This is the true Garden of Gasthemene. The olive trees are old but not 2000 years... The church in the background has a large stone that they say is where Jesus sweated blood. This site is at the base of the Mt. of Olives just across the Kidron Valley from the Temple Mount.
This is Herod's Citadel. This is Herod the Great (Herod the Builder) who also built the Temple Mount and Temple, and very many other things around Israel. He was king when Jesus was born (a puppet of Rome). Most likely Pilate took over this citadel and used it as his center of operations. And so... this could very well be the place of Jesus' trial... VERY moving!
Golgotha and Jesus tomb were in a quary. This church was built over that quarry. Not much to look at from the outside and inside are a dozen different churches or chapels from all sorts of christian denominations. Under the big dome is a chapel built over the spot of the tomb.
Golgotha was a hill of discarded stones from the quary. This balcony is built to take you up to the top of that hill. At the top you can reach through a hole in the floor and touch the spot where Jesus was crucified... EXTREMELY moving!
This is the rock upon which Christ was murdered for the sins of the whole world. How can that not move anyone who "has eyes to see"?
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METAMOTPHOSIS
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 2004, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages . God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & guilt, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
PEACE BE WITH YOU
MICKY
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