic period and were covered so people would not walk on the crosses found on the floors.

The paintings on the Pillars is from the 6th century and are still stunning. 

We did have some interaction with the Priests. Our Guide said they must have been in a good mood because they are not normally like this. 

Just Beautiful!

Another of the Priests (Father) with our Tour Guide Rami!

This opening, doorway, is called the Door of Humility. It was designed so that you would have to bow as you enter. The larger opening was closed up to prevent horses from entering the church.

Israel 2022 - Reflection #24 - Bethlehem Bible College

 

This is a picture of the wall in the middle of Bethlehem. There are 441 miles of walls in Israel. Most were built on the Palestinian side of the border, which is against international law. I wonder what Mexico would do if we decided to build our border walls on their side of the border?

I spent most of this morning listening to the lengthy presentation of Yousef (Joseph the Priest) ALKhouri

a faculty member and a Palestinian Christian. Out of any moment on the trip, this presentation, this story affected me the most. Even going back and hearing his story is just as troubling the second time around. 

The Palestinian people are under great oppression and our Christian brothers and sisters are being persecuted heavily in this country. The amazing thing is we WESTERN CHRISTIANS blindly support Israel as the CHOSEN NATION of God. I have to be honest. I really struggle with whether this is God's will. Israel has chosen to reject Jesus. Yes, we know that at least a remnant of the nation of Israel will come to Jesus. But, until that time are we to support this complete oppression of a people that includes our own Christian brothers and sisters. 

Every aspect of the life of the Palestinian people is controlled by the Israelis - resources, water, and where they live. It took Yousef over 5 years just to get permission to change his address. His 84-year-old grandmother is a refugee and is not allowed to return to Palestine. She lives in Los Angelas. Palestinian Christians feel betrayed by the Christians of the west. 

A couple of months ago, an old Palestinian woman, half deaf and blind crossed the road toward three Israeli military personnel. She stumbled, they thought she was going to attack these heavily armed Israeli soldiers. They shot her, leaving her to bleed to death in the middle of the road. They were afraid of her as a terrorist, violent, and typical of a blood-thirsty nation. Even though this area was known for great coexistence and cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians, that made no difference. The policy is shoot first, ask questions later. 

The living conditions of the Palestinians is deplorable with no water, expensive cost of living, and virtually no health care. A pregnant woman was ready to deliver her baby and had to go through a checkpoint to get to the hospital, and she was detained. She died and the baby died. Yousef's cousins were playing football on a beach in the Gaza strip. The Israeli military attacked this beach and all of them were killed. This is what they live with every day of their lives. 

At the end of the presentation, Yousef was asked, does he see any hope? He asked us which answer we wanted to hear. We said we want the truth. He simply said, NO, he sees no hope. He is completely hopeless and sees no hope for peace in this area. 

I have not done a lot of study on the theology behind this Zionist view. I know the thoughts of support for Israel center around God choosing the nation of Israel and the second coming of Christ. But, in all honesty, I cannot believe the God I serve has a desire that any people be treated the way the Palestinians are treated today and to make matters worse, many of those Palestinians are Christian brothers and sisters. 

I pray the Lord helps us all realize, blind faith in a nation that oppresses people is not of God. 

If you look closely at the apartments, you can see some with Water tanks on the roof of the apartments. These are Palestinian Apartments. The others without water tanks are from Israeli settlements in Bethlehem. Israel controls all the water supply. 70% of the Palestinian portion of the water they get will be cut throughout this summer. The Palestinians already receive less than what WHO recommends, 90 liters per person per day. Palestinians get 79 liters per person per day, and Israelis get 320 liters. The Palestinians get running water once every three weeks. That will be increased six or seven weeks to get water. Water is sold by Israelis at a 500% markup and the Palestinians spend 20% of their income on water. Israelis spend less than  2%. 

Yousef told a story from March 2019  when he was giving a lecture and got news his sister's house was bombarded. His sister is a Sunday School teacher who serves at baptist missionary school and her husband works with her. They were told they would have 20 minutes to evacuate, they got 10 minutes. The house was destroyed. The bible is the only thing that survived. cut in half, open to Psalms. After the traumatic incident, she said God is great and the book was open to psalms which was a comfort. Below are pictures of the remains. 

Israel 2022 - Reflection #23 - The Shepherds Fields

While we were taking communion at the Church of the Good Samaritan, I glanced to my right and saw on the hillside a flock of sheep being shepherded by some modern-day shepherds. I wanted to take a picture, but did not want to interrupt the communion service. So, I have no picture, BUT there are modern-day shepherds, nomads, still within the lands of Israel. The picture above is known as the Shepherds Fields and it is here where the Shepherds of the Christmas story would have been watching over their flocks on that wonderful night. 

The shepherds were here in these "farmer's fields,"  because each year after the harvest, probably in September, the farmers would allow the shepherds to bring their flocks to glean the fields of the rest of the grain fallen from the harvest. So, the time was probably September and NOT December, sorry! 

From the beginning of time with Cain and Abel two types of occupations dominated in Israel, farmers, and shepherds.  The lifestyles were different and the intermingling of the two cultures was very limited. Abraham was a nomad, yet he planted a tree and dug a well, a sign of permanency. 

It's somewhat ironic that lowly shepherds, people that slept and lived among their animals received such prominence in the culture of the middle east. Kings called themselves "shepherds of the people" in their kingdom and their life goal was to be "good shepherds." The metaphor of the wise or good shepherd is found throughout the Bible. In John 10:11, Jesus calls himself a good shepherd.

