Exploring the Holy Land is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any Christian, and Israel is home to many significant biblical sites and landmarks that will bring the scriptures to life. Whether you have one day or several, here are some highlights you can visit on a Christian tour of Israel.
Christian Jerusalem
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4)
Jerusalem is a must-see destination for any Christian traveler. The city’s 3,000-year-old stones were used by King David to build the city, and its 2,000-year-old streets were once walked by Jesus on his way to Golgotha. The Jewish Temple, which was later destroyed by the Romans, is also located here. As you walk through the ancient city, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Jesus himself.
Mount of Olives
“The Coming of Zion’s King – See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9)
The Mount of Olives offers a beautiful viewpoint of the old city of Jerusalem. This is where Jesus crossed to get to Jerusalem, where he was given a donkey and where the crowds took palm branches to meet him. From here, Jesus gazed toward the Temple Mount feeling the agony of what he foresaw. The Mount of Olives has the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world with graves dating back over 3,000 years from the time of King David.
Pools of Bethesda and Saint Ann’s Church
The Pools of Bethesda, where hundreds of people a day visited in ancient times for their medicinal qualities, is where Christian tradition holds that Jesus healed the paralytic. On the premises, you can also find a complete Crusader church which is considered the birthplace of Ann, Mary’s mother.
Via Dolorosa
Walking the Via Dolorosa in the Old City of Jerusalem takes you back in time. The walls on the way to Jesus’s Tomb contain signs of the estimated Stations of the Cross. The last five Stations of the Cross are inside the Church of Resurrection, also known as the Holy Church of Sepulchre. Many denominations believe that this church contains the burial place of Jesus and where he was resurrected.
The Upper Room and Tomb of King David
Outside the city walls lies a unique structure that contains two essential rooms: the lower chamber is King David’s tomb, while the upper chamber is the Room of the Last Supper. This is where Jesus and his disciples had their last supper, and where the Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost.
Bethlehem
Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is a must-visit destination for any Christian traveler. The Church of Nativity and Shephard’s field are located just a few miles south of Jerusalem and are easy to visit on a guided tour.
Galilee: Exploring the Ministry of Jesus
“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or. the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17)
Nazareth is home to one of the largest churches in Israel. The Church of Annunciation contains a cave where Mary received the word of Gabriel. The Sea of Galilee is also a significant site, where Jesus recruited his disciples, performed many miracles, and walked on water. Magdala, the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, is also located in this area and is home to an incredible archaeological find – a first-century synagogue that Jesus may have preached in.
When visiting Galilee, don’t miss taking a boat on the Sea of Galilee, which some describe as one of the most moving moments in the Holy Land. You can also check out an ancient fisherman’s boat from the time of Jesus, which was found deep underground in the seabed and has been preserved for people to see. You can also visit the Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus gave his Sermon on the Mount, and Tabgha, where Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes. (For information about a Galilee tour addressing ancient scripture link here)
A Christian tour of Israel is an experience like no other, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see the biblical stories come to life before your very eyes. With so many significant sites and landmarks to explore, it’s no wonder that Israel is a must-visit destination for any Christian traveler.
