Author Archives: ForThisPurpose

Site of many battles during the seven days war. It is still filled today with many minefields left by the Syrian army.  It is a reminder of the conflict that continues to this day in the Holy Land. It is beautiful and strangely peaceful standing on top of the mountain, even though you are standingContinue reading “Day 3: Golan Heights”

Beautiful nature walk and waterfalls which feed the Jordan River

Reflection: Caesarea Philippi is a fairly small city and quick tour. Jesus did not spend a tremendous amount of time in Caesarea Philipi, but the moment described in three of the gospels when Peter tells Jesus “You are the Christ” is incredibly revelatory. It is worth the visit to understand the context of that momentContinue reading “Day 3: Caesarea Philippi”

Reflection: This was a really fun place to visit particularly from an archaeological perspective. It’s fascinating to see what various digs around the city have been able to uncover and how many of the structures are still intact so many years later. Prayer: That we would listen to our people and our elders, and notContinue reading “Day 3: Tel Dan”

Reflection: This was our last stop in the Sea of Galilee region and was quick but impactful. The story of Jesus’ exorcism of the demonaic man appears in Matthew, Mark and Luke and is certainly a strange scene to imagine. This is a great overlook of the Sea of Galilee. Prayer: That no matter howContinue reading “Day 3: Kursi Overlook”

Reflection: This was a last minute addition to the trip and was not part of the original itinerary, but we would highly recommend the visit. Down on the beach by the Sea of Galilee, it is easy to envision the scene of Simon Peter fishing and Jesus preparing breakfast. It is a very peaceful setting.Continue reading “Day 2: Church of the Primacy of St. Peter”

Reflection: The site that we visited at the Jordan river did feel a little disappointing and touristy, but it was really special to see the members of our group who did participate in the re-dedication of their baptisms. It is always great to see men and women committing themselves to the following of Jesus. Prayer:Continue reading “Day 2: Jordan River”

Reflections: To witness the location where Jesus lived for several years during his ministry is very moving and powerful. There is a tremendous amount that has changed since Jesus lived there, and the current city is mainly an archaeological site. But there are also a lot of things that would not have changed like theContinue reading “Day 2: Capernaum”

Reflection: This was one of the most memorable moments of the trip, as I was asked to read the Sermon on the Mount from the Mount of the Beatitudes to our group. It was surreal to be reading the words of Jesus in the very place that it is believed he gave that sermon. TheContinue reading “Day 2: Mount of Beatitudes”

Reflection: There are a lot of places that we visited during the trip to Israel where it is a “best guess” on exact location of events. But when you are on the Sea of Galilee, you are certain that that is where Jesus walked on water. You know that along the shorelines that many, manyContinue reading “Day 2: Sea of Galilee”