Today we had an early start as we went to one of the most common sites in Jerusalem…the western wall or better known as the “wailing wall”. This is area that the Jews consider the closest point to where the most sacred part of the Temple used to be, called the “Holy of Holies”. This was where the ark of the covenant was kept. The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. and a few hundred years ago the Mosque known as the Dome of the Rock is there (which is another famiiar site to westerners). Jews from all over the world come to this place to pray. Much of this wall which was built by Herod the Great remains buried under what is now a neighborhood in Jerusalem. Today we toured through some of the tunnels to see the wall that was built before Jesus and how this magnificent architecture of more than 2000 yrs ago was assembled. Stones weighing tons (we saw one estimated to weight 600 tons) were put into place and carved to compose one of the most admired structure of the world at that time. It is no wonder the disciples of Jesus were so amazed by it.
We then walked the famous Via Dolorosa which is considered the path Jesus walked from Plates judgement to he crucifixion. This winds through the narrow streets of Jerusalem marked by an occasional plaque telling about a significant event during His journey to the cross. For example, one spot was said to be where He fell and Simon of Cyrene was told to carry the cross (Luke 23:26). It finishes at the Church of he Holy Sepulchre which was built over what is thought to be Golgatha and he area of the tomb.
Being here in Jerusalem and walking where Jesus walked is an experience that expands your view of the Bible and gives you an appreciation for the context of Scripture. However, it also reminds us that we can easily become distracted by the details and knowing the sacred locations. Before we know it these things can become a wall between us and God. Things that were meant to inspire us and draw us closer become obstacles in our calling to know Him.
This is nothing new. Many people of Jesus’ day were so caught up in the beauty of the physical rituals that they couldn’t see Jesus through the wall of their religious traditions. I am sure, for some, this wall has become just that…a wall that keeps people from seeing past the physical world and into the wondrous world of the Kingdom of God.
However, for most it is a reminder of God’s presence through the ages and His promise for the future. Today, we were deeply moved to see the western wall and we were inspired to walk in the footsteps that Jesus took that Friday morning but we are reminded that He did all this to draw us closer to Him.
Keep praying! More later!