We recently returned from a long awaited trip to Israel, The Holy Land. We had planned this trip for some time and we were not disappointed. As we walked were Jesus and his apostles walked, we could often visualize them in those locations. As we studied the stories of the Old Testament and connected them to the locations where we visited, they took on additional meaning. As this happened, we continually received confirmation of the Spirit of the truthfulness of these stories and events. We feel that our understanding of the Jewish traditions and practices that Jesus and the other prophets followed has brought greater meaning and understanding. Our spiritual understanding has been enlarged and our perspective on these wonderful scriptural accounts has been broadened. Those things that we have previously learned in our lives through study, ponder and prayer have been confirmed by the Holy Ghost in an unmistakable way.
We were told up front that "to discover the truths in the Holy Land, four considerations should be your guide: archaeology, written historical accounts, tradition of names and places, and most important, the feeling - the spirit that touches your heart". Our Tour was called Israel Revealed and was based on "Feeling the Spirit in the Holy Land". Through this process we feel that Israel was Revealed to us in a very special way.
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This tour was not an ordinary tourist experience. Every time we visited a location, we sat as a group on portable camp stools with sun umbrellas, when needed. We stayed connected together by our ever present headsets and the microphone of our tour guide, Steven Rona, an Israeli who is also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We read from the scriptures relating to that location, gaining additional insights from Jewish culture, tradition and language and especially from the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. We avoided some normal tourist locations and situations and were able to experience the local culture and people as much as possible.
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| Camp stools and sun umbrellas for the tour group. We used these throughout the tour, taking them with us from the bus on just about every stop. |
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| These headphones were used to listen to our tour guide, as we maneuvered throughout the sites and especially as we read and discussed the scriptures together. This allowed us to hear clearly, even when we were not physically close. |
As we discussed the scriptures and learned about the events and teachings that took place in the past, we considered many other aspects, which greatly enhanced our understanding. Some of those items are listed below:
- Jewish Customs and Practices: We were taught extensively about the Passover, Bar Mitzvah, Immersions, Sacrifices, Law of Moses, Rules governing uncleanliness Unleavened Bread, Roles of Men and Women, Birthrights, Temple Practices, Calendars and much more. Each of these were than tied into scriptural accounts to clarify and enhance our understanding.
- Geography: We learned that you always go up to Jerusalem and pondered on the flows of water from the Springs of the upper River Jordan to the Sea of Galilee and the lower River Jordan right before the Dead Sea, which is the lowest place of flowing or living water on the earth. We were able to identify reasonable locations of important scriptural events and to dispute incorrect traditions. We saw first hand current Palestinian occupations and were taught about political arrangements in the past and the present
- Archaeology: We learned the differences of construction at the time of King Herod and before, during the Byzantine Period, and by the Muslims on the Temple Mount. All this helped us to identify which time period the different sites we visited would have related to. We also learned about the history of the temple in Jerusalem from Solomon until Herod's Temple and visited a model city of Jerusalem as it was 2,000 years ago based on archaeological finds.
- Hebrew Language: We learned the meaning of various names and terms, adding more understanding. This gave insight to Jesus and Joseph being Master craftsmen in the stone quarries rather than carpenters and helped us to see the tenderness in the Savior's words of "Talitha Cumi" when he raised the daughter of Jairus.
- Study by location: Our studies tied multiple scriptural stories or individuals to specific locations. Examples would be Bethlehem where we studied about Rachel and Benjamin, Ruth and Naomi, David, Jesus and Mary or the River Jordan where we studied about Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha and John the Baptist and Jesus. We discovered multiple occurrences on Mt. Tabor involving the prophetess Deborah, King Saul and the Transfiguration. We tied the various stories in Capernaum together to understand how this became the City of Jesus after he was rejected in Nazareth.
- Ties to Latter Day Prophets: We heard several comments from Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Howard W. Hunter during their visits to the Holy Land. This added prophetic impressions to the other messages discussed.
- Music and Poetry: In most sites, we were able to sing and/or listen to special hymns and music pertaining to our discussion. As we pondered what we had heard with music coming through our headsets, the ability to listen to the Spirit was greatly increased. For Debbie, this helped create several spiritual experiences. Also, several poems were written by Daniel D. Rona (Steven's father) in the Jewish Chiasmus format. These added great insight and promptings to our hearts.
This format of this tour also gave us much opportunity to interact with others on our tour who became our friends. This included a family group of eight (parents and 4 children and two spouses of the children), three siblings traveling together and three other separate couples. See the first photo above of the entire group and our tour guide, Steven. These friendships also added to the quality of our experience.
There were also many Orthodox Jews staying in our hotel during this time and celebrating the Passover and their Sabbath in our Hotel. This gave us a chance to see this experience a little more up close. We were very impressed with the dedication of these good Jewish people as they strived to live their religion.
We loved seeing the countryside of Israel as we traveled throughout Israel during this tour. Amongst the fertile valleys and desert places, I loved seeing the Date Trees. They grew in the most desert locations, an inspiration to the industriousness of the Jewish people.
Finally, we were exposed to several political or religious groups. This included Muslims, Christians, Jews and others. As a nationality saw Palestinians, Arabs, Armenians and Israelis mostly interacting with respect for each other. Through all of this there is still influence from the Western World as evidenced by the following photo that we took from the bus in Jerusalem.
What follows is a day by day, hour by hour summary of what we learned at each site, accompanied with many of the photos that we took. The sights were wonderful, the learnings were even better.
Day 1, April 25, 2019 - The Way of the Sea
Caesarea
We visited this amazing archeological site where Herod’s city had been built. It was a very impressive tourist site, seeing the history and ruins of the city.
As we sat in the Pretorium where Paul defended himself in front of King Agrippa, we read Acts 26 and discussed the impact of that experience. This is why we wanted to come to Israel, not just to see but to feel. We felt the spiritual witness of Paul’s role and his testimony of the Savior and his vision on the road to Damascus. We also understood Paul’s missionary spirit. This experience enabled him, a Roman citizen, to preach the gospel in Rome.
Steven Rona, our guide, also shared the comments of a few members of the Church from Italy who had been on a tour 8 years ago. They said that Paul had planted seeds in Rome for the temple that had been announced.
