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.
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| Rachel and me at Gethsemane |
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| 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.
