In June 2002, author Eva Marie Everson toured the Holy Land as a journalist and photojournalist.  For eight weeks Crosswalk.com is featuring articles taken from her journal, as a Christian who "fell into the Bible."  Use them in your personal study time or as a group,  reflecting on what it means to you personally.

It was Saturday, Shabbat, and our first full day in Jerusalem. Because it was Shabbat, our "observant" driver would be unable to drive us to our various destinations. Our itinerary for the day included The Western Wall, the Bethesda Pool, The Basilica of Saint Anne's (Jesus' grandmother), King David's Tomb, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa. We began by climbing Mount Zion, literally, with “I'm Going Up To Mount Zion” playing like a broken 45 in my head.

After visiting David's Tomb, and having one of the single most powerful moments of prayer in my entire spiritual life at The Western Wall (I must admit I still cannot talk about this without crying), we headed toward the Christian Quarter, which is clearly marked by rooftops bearing crosses.  

We passed through the archway that is the only remaining portion of the ancient Praetorium where the governor's soldiers took Jesus for the purpose of abusing Him. This archway is now called "The entrance of the Flagellation Friary."

As we moved along Via Dolorosa, turning left on El Wad Street, then right again on Via Dolorosa, we were now directly next to the Chapel At The Fifth Station, or the place where traditionally Simon of Cyrene took up the cross for Jesus, and carried it all the way to Golgotha.

Biblical History

Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem (to celebrate the Passover) with His disciples in a manner fit for the King of kings. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.