Journey to the Open Tomb: Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem.

I will never forget the first time I saw the holy, historic city of Jerusalem. In Israel, it is always “up” to Jerusalem. From Jericho, you travel a modern four lane, sometimes six lane highway upwards to this beautiful city situated on the mountains of Moriah. The song, “The Holy City” takes on new meaning as you emerge from the tunnel that goes through Mt. Scopus, and there it is. Jerusalem, the city of gold, is a sight to behold.

One of the best vantage points is the overlook on Mt. Olivet. The Mount of Olives offers a breathtaking view of Jerusalem. Jesus wept over this city. Matthew 24 records His answer to the disciples’ questions. “When shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming and of the end of the world?” Matthew 24 and 25 is Jesus’s answer to those questions, albeit veiled in mystery. Jerusalem will be destroyed. Israel will be scattered and persecuted. Israel will bud and blossom again like a resilient fig tree. Jesus will return. His kingdom will come.

At the end of Matthew 23, Jesus considers the suffering that lies ahead. Jerusalem will suffer. He will suffer, too. He wanted to gather them as a hen gathers her chicks but they would not. “Behold your house is left unto you desolate.”  (Matthew 23:38)

From the Mount of Olives I can see a winding path down into the Kidron Valley. It passes through a garden called Gethsemane. It climbs up to the Eastern Gate. Today, a Moslem graveyard covers this slope to block the gate and a guard is posted to keep any would be Messiah from blowing open the gate. In a day to come, King Jesus will enter those gates again. Graveyards and guns won’t stop Him.

Jesus prayed for Jerusalem. Beyond the gates He would have clearly seen Herod’s temple. Beyond the temple He would have perhaps seen a small hill that was outside the city wall. It was a place of execution called Golgotha. He had an appointment there in less than 72 hours.

Over these days leading up to our celebration of His resurrection, I hope to post some pictures and thoughts concerning the events of that week. In the history of mankind it is the most important of all weeks. Walk with me to the empty tomb.

View from the Mt. of Olives

Palm Sunday route