We began in Nazareth, travelling through Cana of Galilee where Jesus performed his first Miracle, turning water into wine (John2).  We went on to Nazareth where we ventured into Jesus’ home town, visiting its spring.  We then went on to the Church of Annunciation.  Unfortunately, we could not take any photos inside the church to show you Mary’s Well- where she learned she would be the mother of the Savior.  Then we went on to the Mount of Precipice, overlooking the Valley of Jezreel/ synonymous with Armageddon.    We then ascended Mt. Carmel, site of Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal.  From there we drove towards the Mediterranean coast travelling South along the coastal highway to Caesarea by the Sea.  We entered Caesarea Maritima to explore this Roman bridgehead to the East, which became the Christian springoard to the West.  After the visit, we went to Beth Horon (Joshua 10:10) to the Benjamin Plateau, passing ancient Gibeon and continuing to Jerusalem.  Finally, atop Mt. Scopus, we beheld the majestic Jerusalem, where we had a blessing with unfermented grape juice and salted bread.

The first photo is of a church built on the site where Mary was drawing water from the well and learned she was to bear the savior.  We were able to view the well, which the church is built around.

Next is the Mt. of Precipice, where the men of Jesus’ time tried to throw him, yet he just left unharmed.  You can see Mt. Tabor from this place, the bountry point between the tribes of Zebulun, Isachar ad Naphtali.  Mt. Tabor is the traditional sight of the transfiguration, although Mt. Hermon may be a better candidate.

From here we go to Megiddo, which lies on the southern end of the Plain of Esdraelon.  Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera and his armies “by the waters of Megisso.” (Judges 5:19-20).  During biblical times, Megiddo was one of the most important cities in the country.  Megiddo is usually identified as Armageddon of the New Testament book of Revelation 16:16, the scene of John’s apocalyptic vision of the battle between the forces of good and evil, to be followed by God’s reign on earth.

We then ascended Mt Carmel.  Elijah had his contest with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1Kings 18: 42-46), he also prayed on the top of Mt. Carmel and announced that the 3 1/2 yr. drought would end.  Isaiah used Mt. Carmel as a symbol of beauty, fruitfulness, majesty, and glory. 

Caesarea was next, originally a poor harbor on the Mediterranean coast that was called Strato’s Tower.  The city was founded by Herod the Great in 22 BCE, and the seat of the Roman government for over 500 years.  You can see in the photos, toward the end the aqueduct that was built in the second century AD.  (Acts 10) Peter came to Caesarea in response to a vision at Joppa and preached the gospel in Cornelius’s home.  The Holy Spirit was poured out as at Pentecost, showing that the door of the gospel was now open to the Gentiles.(Acts 12:19-24)  states that God struck down Herod Agripa I in Caesarea for accepting the worship of others who called him a god and for persecuting the early church.

Paul visited the city three times, and on the third occasion he was warned that if he want to Jerusalem, he would be captured by the Jews and delivered to the Gentiles.  He then spent two years in prison there. (Acts 9, 18, 21, 23-27).

Caesarea was a magnificent city, very large with much grandeur.  Herod had a swimming pool that was at the base of the Mediterranean filled with unsalted water to swim in, much like today’s infinity pools.  There were horse races which took place there, as well as a large amphitheatre.  We find out later, that Herod the Great was a bit strange with many bad habits, one of which killed him.

Can you imagine having just one of your homes on the beautiful Mediteranean Sea?  The courts were there, the theatre was there, and even the horse track!

We end our day to view the magnificent Holy City of Jerusalem, where we stay for 4 nights.  Mt. Scopus is where we have a blessing to enter the city with our wonderful Jewish Guide.  The grape juice wasn’t Welch’s and the bread was leavened and salty.

 We will see you tommorow bright and early. 6:00 a.m. comes early when you’re a day ahead!!