More Than A Pilgrimage

Christians all over the world practice an incredibly powerful faith that is based on the Biblical teachings of Jesus Christ. The Gospels are some of the most unique literary pieces ever written, as they not only document the teachings of Christ, but give an amazing historical context to His life. Stories of where He went, the roads He took, the towns He visited all paint an amazing picture of the man whose life and legacy would affect billions for centuries to come.

While reading the Bible and studying the life and travels of Christ is amazing in and of itself, our imaginations are limited to the words on the page. What if we could take the words and bring them more to life, giving us a three-dimensional view of the life and times of Jesus Christ? Believe it or not, it is possible.

Nazareth, Bethlehem, Galilee, Jerusalem, Cana, the Jordan River: all of these are places that still exist today. They are places that can be visited and experienced, just as Jesus did. When you're able to see what He saw, touch what He touched, and walk where He walked, a renewed sense of wonder rushes through you, bringing you even closer to the stories.

Should you be looking make the trip to the Holy Land, be sure to include these destinations into your schedule.

Jerusalem – “Jerusalem—built as a city that is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David.” Psalm 122:3-5

This historic city serves as a pilgrimage stop for millions of people each year. Christians and Jews alike descend on the city as it served as the capitol city of Israel for many hundreds of years. Additionally, it is where King Solomon built God's temple. But for those of the Christian faith, Jerusalem holds a much deeper significance. This is where Jesus was beaten, whipped, crucified, and buried.

Today, Christian Pilgrims can visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion, or the Church of St. John the Baptist, where Jesus is believed to have said his final prayers before his betrayal. However, one of the most meaningful highlights is the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrow. Few places offer this level of spirituality when in Jerusalem. The Via Dolorosa is the traditional walk that follows the route that Jesus took as he carried his cross to Golgotha, the place where he was hung. Measuring just under half a mile long, visitors can almost picture the events as they happened nearly 2000 years ago.

As with much of Jerusalem, things are pretty commercialized, catering to tourists. So, you can find a number of guided tours. But, for those who visit the Via Dolorosa on a Friday, you can join the Franciscan monks who trod the path in procession every week.

Sea of Galilee – “While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”– Matthew 4:18

There are so many references to the Sea of Galilee in the Scriptures. As one of the major bodies of water in the region, it was a major source of food and commerce for the surrounding villages and cities. It is also where Jesus performed a number of miracles: walking on water, calming the storm, the disciples' miraculous catch of fish, and the feeding of the five thousand people.

Today, visitors have a number of sites to see and things to experience. The Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes was built in 1982 over the site where Christian tradition states that Jesus stood when he fed the 5,000 people. Also along the Sea of Galilee is the Mount of the Beatitudes. This point of interest is where Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Currently, there is a Roman Catholic Church there that holds hourly masses during the day for any visitors who wish to worship. But if you decide to pass on the church service, you can take a walk through the gardens and soak in the beautiful view over the Sea.

Jordan River – “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3:13-16

Throughout the Bible, the Jordan River has served as a major landmark. In the Old Testament, it was the final barrier for the Hebrews to cross as they left exile into the Promised Land. The New Testament saw the Jordan River as a major place of ministry for John the Baptist, who demonstrated the importance of Baptism, paving the path and preparing people for the coming of Jesus. However, it is most notable for being the site where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.

Millions of people travel to this destination every year to not only see where Christ was baptized, but to actually experience their own baptism in the Jordan River. With hearts of prayer and thanksgiving, people take in the grandeur of the very place where Jesus' ministry started.

These are just a few of the amazing places to visit which will bring a new appreciation of scripture. From the city of Nazareth to the shores of the Dead Sea, there are plenty of places to bring Biblical history back to life. If you're ready to see these amazing sites in person, start planning a trip soon.