After leaving Caesarea, we had lunch in the port city of Haifa. After lunch we walked over to the cemetery where we saw a few graves of missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the 1800s. This was an interesting find and also was a major help to establish that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had roots in Israel. This fact helped open legal doors to the building of the BYU Jerusalem Center!
Jaffa
We visited Jaffa, the city from which Jonah had departed when he was swallowed by a “big fish”. In our discussion, we focused on Jonah 2:8 “They that observe lying vanities, forsake their own mercy.” Until we are totally honest about our own situation, we cannot fully repent and thus receive mercy. This was the case for Jonah. The fish was not his punishment, but his source of mercy, once he returned his heart to the Lord.
Jaffa was also the location where Peter received his vision, with a command to eat unclean food (Acts 10). “What God has cleansed, that call not common”. The Lord was in the details, giving instructions to Cornelius the previous day to seek out Peter so that Cornelius’ messengers from Caesarea would arrive the next day, right after Peter received his vision. The details and manifestations clearly identified the changing of Church procedure to accept uncircumcised gentiles into the Church. The question to ponder . . . How do we accept revealed changes in our Church? (I.e., 1978 revelation about all worthy brethren receiving the Priesthood).
The unclean food was shown to Peter in a vision on a “great sheet knit at the four corners”, similar to a Jewish prayer shawl with 613 knots and ties.
Day 2, April 26, 2019 - Jerusalem Holy Places
Hills of Bethlehem
On the previous day I had felt a little frustrated on not stopping to visit the site of Elijah’s confrontation with the priests of Baal while we were at Mt. Tabor. This morning I prayed that I could be more positive and accept the less tourist approach to our trip. I felt that my prayers were answered as we had an amazing experience on the hills of Bethlehem. I recognize that we are not seeking a tourist experience, but we want spiritual experiences and feelings while we are in Israel.
As we arrived at the hills outside Bethlehem, we coincidentally saw some sheep and a shepherd near where we parked the bus. We continued to a spot on the hill overlooking the city of Bethlehem.
However our discussion centered around stories of women and men, their roles and influences, birthrights and Jewish customs.
Men have a divine role to protect and care for women. That is one of the responsibilities and birthright of the oldest son. He is to care for his mother the rest of her life after the father dies. That is why he should receive a double portion in his birthright, one of the portions is for his mother who legally does not receive an inheritance, but is cared for by her oldest son.
Esau had struggled in his choices and did not appear to be ready to assume this role. When Rebekah deceived her husband to give the birthright blessing to Jacob, it was because she knew that Jacob was prepared for that role. Isaac never gave up on Esau and wanted to give the blessing to him. This teaches the Jewish thinking, Papas never lose hope but Mama knows what is best.
In the end, Jacob left home to find a wife in the covenant from the family of Laban, Rebekah’s brother. After spending 14 years working for his wives (Leah and Rachel), Jacob came home but his father and mother had both died in his absence and Esau had taken the birthright role in caring for his mother. In the three day peace period between family, before staging war or conflict, Jacob and Esau were able to reconcile and essentially, Jacob never claimed the extra portion of the inheritance
We discussed at length the story of Ruth and Naomi. Naomi’s husband had been from Bethlehem and she returned there with Ruth. There was no male in the family left to protect and care for Naomi. Boaz had to relieve the closest kin person to assume that role. We read Ruth 1-4 almost entirely and discussed them in detail.
I realized that Obed, the son of Ruth and his son Jesse and his son David were shepherds and probably watched their sheep in these very hills, the same hills where the shepherds were visited by hosts of angels.
We then discussed the story of the birth of the Savior from Luke 2. Steven share a different version of the Christmas story in his interpretation of Luke 2, using Jewish customs. As he read that Joseph went up from Galilee . . . And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.” In his view, they could have been camping in a tent for some time in Bethlehem, planning to go into a room in the Inn when the time for delivery came. The JST says there was no room for them in the Inns. Hence, they probably tried several of them when the need became great. He would have been unable to find room in any of them for a hospitality type room to give birth. He emphasized that they would have been in a grotto, under the inn, where the animals were kept. As we discussed the angels singing to the shepherds, we sang our new version of “Near, near to here in Judea’s hills” together. He suggested that perhaps we had previously sang on these hills, in that choir long ago. Perhaps Naomi and Ruth were also in that choir, announcing the birth of Ruth’s great . . . great grandson.
Bethlehem
Later that day we went to the traditional Nativity site in Bethlehem. We went into the Church of the Nativity, both the Greek Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. The lines were a little long, so we skipped going down into the grotto, where the traditional manger and birth site have been identified. We were a little disappointed about that. We realize that it is heavily modified and does not appear as it would have originally been. However, we did see videos of the grotto underneath on the internet after returning to our hotel room. We must remember that this is not a tourist trip, but one to emphasis events and feelings. We are purposely avoiding the long lines and tourist confusion. It probably is the right thing, but does not always meet the expectations of others, including ours. We did spend time in the courtyard discussing the translation of the New Testament into Latin which was completed by St. Jerome (Hieronymus) in the same Grottos a few hundred years later.
Jerusalem Model City
After visiting the Hills of Bethlehem, we went to the Israeli Museum where the Shrine of the Book and the Model City of Jerusalem is housed. I personally learned a lot about the city of Jerusalem and the history of the temples on Temple Square. Steven shared with us insights of the history of the temples. The temple of Solomon would be version 1.0. The rebuilt temple by Zorabbabel after the exile to Babylon would be version 2.0. Modifications by Judas Maccabees and King Herod would be versions 2.1 and 2.2. There was no new overall version as they did not require a do over of the temple, only modifications. We did understand quite a bit of history in much more detail and perspective.
As we discussed the model city, Steven led a discussion about the corruption that was within the Church and the eventual breaking away of the Essenes to their separate lifestyle at Qumron. An excellent discussion ensued of the corruption that had entered into the Church in Jerusalem, requiring the purchase of specific unblemished lambs from certain priests. Also, the competition of two families of priests to get the favor of Herod in becoming the high priest, usually requiring significant bribes. That discussion led to a discussion of our Church and the wisdom and symbolism of using water for sacrament rather than wine. First of all, it eliminates the need to buy certain wine for sacrament around the world. At the same time, water is symbolic of wine (miracle at Cana) and also of blood (miracle of water turning to blood in the time of Moses and the Pharaoh). Using math, if water equals wine (Cana) and water equals blood (Egypt), then wine represents blood of Christ and they are both represented by water, even living water.
