Last Week of Christ’s Life Field Trip

Over the past few days I have had the blessed opportunity to walk and talk through the last week of Christ’s life (slightly out of order though). We started in Bethany where Christ raised Lazarus from the dead. Christ truly is the resurrection and the life!

Bethphage: Christ’s triumphal entry started here. He was recognized, for one of the few times in his life, as the king and prophet that he truly is. They cried Hosanna, which means “save us now,” as he rode the donkey. I have cried hosanna to him many times in my life.

Dominus Flevit: Christ wept over Jerusalem. He foresaw the destruction of the city and wept because of the wickedness of the House of Israel. Christ truly weeps with and for us.

St. Peter in Gallicantu: Peter denied Christ three times and Christ was imprisoned here.

Cenacle/Upper Room: the sacrament was administered to the disciples here. The sacrament means so much more to me now than it did before I came here.

Gethsemane: Christ suffered and bled for the sins of the world. Brother Judd taught us that four holinesses came together in Gethsemane: 1. The place: it overlooked the temple and the name literally means “olive press.” 2. The time: Passover. Jesus was truly the sacrificial lamb. 3. The name: Christ and Messiah mean “the anointed one.” During Christ’s time, prophets, priests, and kings were anointed—He was all of these. 4. The person: Jesus of Nazareth, who voluntarily gave up his life. Mary Bennion shared her testimony about what she calls “The Great Exchange” that occurred in Gethsemane: Christ drank the bitter that we may drink the sweet. He wore a crown of thorns that we may inherit the kingdom. He went as a lamb to the slaughter that we might have a shepherd. He thirsted that we may drink the living water.

Rachel and me at Gethsemane

My Nigerian friend :)

Garden Tomb: we had a powerful testimony meeting here that confirmed my witness of the resurrection. I know that Christ lives! Just as the sign on the door states, “He is not here for He is risen,” I proclaim that Christ broke the chains of death and redeemed the fallen world. How grateful I am for Jesus Christ!

Today it was wet, rainy, cold, and windy, but it helped me better visualize the events we discussed. It created a more somber atmosphere but it also reminded me that rain brings renewal and growth.