We drove through Cana on our way to Jerusalem. This was the city that Jesus performed his first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding. As it is an embarrassment and terrible to run out of wine for the hosts of a wedding, this miracle was not taken lightly by those there. The church in the city that represents this miracle is the Nathaniel Church of Cana Prophesy. It is now an Arab town but does have some Christian influence. Couples traditionally com here on their anniversaries or to renew their vows.
Nazareth. Nazareth is currently a town of over 75,000 people, but in the time of Jesus had only 100-200 people in it. As we pull over to look at an overlook, a couple of important landmarks are pointed out to us by our great tour guide, Eli. First is the Basilica of the Ascension. This is where Mary learned that she was to become a mother. A few blocks behind this site is the well of Mary, which still has water. She would have gone there with a child named Jesus to fetch her water. Josephus, among others in the Bible, never mentioned Nazareth as a city in their work or prophesies. The reason for this is that Nazareth was a hick town not worth discussing. This is why when we here, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews...His hometown is being mocked. I learned something very interesting at this site. There really are no trees in Nazareth, or even Israel of old. Therefore, carpenters not only worked with wood, but also as stone masons. Jesus and Joseph were brick layers. In fact, it is commonly believed that Joseph, and possibly even Jesus, walked an hour to a town nearby that was much larger and more work to be had.
In Nazareth, we visited the site of a reconstructed, living village. It was interesting to hear and see how Jesus would have lived in this region. Carpenters of the times used a hand drill and metal for nails and hanging things. Wool was died to make colored thread. Interestingly enough, not only were different types of plants and fruits used to do this, for the rich, elitists in the area, royal colors of purples and blues were made from sea snails. Until recently it was thought that these snails were extinct in the region due to overuse. These type of sea snails have been once again discovered.
We then learned how olive oil is made. I had no idea there were 3 pressings. The first was the oil that was pressed out of the skins, extra virgin oil. This was used by priests and rabbis for annointing and offerings. The second pressing was a little less pure, and was used by families to cook with, as well as put in medicine and body oils, used for equipment for lubrication, among other things. The last pressing was the worst and it was used for household candles. They never threw out the skins after this was done. The skins contained a scent that olives give off and they put the skins in fires in their kitchens to smell it up. We then visited a synagogue such as Jesus would have taught in. In his day, he, or any other teacher, would stand in the middle of the synagogue or he would sit by the front doors where the rabbi would sit and teach. This was not just a place for prayer, but also a community room, and study area. Many of us even got to see our first pomegranate tree and fruit, which was used with olive oil to make lipstick. We all took turns holding it and taking pictures...welcome to a bunch of tourists!
From Nazareth we drove by Mt. Precipice. This is an important mountain out-skirting Nazareth. This was the place where Jesus was led to and those in the crowd were going to throw him off because of what he had said in the synagogue. He read out of Isaiah, the crowd was angered when he said that a prophet is never welcomed in his home, and they rushed to push him off this cliff. It is steep, sheer, and high....amazing to look at.
As we travelled through the Jezreel Valley, we drove past the Gilboa Mountains near another valley...the Jordan Valley. These mountains are important as they are where King Saul died in battle and then was taken to Bet She'an. In front one can actually see the Herad Springs, where Gideon, in the book of Judges, brings his men to drink and then picks 300 to take with him to defeat the Midianites.
From here we grabbed lunch of falafal and pita bread, and visited a fascinating pagan city...Bet She'an. This place, although not Christian, is significant as Saul and his sons were nailed to the city walls here. The photo at the top of this day's blog is a photo of main street. Modern Bet She'an (25,000 people) is actually smaller than the city of old (45,000). It is a tel, which is a hill with many different civilizations layered on top of one another. There is theatre in the city as you first walk in and was said that the level on top was where ladies would prostitute themselves to the men in the crowd. They then used rooms and entry ways at the top of the theatre to take care of their guests. There is an amphitheatre in the city, but it is located in the modern city, away from the old city. This is because, priests and those who were learned did not want the brawling rioters and possibly drunks who attended arena events walking up and down the temple areas. Located on site is a bath house, as well as a brothel. Interesting!
We left this city and traveled through the Jordan Valley with fields of plastic covered plants. They all looked like rows of clear plastic bags. This is to create moisture in this desert wilderness. The mountains of Jordan in full view, you can see what is known as the No Man's Land Fence. Although the Jordan River is the actual border between countries, this fence helps with enforcement. The fence is electronic which sends a signal to a post that someone has touched the fence. The Israeli government also smooths out a small road in front of the fence to search for footprints in the sand. They really have no problems, as Jordan is a friendly neighbor. Next in the Valley Jordan is the city of Jericho. Jericho's walls have never been found, the ones that toppled down that is. Archaeologists have determined that because the walls were made of mud and because they may have been used to rebuild the walls. This is the oldest and lowest city on earth. Jericho dates back to the transition period from nomads to becoming a community (kibbutz). In other words back the dawn of civilization- 7000 BC. As we drive along, we pass the lowest body of water in the world- the Dead Sea. More to come on this place in a few days....
As we near our destination, all eagerly waiting...we see Bedouins in the hills with their flocks. Yes, these nomads really live here, however, they are no longer nomadic. They bring the water to themselves so they can stay put instead of looking for water for their flocks on a regular basis. We saw several Shepards moving their flocks through the mountains, as it was evening time and time to bring them in. As we pass them, we look to the left and the sun is shining on the most beautiful site I have ever seen...it takes your breath away. Rays of a setting sun stream down and highlight the Church of Holy Sepulchre and the Holy City. We pull up, through Mount Scopus (aka- Look Out Mountain) and to the Mount of Olives to have our first real look at this glorious city. The sun sets and there isn't a frown or sleepy eye to be found. We are a bunch of kids looking at the best Christmas present in the world and cannot wait to explore and breathe this in! Just as this was the first spot that Jesus and the pilgrims of old saw the City of David and Temple Mount, such is our turn. Tomorrow is going to be a phenomenal day!
Excitement can't be contained....all I can think is God saying, "Welcome home."
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