Shrine of the Book - Essenes
This led us to visit the Shrine of the Book and a review of the lifestyle of the Essenes at Qumran and the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. I was very impressed with the efforts of the Essenes to be apart from the impurities of the world, live the law of consecration, and dedicate their lives to learning and service. Even though they did not have revelation through a current prophet, their hearts appeared to be in the right direction.
Samson - Near Bet Shemesh, Sorek Valley
After lunch, a gift shop and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, we visited in a valley near Bet Shemesh, which was the home town of Samson. The story of Samson is strange. However it was pointed out the strong message is that at the end, Samson prayed to God for strength to avenge his enemies and was able to kill more Philistines that day than throughout his life. The message is in the power of repentance, that Samson did repent at the end and was able to be an instrument in the Lord’s hands.
Valley of Elah - David and Goliath
We finished our day in the Valley of Elah and discussed the story of David and Goliath, reading from the scriptures. We each found round rocks in the valley and had a sling shot to try and sling rocks. The strong message here is about believing in our abilities and in the power of God.
Day 3, April 27, 2019 - The Sabbath and BYU Jerusalem Center
We went to Church at the BYU Jerusalem Center, which is a beautiful building in an incredible location. You can look out the windows in the assembly hall and see the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Beautiful displays of the history of the temple mount are also available in the terrace in front of the Jerusalem Center, as well as sample wine and olive presses. Beautifully done.
In our meeting, the district president was released and Dennis Lifferth (an old friend from my Church employment days) was sustained as the new District President.
Orson Hyde Memorial
After the meetings, Debbie and I asked to be dropped off near the Orson Hyde Memorial Park. We walked to the top of the park and then walked through the park. We stopped at an amphitheater location and read the dedicatory prayer that was offered in 1841. The trials and sacrifice for Orson Hyde to arrive in Jerusalem at that time were incredible. He was following a vision that he had received and was diligent to perform the dedication of Israel to the Gathering of Israel. As we were finishing reading, a young 14 year old girl, Kirsten, came into the amphitheater. She explained a little bit more about the park. There was a dark area, blackened by fire where a plaque with the dedicatory prayer had been included. She told us that it had been vandalized by Arabs who did not appreciate the dedication of the land to the Jews and that is why we could not find a plaque. We marveled at the sacrifice and the dedicatory blessing offered so long ago. It was a fun experience that turned out very well.
Garden of Gethsemane
We continued walking out of the Memorial Park to the traditional site of the Garden of Gethsemane. When we arrived, there were very few people and we were able to sit near the identified Olive Tree and ponder the great sacrifice made by our Savior. The Spirit was strong. We went into the chapel where they have the agony stone. It was nice and quiet and gave us an opportunity to read the story of Gethsemane from the different gospels and ponder further.
Overall, we were pleased with our plan to visit the Orson Hyde Memorial and Gethsemane as part of our Sabbath worship.
We also met a taxi driver who told us he had driven President Nelson and Elder Holland to Bethlehem during their visit one year ago. He was not able to take us back to our hotel, but his friend did. His friend spoke Portuguese and had played professional soccer in Brazil. His name was Abraham, like our son, he turned 31 years old one day before our son, Jared and loved and played soccer like our son, Jacob. His son’s name is Isaac, like our grandson. We told him that he fit right in with us. He is Muslem and we had a very pleasant visit as he returned us to our hotel.
Day 4, April 28, 2019 - Temple Mount, Old Jerusalem, Passover Dinner
Temple Mount - Islam, Holy of Holies
We started our day going to the Temple Mount, which is now the home of the Dome of the Rock of the Muslim Faith. This included a discussion of the Muslim Faith and practices. On the mount, men and women are not allowed to embrace or even hold hands. We were cautioned to obey this custom while we were there. This was a little awkward, so Debbie and I had to stay further apart to not touch or hold hands. It is also against the Jewish Torah for Jews to enter onto the Temple Mount. They consider it to be a holy site that can only be visited when they again have the Priesthood, which was lost when the temple was destroyed.
One of the key practices of the Muslims is to pray to Mecca 5 times a day. Hence the stones on the pavement of the mount are directed to Mecca, rather than following the grid of North South, East and West which was the mode of the Jews 2,000 years ago. This led to discovery on identifying what stones were from the original temple square at the time of the Savior and what was in the current structures that were built around 700 AD. In some places you can tell the difference by the orientation of the stones (by N, W, S & E) or directionally to Mecca.
Some years ago, Jewish archaeological discoveries have helped identify where they thought that the previous Holy of Holies would have been. It has been identified in the location of what is called the Dome of the Tablets and the Dome of The Spirit. This location is based on the bedrock of Mount Moriah and lines up with a more modern Gate Beautiful and the the Mount of Olives. This dome also more accurately fits the Jewish tradition that the sacrifice of the red calf on the Mount of Olives had to be in the line of sight of the Gate Beautiful and the HOLY OF HOLIES. It felt to me that we were on a location that certainly had been very holy in the past.
Old Town - Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher
We entered the Old City of Jerusalem at the Jaffa Gate. We first came upon the remains of Herod's Palace and the monuments that he had built so long ago. We then walked through the streets of Old Jerusalem's Christian Quarter until we arrived at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
We stopped in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and held a discussion about apostasy of the Church and the appointment of the site of the Holy Sepulchre by the mother of Constantine, Helena. Current practices in this temple include fanatical followers of Christ kissing the stone where Jesus would have been crucified and washing cloths over the marble where he would have been anointed before burial. We did not see the tomb as the lines were excessive. The behavior of those visiting appears to be the action of pagan worshippers as they worship sites or stones or tablets. As we went through the exhibits, we did not feel anything of the Spirit, only confusion and chaos.
I also pondered a little about the throngs of people visiting this supposed site of the crucifixion, while almost none of them visit the site of Gethsemane. I found this curious of the strong tourist appeal of the supposed site of the Savior’s Death and not of where the atonement was supposed to have occurred. This helps to explain the misunderstanding that the Christian world has and their lack of understanding about the atonement.
