Jul 8

Jul 8 THE HOLY LAND – Following Jesus' Footsteps

April 11 - 21, 2022

In November of 2021, I got an inkling from the Holy Spirit that I was supposed to go to the Holy Land alone. A lot people told me, “That’s too dangerous!” But a few weeks later, God brought me to Acts 20: 22. “Compelled by the Spirit, I’m going to Jerusalem. What will happen to me there, I do not know, except that in one city after another, hardships await me.” He made it so clear! From then on, I was convicted of 3 things: • I’m going to Jerusalem alone. • Hardships await me. • He will protect me through it all.

So in April of 2022, I hopped on a plane, followed Jesus’ literal footsteps, and went on a trip I’ll never forget! Here are the places I visited (in order of the His life events), spiritual encounters, and scripture references. There are also resources at the end of this post!

The Jordan River

Being on the same holy ground Jesus walked on was surreal. So I fell to my knees and wept (my very first time, of many, throughout the whole trip). Then, I dunked myself in the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” – Matthew 3: 13-17

Garden of Gethsemane

I thought I’d agonize over my sins and weep for hours. Ironically, this was the only place I didn't. Instead, I prayed for 4 hours and had one of the most peaceful times of my life. I felt Jesus tell me, “You don’t need to agonize over your sins. You don’t need to sweat blood or weep for hours. I already did that for you.” Joy overcame me.

I came back to my phone with many messages asking if I was okay. It was announced on the news that there was a shooting at Al-Aqsa Mosque (20 minutes away from where I was praying peacefully). This was because of the conflict between the Palestinian jews and the Israeli muslims. However, the Lord kept His promise to protect me and I was absolutely unaffected! That’s just crazy!

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress. Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.” He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26: 36-39

Via Dolorosa

Where Simon helped Jesus carry His cross

Via Dolorosa is one of the busiest streets in Jerusalem. It’s full of markets where shop owners always interrupt tourists. But it’s also the same streets where Jesus carried His cross. Nothing stopped me from feeling His powerful presence. Once again, I wept by myself. I wept so much, that a muslim came to me and asked why. It was an honor to explain that it was because I was overwhelmed by the love of Jesus.

Holy Sepulchre

At the bottom of the Jesus icon, there’s a hole. Inside the hole, are the rocks that Jesus was crucified on. You can stick your hand in and touch them! There was a long line to do so and as my turn approached, I felt shaky. Then, when I finally touched the rocks, I wept once again. No words can explain how that experience was!

Mount of Olives

Where Jesus hid to go pray and where He ascended to go to heaven!

“So then the Lord Jesus, after he spoke to them, was taken up into heaven and took his seat at the right hand of God. But they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs.” – Mark 16: 19-20

Upperroom

Where the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.

“When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem.” – Act 2: 1-5

Resources:
• The Jordan River: You can find group tours that will take you from the Jerusalem City Center to the Jordan River here: https://www.viator.com
• The Garden of Gethsemane: Address is not accessible via internet. I was able to get there by searching “Garden of Gethsemane” on Apple Maps or Google Maps. These apps will give you accurate directions.
• Via Dolorosa: I planned to do the Stations of the Cross. However, I was without resources and very lost! I asked locals to give me directions, but didn’t end up finding them all. You’re better off downloading a map or buying a tourist guide book. This one seems reliable: https://worldwidetravel.tips/israel/jerusalem/via-dolorosa-jerusalem/
• Holy Sepulchre: Address is not accessible via internet. I was able to get there by searching “Holy Sepulchre” on Apple Maps or Google Maps. These apps will give you accurate directions.
• Mount of Olives: Address is not accessible via internet. I was able to get there by searching “Chapel of Ascension” on Apple Maps or Google Maps. These apps will give you accurate directions. Then, I asked a local for walking directions to Mount of Olives. It was a short 5-minute walk to a spot you cannot miss!
• The Upper Room: Address is not accessible via internet. I was able to get there by searching “The Cenacle” on Apple Maps or Google Maps. These apps will give you accurate directions. Then, follow signs to “King David’s Tomb” because the room is in the same area!

Conclusion

My experience to the Holy Land was indescribable, but at least I tried to describe it! All I’m saying is… if you’re a Christian, you have to go on this pilgrimage before you die. It will rock your world in all the best ways. Until next time!