Where Jesus Walked

Third’s sojourners return from Israel

The promotional brochure for Third’s Israel tour promised to “make the Bible come alive.” After spending 11 days in the Holy Land, I can say that the trip unquestionably accomplished this pledge.

At Caesarea Philippi, I pondered what my own response would be to Christ’s question, “But who do you say I am?” At Joppa, I looked out at the Mediterranean Sea and put myself in Jonah’s shoes, as he attempted to flee from God’s purpose for him. And at the Sea of Galilee, I meditated on both the courage and the doubt of Peter, as he stepped out on the water.

Undoubtedly the most meaningful experience came on the last day of our trip. As we left the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (one of the proposed sites of the crucifixion of Christ),  I found myself unfulfilled and unmoved. But upon arriving at the second proposed site, the Garden Tomb, I truly experienced the work of the Spirit. Upon entering the tomb, I was struck by the bareness and austerity of the space. Gone were the ornaments and icons and burning incense of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Rather, it was just an empty tomb with a sign reading: “HE IS NOT HERE – FOR HE IS RISEN.”

It is entirely unsuitable to just call it an empty tomb, for the emptiness of the tomb changes everything. It most certainly changes our future, as we receive the promise of life after death. Because of this promise, our lives are changed in the present, as we are able to live confidently and obediently. Witnessing the empty tomb allowed me to personally experience the power and joy of the resurrection of Christ.  

Written by: Ben Behrendt

Brothers Will and Ben

Behrendt stop at the

Western (Wailing) Wall of

the temple in Jerusalem.