Archaeological Digs and South Entrance to the Temple
We spent some time reviewing many of the archaeological things that have been discovered. In the visitors center we saw a movie characterizing a young man who had gone to the temple for the first time in the time of Jesus. It was very interesting and gave me a focus on temple worship at that time. This young man had prepared himself spiritually and was immersed so that he would be clean to go onto the temple mount. As he carried his sacrificial goat, he was only able to see the results (smoke and smells) of his sacrifice. I thought that the film was very well done and opened my eyes to more understanding of the temple ordinances and processes of that time.
As we finished our time in the archaeological section, we went to the south steps of the temple mount. You can tell by the style of the steps of those who are based on bedrock and would have been the same steps that existed at the time of the Savior. These steps lead up to the temple wall, which they have identified as having been the main entrance to the temple, even though it is currently filled in. We sat on these steps and read about His Triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. At that time, he went into the temple, not as an anointed priest, but through the gate as others did. Steven told us that there is strong evidence that this is the exact same steps that the Savior would have gone up. He played the music of I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked while we pondered the sacredness of where we were. This was a major spiritual experience for this day.
Passover in the Upper Room
We finished our day by going to an Upper Room of a house in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem. This would have been in the Essene section at the time of Our Savior. and has been identified as the house of the last supper. Although this specific house may not have existed at that time, it is felt that the last supper would have occurred somewhere in this region., which is in the Upper City of the Western Hills.
Steven also discussed the timing of the passover events as being on Wednesday of that week, leaving the crucifixion to be on Thursday, which is consistent with 3 days and 3 nights, which is the only sign the Savior gave, the "sign of Jonah". In Mark 14:13 it says that his disciples should “go ye into the city. ‘and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.” It was the Jewish custom of women to bear the pitchers of water except for the Essenes. Hence we learn that he had the passover with the Essenes, who lived at the Western Hills section of Jerusalem. It was also their practice to follow their own calendar which had the fixed day of Wednesday to celebrate passover. This was all new understanding to me and it cleared up some questions that I had on this chronology.
While we sat at this site, Steven taught us all of the details of a Passover Feast, including the order of each step of the Passover. This process is time consuming and usually takes 3 hours or more. It included dipping in different foods, eating of the unleavened bread at four different times and sipping or drinking of the wine at 4 different times. All of these steps were in place at the time of the Savior.
We then sat in the upper room and read Matthew 26 about the experience of the passover with the Savior. As we read this we came up with several insights that were new to me as follows:
During the passover it says in John 13:34 that the Savior said “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”.
This was characterized as a new commandment at this time. In John 15:13, he added “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
We than listened to the music of “As I have loved you, love one another“ and then sang together the words in the upper room. It was a touching conclusion to a long day. Once again I was touched by the spirit as I realized the commandment that we have to love one another as our Savior has loved us.
Day 5, April 29, 2019 - Garden of Gethsemane through the Resurrection, Wailing Wall
Mount of Olives - Garden of Gethsemane
Gethsemane means Wine Press of the Oil. The Wine Press of the Oil is used to process bitter ingredients, the stems and pits and skins of the grapes. Hence this corresponds with the fact that Jesus “drank the bitter cup”.
We met at a park higher up on the Mount of Olives. From there we can see the location of the Holy of Holies on the Temple Mount, currently called the Dome of the Tablet or the Dome of the Spirit. We can see it in nearly a straight line over the old Gate Beautiful. That gives meaning to the site as it fulfills the ancient ritual of the Sacrifice of the Red Calf.
The Red Calf was led across the Kidron Valley and up the Mount of Olives, high enough to be over the Temple, yet, in line with the Gate Beautiful as well as being in line with the north part of the altar. This red calf (Heifer) was sacrificed high up on the Mount of Olives.
We read from Matthew 26, in verse 41, the Savior says to Peter, “the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Perhaps that saying was also meant for the Savior himself. Read D&C 19:15-19. The Spirit could not abide with the Savior, because he was carrying our sins. Read Isaiah 63:2-7, 15, 19. The Savior will appear in red on the Mount of Olives.
April 9, 1977 - sacrament meeting at this site on the Mount of Olives for the Jerusalem branch. Elder Howard W. Hunter was visiting and in attendance. He stated that during the sacrament prayer, he saw a “man walk down the path and is with us today.” He gave a talk in conference, Jesus the Very Thought of Thee with Sweetness fills my breast.
When the Savior was atoning for our sins, did He look straight from here into the Holy of Holies with an “eye single to the glory of God?” we were able to consecrate holy anointing oil on the Mount of Olives during our time together. We also posed for a beautiful photo together as a group.
Wailing Wall - Bar Mitzvah
We visited the Wailing Wall and participated in some of the Bar Mitzvahs that were occurring that day. Steven taught us about what occurs in a Bar Mitzvah. He also discussed the use of the Prayer Shawl, even under the clothing. It’s use is very similar to the garments that we wear. During the Bar Mitzvah, people help the young man if he doesn’t know what to say.
A Bar Mitzvah is the process in which a young man becomes a “Son of the Law”. Generally it occurs at the age of 13. The father helps the son prepare during the year previously. If a young man has no earthly father (passed away or otherwise), he does his Bar Mitzvah at the age of 12, for he must be a man earlier.
We know very little about Jesus from his birth until his ministry. However, we do know that at 8 days he was brought to the temple to be circumcised and to participate in the Abrahamic Covenant. We also know that he went to the temple when he was 12, probably for his Bar Mitzvah. This would fit for him, since his Father was His Heavenly Father who was not living on this earth. Then when his parents went looking for him, he told them “Wist ye not, I have been about my Father’s business." Remember that he was now a”Son of the Law”.
Caiaphas, House of the High Priest
We visited the traditional site of the House of Caiaphas. This included the dungeon below the house, with accommodations to give 39 lashings, as was given to Jesus by Pilate.
We read from John 21. Peter and John were both there. However, John left earlier while Peter stayed. It was discussed that if Peter wanted to deny the Savior, he would have left with John. However, Peter was there to defend the Savior to fight as needed, he wanted to fight. However as the night progressed, Peter could see that the Savior was not resisting any of the processes against him. Perhaps he was beginning to understand that Jesus was really the Messiah and would need to die. Truly Peter did not really know the Savior at this time.
His first denial was “I know him not”, which was probably a true statement at this time for Peter. His only option to help Jesus seemed to accept the will of the Father, which was to allow Jesus to be killed and for Peter to exercise faith. After the third denial, his eyes met the eyes of Jesus and he left weeping.