I have a list of 29 favorite Bible Verses, one of those is 1 Peter 5:2-9 ---

'Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it

willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but

because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the

people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good

example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will

receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. (1Peter 5:2-4,NLT)

Yesterday, the message shared by our middle school pastor also mentioned this verse. He gave a wonderful message about humility vs pride "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the faithful."

A shepherd is definitely a humble servant. What flock has God entrusted to you? Your family? Work? Church? Are we watching over the flock willingly, or grudgingly? 

Just like the shepherds, we are to lead with humility and a willingness to serve. Pastor Hales gave a list of rules they use with middle school kids when they go on a mission trip. It is amazing how applicable they are for all of us as leaders of our own flocks:

Love God

Love People

Don't do dumb things

Don't die

Thou shalt get over thyself

I admit I had to chuckle over the last two! As a Shepherd, you should lead your flock with these five things in mind. How am I leading my flock?  Do I outwardly demonstrate my love of God, my Love for ALL people? How many times do I do DUMB things because I follow my own plans?  Am I living in a way that is reckless and not honoring to God, leading others to sin and eternal death? and my worst failure, Am I focusing more on myself than on my flock?

Thank you, Lord for the gift of my Flock. I am so honored that you have entrusted them to me. Please Lord, help me serve in humility like the Shepherds. Help my to live a life honoring to you and drawing others closer to a relationship with you. Amen!

I loved these two videos of us singing in this Fransiscan Chapel built in 1953.

Second video "Singing"

Some of the beautiful paintings from the Chapel.

Caves found near the Shepherd's fields. They were a great respite from the heat of the day. 

The skyline of Bethlehem with the Israeli settlements in the West Bank along with some of the Palestinian Apartments in the Foreground.

Israel 2022 - Reflection #22 - Museum of the Good Samaritan

 

We stopped at a place known as the Museum of the Good Samaritan. This was a beautiful place in the middle of the wilderness. This museum and buildings would have been located on the "blood ascent," a very dangerous road between Jerusalem and Jericho. It was dangerous because it was littered with bandits. You never traveled this road alone. It is amazing the Jews would choose this road to travel to Galilee instead of going through Samaria. It was further and more dangerous, but they were blinded by their prejudice toward the Samaritans. 

There were some great mosaics here and after doing some additional reading the place was more than likely a way station for travelers. The building itself dates to the Byzantine period and was known as the Church of the Good Samaritan. There are also remnants of dwellings from the first century. 

During a really hot afternoon, in the outdoor chapel, we had a really nice communion service. I always enjoy communion, breaking bread, and sharing the cup. I don't do it as often as I should. Sharing communion with these fellow believers, a group that developed into a close family, was special in so many ways. 

After I had time to sit down and reflect on the story of the Good Samaritan and our visit to this place, I had a few special thoughts about our trip. Below is the complete story:

'And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then

Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” So which of

these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell

among the thieves?” On the next day, when he departed,

he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and

said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you

spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ So he went to

him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine;

and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn,

and took care of him. But a certain Samaritan, as he

journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he

had compassion. Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the

place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side.

Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And

when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Then

Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from

Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped

him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving

him half dead. But he, wanting to justify himself, said to

Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” And He said to him,

“You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” So

he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength,

and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ”

He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your

reading of it? ” And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and

tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit

eternal life?”' Luke 10:25-37 (NKJV)

As I thought about this day and this trip in general, I wanted to make a comment on the hospitality of the people. Just before this stop, we ate at a restaurant in Jericho and spent some time shopping there as well. I can say without hesitation that the people of Israel including the people of the Palestinian West Bank were so kind and friendly. I have traveled to several foreign countries and I can tell you from personal experience not everyone treats visitors with such kindness. In reality, many of these people live a life of oppression and conflict. (More about this in another blog.) Yet, they were always helpful and understanding. They were always willing to engage in friendly light-hearted talk and were fun to be around. We spent many a night at ice cream shops along our route. When we paid with our American Currency, we were always treated fairly. (being a math guy, I checked!) They really could have made a little extra profit on the "American Tourists," but I never experienced this. 

When we arrived at each hotel, we were treated as valued guests. There was nothing they would not do for us. Ok, I get it. We were spending a lot of money with them as a group. But, I never saw a hint of annoyance with our group anywhere we traveled. 

Would they be treated the same if they visited our hometowns or would we be more like the Priest and Levite in the story?  In a time of so much conflict in our nation, I think we have forgotten one of the most important witnesses to the Gospel message. Hospitality! Being kind, welcoming, and friendly, to people of all races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, sexual orientations, or lifestyles, is not popular in our society. The people of the West Bank are a prime example of how people can rise above their oppression and still be kind to others. I wonder how our nation would change if we made it a priority to be kind and courteous to the people we disagree with. I wonder how different Facebook would look if instead of posting our political views, we would seek out ways of being kind to others?

A big thank you to the Palestinian people for being such a good example to all of us!

The wilderness surrounds us while visiting this site. It is very intimidating and i cannot imagine traveling here in the first century. 

Absolutely beautiful Mosaics were found at nearly every site we visited. Putting these together had to be such a tedious task. But, here they are, over a thousand years later, still viewed by so many travelers.  

This is the outdoor chapel we share shared communion!

The view toward Bethlehem and Jerusalem!

People have traveled this road for thousands of years and many dwelt here in the caves.