We have no record of Peter and the Savior discussing his weakness in denying the Savior three times. However, when he denied him, he was around a coal fire in the court of Caiaphas. When he met the Savior in Galilee again, it was around a coal fire also. Perhaps there was an understanding as Peter was asked three times if he loved the Savior.
Peter became an incredible witness of our Savior. This Church is called the Church of St. Peter and the Cock Crows. Jesus wanted humble followers with faith and passion. He then would want them to learn to bridle their passion. That is what he had with Peter, humility and passion.
What did the Chief Priests want in the interrogation with Jesus? They wanted to find him guilty of death. What did Jesus want? He wanted to be found guilty of death. However, it needed to be death by crucifixion, not the death that could be carried out by the Chief Priests for Sabbath breaking or temple defiling, which would be death by stoning.
How would Jesus be found guilty? There were three options:
The ruling party of the Sanhedrin was a quorum of 70, three quorums of 23 and the High Priest. There was no First Presidency or quorum of 12, so they were the ruling quorum.
Reading in Matthew 26, we see in verse 63 that the Savior waited patiently for him to be accused without his committing a crime. In verse 64, he spoke words of truth and did not use the name of the Father directly and was still accused of blasphemy.
As had been done with sacrifices in the temple, the High Priest prepared Jesus for the sacrifice.
Antonia Fortress, Pilate and the Chief Priests
While the Chief Priests and Jesus wanted Jesus to be found guilty, Pontius Pilate only wanted to keep peace and continue to collect taxes. Pilate was a low level bureaucrat. In John 18:28, Jesus bore witness of truth and did not commit blasphemy or bear false witness.
John 19:10, Jesus told Pilate that he only had power given to him from above, meaning both God and Rome.
19:12 The Chief Priests threaten to report Pilate to Caesar if he does not agree to their desires.
19:15 Chief Priests acknowledged this pagan God (Rome) as their king.
We walked from the location of the Antonia Fortress out of the Damascus Gate to a nearby location near the rock quarry that appears to be the place of a skull. This location of Golgotha appears correct since the Romans crucified in high traffic areas, along the highway or crossroads. At Golgotha we can see the image of the Skull when looking from different directions (John 19:17). The bridge of the skull has broken off in recent years, the “skull” is more pronounced in a photo from 100 years ago.
As we learned about the crucifixion, we read from John 19. Verse 17 identified the location as the “place of the skull”. In verse 20 it was “nigh to the city”. Each of these descriptions match the location that we visited. It is currently maintained by a Protestant group out of England. The guide there was very good and respectful of all as he shared with us the details behind this story.
In our learning with Steven, our guide, we continued on with John 19:23 that states that Jesus was wearing priestly vesture, ”the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout”. John then notes in verse 24 that scripture was fulfilled about the tearing the clothes but casting lots for the robe. Perhaps John added this to his account as he read Psalms 22:18 later on. At that time it added meaning to John, as he saw with spiritual eyes. He learned by studying scriptures, not just by being there. We can know by the same method. In verse 28 it states that “Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst”. This fulfilled the scripture of Psalm 69:21 as noted in the next verse. Jesus also read the scriptures and knew what was supposed to happen. In verse 30 it is clear that “He gave up the ghost”. He refused to die until all things were fulfilled. However, he had to hurry up the process, for there was a timetable to be kept. He knew that he must be buried before sundown. He had confidence and knew that he would be resurrected because he fulfilled everything. He had to be perfectly obedient because he had perfect faith.
In John 19:31, it parenthetically states “(for that sabbath day was an high day)". The footnote says “Jesus arose on the first day of the week. The previous day was the weekly Sabbath. The day before the Sabbath, being also the day after the Passover meal, could be the “high” day.” This footnote was written by Ellis Rasmussen, a BYU professor. He said that he wrote “would be”, but it was changed to “could be”. I guess traditions are hard to change. It appears clear by all that we have discussed that the Savior was killed on Thursday afternoon, at the same time that the passover lambs were being killed. He was buried before sundown of that day, when the Jews observed their Passover meal. Remember that Jesus had observed his Passover meal the night before, according to the calendar of the Essenes. This also fulfills the sign of Jonah (three days and three nights) which was identified by the Savior as the sign that he would give.
In verse 38-41, Joseph and Nicodemus took the body down and buried it in a “garden” in “the place where he was crucified". Thus Joseph and Nicodemus become unclean for handling the dead body and would have not been able to participate in the passover that evening., since that was the “preparation day”. The “sepulchre was nigh at hand”
We read together the account of the resurrection from John 20. Notes from this discussion:
President Kimball was at the Garden Tomb in 1978. The local leaders wanted to teach him some things of doctrine. President Kimball said “Good, Let’s Go”. They were clear that this tomb is very much like the tomb that Jesus was laid in. President Kimball said, “you see, we’ve been to hallowed places before.” As President Kimball came out of the tomb, he squeezed the hand of the guide (Micah Adknozie) very hard and said “I know He was here".
When you go to the Garden Tomb you will not find Him in the tomb because He is risen!
As I went to the tomb, I felt the Spirit as I imagined the Resurrected Lord appearing at the door of the tomb to Mary Magdalene. Throughout this week, I have often felt the Spirit's presence as I see in my minds eye the events that occurred here long ago. I don’t believe that I can say that these were new witnesses, but they were affirmations of the witness that I have already received over and over again in my life. I do know that He lives from the scriptures and other experiences of my life. Being here gives me wonderful perspective and cultural clarifications and confirmations of what I have already known.
Day 6, April 30, 2019 - River Jordan and Central Israel
River Jordan - Joshua, Elisha and Jesus Christ
When the children of Israel were in the wilderness a representative of each tribe was sent into the land of Canaan to spy on the inhabitants and bring a report. 10 of the representatives brought a report of fear, due to the strength of the people. Joshua and Caleb looked at the bounty of the earth and brought a positive report, trusting that they could conquer with the power of God. Joshua was the 11th in seniority of these “twelve”, Caleb was the youngest. It would take Joshua 40 years for him to become the senior “member of these twelve” and the presiding Melchizedek Priesthood holder. He then was able to follow in the steps of Moses and lead the children of Israel into the land of promise. The name of Joshua in Hebrew means “The Lord Saves”.
Reading in Joshua chapter 3:7-17 we learn the following:
verse 15: the time of harvest of barley is at passover, when the waters are highest
verse 16: we are in this general area where the Israelites passed over the Jordan River
Elijah (means The Lord is my God in Hebrew) and his successor Elisha are discussed in 2 Kings 2, we learn the following:
verse 8: Went over River Jordan on dry ground (Near Jericho), Elisha parted the water
verse 9: Elisha wanted a double portion of the Spirit
verse 10: answer to his request depends on the Lord’s choice
verse 14: Elisha (God Saves in Hebrew) smote the River Jordan and the waters parted again.
Elisha felt inadequate to follow Elijah
Joshua felt inadequate to follow Moses
John the Baptist (who immerses), required repentance before immersion, so they could be clean to go to the temple. He was baptizing for 7 days before the passover. He was in the location that was in the perimeter required to go to the temple. We read in Matthew 3 and we learn the following:
verse 1: John the Baptist baptizing
verse 2 preaching repentance
verses 7-8: repentance required (to Pharisees and Sadducees)
verse 11: Jesus will immerse you with the Holy Ghost and with fire (oil is the symbol)
verses 13-15: Then cometh Jesus who had no need to be immersed for the remission of sins “to fulfill all righteousness”, a commitment for ritual purity.
These were all forerunners. A forerunner is one who prepares the way so that the one who comes after can build the Church. Moses for Joshua, Elijah for Elisha, John the Baptist for Jesus, Joseph Smith for Brigham Young. Abraham for Isaac, Jesus for the Father.
I felt a connection of Moses and Elijah as forerunners along with John the Baptist. Each of these appeared at the Mount of Transfiguration to bestow their keys on Peter, James and John. This was to continue their work of turning the hearts of the children to the fathers, to gather Israel and to come unto Jesus Christ.
The River Jordan is a meandering river. Tradition puts the location at the site we visited. Most likely it was further down the River Jordan, across from Jericho, putting the three stories at the same place and at the same time of the year, near Passover. These three stories are interlocked.
My thoughts: I love the connection with historical stories at the same site. Those who followed Moses & Elijah parted the Jordan River. John the Baptist baptized in the Jordan River. These same three were at the Mount of Transfiguration according to different accounts. Elijah and Moses did not die and appeared as translated beings.
3 forerunners whose successors showed their power at the River Jordan. The Savior would have been the source of parting the River Jordan.
En Harud - Gideon
Gideon vs. Midianites, 32,000 vs. 200,000.
Judges 6-7
7:1 At the well of Harad, near Hill of Moreh - this is where we were
7:3 22,000 were allowed to go home, fearful
7:5-6 After drinking water with two hands, all but 300 were sent home. Those remaining had “Hutzpah” (Moxy)
Steve shared the story in 1967 of Israel fighting Egypt, arriving at 7:30 am (during breakfast), identified those planes that were real versus decoys and won the battle. Only 4 planes of the military remained in Israel. News broadcast said that the planes of Egypt were flying to Israel, when they were really the Israelis. Thus Syria did not attach the weak Israeli base because of misinformation. The Israelis had “Hutzpah”.
In Gideon, the 300 that remained were perceived as captains of hosts. In the ensuing bedlam, the Midianites killed each other.
Verse 30, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.
On the current Israeli Army insignia is the sword of the Lord and of Gideon
Mount Tabor - Transfiguration
Mt. Tabor is the site of other Old Testament stories:
Judges 4 story of Deborah (Hebrew means bees) who was the Judge and Prophetess. She was from the tribe of Ephraim. Her Chief Captain was Barak (which means Lightning). Sisera, the captain of the Canaanites went up to Mount Tabor, where he was killed by Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite, by hammering a nail into his temples while he slept in her tent.
Saul sought out Samuel, who had died, by the Witch of Endor near Mt. Tabor. Through this experience the end of Saul was prophesied (1 Samuel 28-31) and occurred as prophesied.
Tabor means navel or center of the country. This region was given to Issachar, who was blessed in Genesis 49:14 as “a strong ass, couching down between two burdens. This area, including the Jezreel Valley is very prosperous, given the burden of wealth of harvest.
On Mount Tabor is the Church of the Transfiguration or Church of the Light. Images of the transfiguration are throughout the Church. Beautiful architecture by the Italian architect, Antonio Barluzzi. He was also the architect for a Catholic Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Beatitudes.
Across the valley is the city of Pleasant (Naim or Nain in New Testament times). This is where the Savior raised the son of a widow from the dead.
Elijah had his battle with the Priests of Baal and came out victor. However, Elijah was never able to finish his work. Israel was wicked and the people would not follow God. Elijah was frustrated with the people. He was translated and returned later.
Moses wanted Israel to cross the line unto the Holy Mount. It would take 40 years until the people could make a covenant unto the Lord. Moses kept going up to the Mount. His face became light and he talked to the people through a veil. A generation never was gathered. His work was unfinished.
Matthew 16-17
Matt. 16:19 I will give unto thee (Peter) the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matt. 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
When the scriptures say to tell no man, it indicates that much more occurred than is written down.
Matt. 17:4 Jews build tabernacles (succoths for Moses and Elijah during the Feast of Tabernacles). These are available for them to come back to during this feast which would have been around this time of the year, when the transfiguration occurred.
Matt. 17:9 Jesus charged them saying, Tell the vision to no man. Much more happened than is written. Joseph Smith has indicated that they saw visions of the history of the earth and that they perhaps received their endowment.
On April 3, 1836 (Passover) Elijah and Moses appeared with the Savior to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdrey in the Kirtland Temple as noted in D&C 110
In verse 9 it says “and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house”. Their appearance was tied to the endowment.
in 1978 President Kimball had a planned trip to Israel with a very tight agenda. This included visits to the Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum and then to Bethlehem to speak to the Jerusalem Branch. He came from and departed at the port of Haifa. As he traveled he asked to go to Mt. Tabor “I want to go there”. Kept the rest of the agenda, 1.5 - 2.0 hours late. When he spoke to the Jerusalem Branch, he said Today I went to Mt. Tabor, the Mount of Transfiguration. “When I was there I felt as if I were on the highest spot on the face of the earth.”
On the lowest spot of the earth with living water, our Father in Heaven said “This is My Beloved Son with whom I am well pleased”. For the 2nd time at “the highest spot on the face of the earth” He said “This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”. The third time was in the temple with the Nephites. The last time was in a grove of trees to Joseph Smith, saying “Hear Ye Him”.
Nazareth - Mount of Precipice
It was here, where He was raised, that he announced his Messiahship (Luke 4:16-21) by quoting Isaiah 61:1-2. He told them that “This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears”. The people revolted and “led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down” (Luke 4:29)
We went to the brow of the hill of Nazareth and read this story. In Hebrew, it says that Jesus was a master craftsman, not necessarily a carpenter. Nazareth was known for their stone quarries. We sat amongst the rocks on the brow of the hill and pondered his childhood as we listened to "Jesus Once Was a Little Child . . . So let us be like him"
Cana - Water to Wine
As we left Nazareth and headed to Tiberius, we passed through the city of Cana, where the first recorded miracle was performed. We saw a store advertising “Cana Wedding Wine”.
Day 7, May 1, 2019 - The Galilee
Springs of the River Jordan, Tel Dan, Mount Herman
There are heavy flows of water from Mount Hermon from underground springs. These are fed from the snow and rain on the mount. This has created a beautiful nature park at Tel Dan. This area was the inheritance of the tribe of Dan. In this nature park we saw great beauty. Fig trees are also bountiful. The fig is interesting, first comes the first fruit, then the leaves and finally the second fruit of the season. We looked at large fig leaves understanding that this was the first covering for Adam and Eve.
As we left Mount Hermon, we drove through Northern Israel and the Golan Heights. Steven recounted stories of conflicts with Lebanon and Syria. Both of these countries were visible from our bus.
Lunch at St. Peter’s Restaurant
We stopped for lunch at St. Peters Restaurant. Upon ordering a Tilapia lunch, the fish came with a coin in the mouth. In my case it was in the eye, but I managed to put it in the mouth. We were on the coast of the Sea of Galilee and enjoyed a nice meal.
We went to the ruins of the city of Capernaum. The city was destroyed many years ago, after being cursed by Jesus. In recent years they have found archaeological ruins and have rebuilt or reconstructed portions of the city.
Capernaum is the home to 85% of the miracles recorded in the New Testament. We spent time discussing miracles.
Every miracle has a personal side and a public side. We were challenged to always find both sides as we study the miracles of Jesus. Steven gave us some background to some of the miracles discussed. For example:
We discussed the man of palsy that was lowered into the house and then had his sins forgiven and his palsy healed. Most homes had rooms around a center courtyard. There was only one entrance to the courtyard. If Jesus was teaching in any of the rooms, the crowd would be trying to access Him and would most likely be blocking the entrance to the court yard. Hence the men had to climb onto the house and find the room where Jesus was teaching. and then lower the bed through the roof, which was often only straw laid upon wood beams.
An example of personal and public sides of the 10 lepers The personal side was the healing of the lepers and the importance of gratitude. The Public side would be that the Priests were exercising Jesus’s authority and had authority to pronounce the leper clean. He asked the lepers to do exactly what was required by the law.
The miracle of the Temple tax by instructing Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish. Peter had already guaranteed the authorities that he would take care of the tax. Jesus made it clear to Peter that as the Son of God, there was no requirement to pay the tax. By getting the coin from the fish, Jesus did pay the tax, not Peter.
For the centurion whose son was healed, the centurion’s home was unclean for Jews to enter. That is why he said he was not worthy. That was his first step of faith. However he focused on what he could do, which was to ask the healing without Jesus coming to his home rather than focusing on his obstacle of being unclean as a non Jew.
Jesus built strong relationships in Capernaum. This was his chosen home after being rejected in Nazareth.. Peter was also not from Capernaum, but from Bethsaida. However, his mother in law was from Capernaum (who was healed by Jesus). Peter was s senior leader of the fishermen in Capernaum, the leader of the docks. If needed, Peter could move the Savior from Capernaum to Bethsaida. Jesus was also a friend with the Centurion (whose son he healed) and the Ruler of the Synagogue (whose daughter he healed).
We moved to the ruins of the Synagogue and discussed the miracles that are presented together in each of the gospels, the woman with an issue of blood and the daughter of the ruler of the Synagogue. Reading from Mark chapter 5:
Verse 26 the woman had been to many weird physicians, probably had often felt violated.
Verse 33 "thy faith hath made thee whole", 1st healing which occurred when she touched the hem of his garment (his prayer shawl).
Verse 34 “go in peace, and be whole of thy plague” 2nd healing, resolved her guilt for touching his garment when she was unclean. He pronounced this blessing upon her, even after she was healed from the issue of blood.
Verse 41 “Talltha Cumi” means little curly haired lamb.
Verse 43 “that no man should know it” an indication that more was done than written when she was raised from the dead.
Thoughts from Steven on this situation:
Normally children who pass are greeted by parents, or without parents who have passed, greeted by grandparents when they go through the veil. Talitha, who had passed, was probably happy to be greeted by grandma and grandpa. She was healed for her parents, not for her. She may have been told (in private, with only her parents and Peter, James and John present) When you die again in later years, you will be greeted by mama and papa. Savior may have taught them of eternal families. Unwritten message that Families Can Be Together Forever.
See the Chiasmus poem written by Daniel Roma about Talitha. As we read this poem together, I realized how personally Jesus knew the people in Capernaum. He probably new this little girl from previous association. His relationship with her and her family most likely was very close. He probably knew them from the Synagogue.
There are a few parallels with these two miracles:
The public message is the way that Jesus knew the individual needs of each, especially women. All gospel writers included these two stories together. Jesus focused especially on the needs of women.
Mount of Beatitudes
The Church of the Beatitudes was also designed by Antonio Barluzzi, the same architect that designed the Church of the Transfiguration and the Church in Bethlehem. Beautiful focus on the Beatitudes, not on the altar which is in the center of the Church. The beatitudes are all around the Church. In this Church Jesus (or the altar) is in the middle. Windows open to the outdoors to give a feeling of openness such as was the setting for the Beatitudes or the Sermon on the Mount. This Church is in a beautiful garden setting, with signs of the beatitudes both in English and in Hebrew.
The Beatitudes were given slightly different to the Nephites. There are two differences.
In Matthew chapter 5, verse 3, it says Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In the Book of Mormon it says Blessed are the poor in spirit that come unto me for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
In verse 6 it says Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. In the Book of Mormon it says Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Steven suggests combining the two differences in the parable format and it reads:
Blessed are they who come unto me, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. Beatitude # 9.
Other thoughts from the Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5:21 Thou shalt not kill, this is easy to measure and judge
5:22 Do not be angry,(without a cause) hard to measure or judge
v. 27 Do not commit adultery, pretty clear to judge
v. 38 Do not lust in your heart, much more difficult to judge
V. 38 Eye for an Eye and a tooth for a tooth. However, it is should now be written in our heart. The 10 commandments were a law of observance leading to repentance and the ordinances
Jeremiah wrote in Chapter 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
V. 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that i took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord
v. 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Moses wanted the people to obey the law so they could walk over the line and up to the mount to talk to the Lord.
Tom’s note, think about the temple and the Higher Law of the Gospel
We are taught to pray in our closet. The Holy of Holies is a closet in the temple. Your closet can be holy through the Holy Ghost.
We then sang "Heavenly Father, are you really there".
Read the Sacrament Prayer, “that thy Spirit May Be with Them Always”
“Blessed Are They who come unto me for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost””
Children can understand this! When asked how can God write on our hearts, an 8 year old responded, “With the Holy Ghost”
Sea of Galilee - Boat Ride, Jesus and Peter Walking on Water - Never Doubt the Lord
We finished our day 7 by crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat. While doing this we studied Matthew 14 about the 5 loves and 2 fishes.
Verse 20: Twelve baskets were full at the end, one for each of the apostles.
Verse 25: The Savior walking on the water
Verse 30: After walking on the water, Peter falters and cries out” Lord, Save Me” which is the Hebrew meaning of the name Jesus.
Verse 31: Wherefore didst thou doubt?
Do not ever doubt the Lord who saves!
We listened to and sang “Jesus Was No Ordinary Man”
Day 8, May 2, 2019 - The Living Desert
Armageddon Discussion on the bus (per Memory Book)
Qumran - Dead Sea Scrolls
Story of $100,000 approved by government and paid to the shoe maker in Bethlehem on the day before the UN treaty was signed. Shoe maker got the scrolls from two young Bedouins who had found the papyrus in a cave and wanted to use the papyrus fo make sandals. He gave them $20 and two pairs of shoes. He then gave photos of the papyrus for $10,000 and finally found a buyer with the government for $100,000. The deal was consummated the day before Israel became a nation and Bethlehem became part of the Palestinian area. Hence, this could not have been completed after the treaty was signed.
Had our 10:00 am moment of silence for the Holocaust victims at Qumran during their national holiday of remembrance. Explored the ruins and the background of the Essenes. Plenty of immersions. This was an amazing place of seclusion for the Essenes people who were extremely dedicated to their religion.
Masada
Three messages. The first had to do with the building of Masada by Herod. It was super exotic, built in the Roman style. Heavy on facade, to appear better than it is. Example of Las Vegas temple versus Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
We also discussed the bath house in detail, understanding how they bathed before soap was used. This included steps of heated sauna type to open the pores, mud baths to clean further and finally cold water to close the pores. Excellent Bath house remnants on Masada.
Second message was the dedication of the Zealots to not become servants of Rome. Eliezer told his people that they had only a few options, one was to fight to the death, any survivors would become ravaged and in servitude. They could surrender which would also leave them as servants to Rome. The best possible solution was to die as freemen, with wives unabused and children not knowing servitude. . . We choose death rather than slavery. They were taught by the chief butcher who killed the sacrificial lambs how to die quickly and with minimal pain, by cutting the neck at the correct spot.
They therefore died quick and painless as the sacrificial lambs. An honorable or noble death. Generally, the men killed their wives and children. 10 of the zealots, whose names were chosen from those written on broken pieces of pottery would then kill the men. One of the 10 was chosen to kill the other nine. Only the last person fell on his sword in suicide. They have found pieces of pottery with names on them on this site. When the Romans came over the walls, they found all of the people dead in their rooms, with their necks cut. Two women and 5 children were found alive. One of these women recounted the story to Josephus, the Jewish Historian.
The question is what would we do. It was clear that we should not be faced with this decision as long as we honor our 12th article of faith. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates and in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law! Steven shared a story of his friends from Leipzig, Germany who were trapped behind the Iron Curtain in 1945. They remained faithful and were able to go individually to the temple in Switzerland. Finally, the Freiberg temple was dedicated in 1985 and they were amongst the first to finally be sealed as a family 40 years after their freedom was lost. Those who had died without this blessing, certainly were blessed in the eternities. After less than 5 years of having a temple in East Germany, the wall came down.
The third message from Masada. When they found the ruins, in the synagogue they found a scroll of the book of Ezekiel, chapter 37. This had a tremendous message about the resurrection. In verses 1 to 14 it discusses the process of resurrection. First the bones come together, then in verse 8, the Sinews and the flesh and a new skin covers the bones. However the resurrection is not complete until the “breath” is added to the bones. In Hebrew this word for breath means the Spirit. Interesting to see this as the last readings of this people as they contemplated their death and eternal freedom.
In Ezekiel 37:15-28 it discusses the stick of Judah and stick of Joseph. The Hebrew word for Stick is Etz, the word for bones is Etzem (spelling suspect). The comparison is that the stick of Judah (Bible) was as the skeleton bones. The Stick of Joseph (Book of Mormon) was as the newly restored sinews and flesh. However these sticks are only meaningful when a convert joins the Church through the Spirit and is able to prepare for and go to the temple. The restoration is not a religion we live but leads us to the temple.
Another parallel of Joseph - He saved them from famine in Egypt, fulfilling the dream of 11 sheaves falling down to him. The dream of stars that bowed down to him would only be fulfilled many years later, as his seed led them to the temple.
Dead Sea
No specific spiritual learnings here, except the standard learnings about dying when we don’t give (no outlet for the dead sea). I also suspect that there is something meaningful about being the lowest spot on the earth, almost 1,400 feet below sea level. The sea is 67% liquid and 33% minerals. The human body has 80% liquids. That is why we are able to so easily float in the Dead Sea.
We proceeded to float in the Dead Sea, which was an amazing and enjoyable experience. Almost impossible to not float.
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| Posing with a Camel by the Dead Sea (in the background) |
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| Our Camel friend near the Dead Sea |
